(¯`✻´¯) GOLDEN THOUGHTS
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Design borrowed from Ups, Downs and Roundabouts
A Prayer
Not more of light, I ask, O God,
But eyes to see what is;
Not sweeter songs, but power to hear
The present melodies;
Not greater strength, but how to use
The power that I possess;
Not more of love, but skill to turn
A frown to a caress.
~Florence Holbrook~
Not more of light, I ask, O God,
But eyes to see what is;
Not sweeter songs, but power to hear
The present melodies;
Not greater strength, but how to use
The power that I possess;
Not more of love, but skill to turn
A frown to a caress.
~Florence Holbrook~
A BIRTHDAY FAIR
By Yesu Ben
At long last, clouds have lifted and dispersed;
The pikes have reappeared; the land is wet;
The air smells of fresh earth; anguish reversed;
Yellow flowers dressed in green – proud and set
For a new day’s longed for exchange of views,
The meadow has become a noisy place;
Flora in brightest fashion clothes and shoes;
A conversation lively, vines embrace;
On privacies and on oppressive trees,
On rain, on covert sneak of weed on ground;
they’re drinking to the renaissance with glee
A cycle’s been concluded; life is found!
The conscious world sings, breathes and is aware!
With tenor voice that echoes in the air!
August 11, 2018
A birthday tribute on my 68th
Retired and on my own, I become a blogger by accident out of curiosity, who blog and blog all over cyberspace. I love writing, reading, listening to music, pet cats, home-life, garden, travel, collecting junk, photography, skygazing and dreaming. I'm well meaning and love life with gratitude, contentment and peace in my solitude. Cheers!
♥ྀ “My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to find peace with exactly who and what I am. To take pride in my thoughts, my appearance, my talents, my flaws and to stop this incessant worrying that I can’t be loved as I am.” ~Anais Nin ♥ྀ
"Live for those who love me,
For those who know me true,
For the Heaven that smiles above me,
And awaits my coming too;
For the cause that lacks resistance,
For the future and the distance,
And the good that I can do."
~ Anon
❀"I want to thank you for the profound joy I've had in the thought of you.” ~Rosie Alison, The Very Thought of You"❀
My Other Person authored by Leah Dancel: My own Words
"I speak the truth, not as much as I would, but as much as I dare, and I dare a little more as I grow older." ~Catherine Bowen
My blog's Table of Contents are arranged as follows. If on my next visit something is dis-assembled or re-shuffled again, I can assure you FRIEND, this is your own DOING. So keep going, you might think I do not observe or notice anything on here. I've already have the list of Spywares and Malwares planted in my computer. That will be the next thing I am going to advertise here.
"When life does not find a singer to sing her heart she produces a philosopher to speak her mind." ~Khalil Gibran
Table of Contents
Home -Echo
Reading Bench
Bible Quotes
Our Daily Bread Quotes
Spiritual Verse
Barbara Jean Olson
Blissful Blessing
David Leonhardt
Dedicated to Husbands
Family
Francis Gay
Humour
Lessons to Live
Poet's Corner
What Hits Women
Deep Thoughts
⊰ღღ░G░O L D E N ♥*✿*•♥ T H O U G H T S ღღ⊱
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Design borrowed from the Garden of Grace
"Asking help is the hardest thing to do. But there will always come a time that we have to bend down our pride when we are confronted with a worst situation and in dire need of help. If you do that with humility, that's when a miracle begins to unfold and true friends will emerge." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 March 2022
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"Kindness is not in money that dominates the heart, mind and soul of the materialists. It's in the right attitude." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 March 2023
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"A Mother's Love is like a fragrant aroma of a heart cake wafting through her kitchen chamber." ~Leah C. Dancel, International Women's Day, 8 March 2023
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"There was a time when I pushed abusive people out of my life and wanted nothing to do with them. Little did I know I was in a state of being a MISANTHROPE." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 March 2022
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"Characteristics to become a good businessman:
Skills, product knowledge of your business, not easily get discouraged, enterprising, you must have accounting, bookkeeping knowledge to record your day to day takings, customer oriented, customer service, business location, presentation, fair and just to your workers as your business partners, knowledge about the law..." ~Leah Dancel, December 23, 2020
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"I am a Lion. And I know what this means. I'm seasonal inasmuch as I am ecclesiastical. Don't bid for my time in this hour of trials." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 7, 2020
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"Every clown has a sad story kept in his life. All his sorrow vanished the moment he faces his happy audience." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 3, 2020, The Story of The Happiest Refugee, authored by Anh Do, Book of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards 2015 Winner.
"There's only one couple in my lifetime who were like that. I can assure you, it's not my parents. I would be dreaming if they were. Reality sucks. " ~Leah C. Dancel, September 2, 2020 on couples who stay warm and loving through their old age.
"Mother Nature is activating the reign of pollens. Hay fever is rising above covidity." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 2, 2020
❄️❄️❄️ A - U - G - U - S - T ❄️❄️❄️
"The nature that heals when properly treated by humans also kills when mistreated by them, intentional or not. Those organic chemicals found in wood smoke are sure way to cause human extinction when their fumes are breathed-in." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 31, 2020 on Mark Cummins thread on Forest fires.
"It takes a good leader to navigate the direction of his people. And that's towards prosperity, dignity and discipline." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 29, 2020 on Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Manila City, Philippines
"Cooking is art. Be free to be creative and adventurous. Kalamansi is sweetish. Lemon is sour, tangy and zingy." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 28, 2020
"I know we lost so many old school values. The things we did. How they were. In our innocence, we never thought of their discomforts, inconveniences, at other times the hazards that in all probability had came along. But their memories remained. We were happy. We were contented. I belonged to that era... and I treasure every bit of them. They're all part of my being." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 27, 2020
"Farmers are people's real saviours." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 27, 2020
"She found how the Covid19 virus already penetrated her soul and damaged her spirit. Death is imminent; as such, there is no cure." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 26, 2020 on spontaneous writing
"My favourite church memory in the 1950's: Worship and fellowship with brethren up in the mountains. We had to rise up early on cold mornings to get ready. Lunches were packed the day before. We happily walked down and sometimes skipped on a trodden road 'While The Dew Is Still On The Roses' so to speak. In the afternoon when the whole service activities were over, we kids, would look forward to going home at sundown. There's a song which I favourited singing after the Sabbath Service, 'In a Little While We're Going Home' as we stopped to linger in the field we passed by picking wild green berries (native in my country), on our way home. We walked two kilometres each way. Lovely memories that part were. I miss my childhood pious life." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 26, 2020 on Phyllis Minner's "Any favorite memories of your church (or other) youth group back in the 1950’s" (The Fabulous Fifties)
"I've been on social media for awhile, ten years perhaps. This is what I've observed: When people realised you live abroad, and you're a kin; they tend to cling to you like a moss. Otherwise, you're just as good as a fallen stripped off bark. Contrary to what they had been before when you're just a speck in their eyes, they're becoming like a caramelised succharine. So with other strangers whom you shared a piece of your compassionate heart. Your value is as good as what they can get. My voice has found a way of expressing my mind by the opportunity brought through this thread: How and what we see in ourselves, may not be the same exactly as what other eyes do." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 26, 2020
"You have to labour to see the beauty of the outcome of what you labour. Even plants have to endure patience to grow under all circumstances like weather and climate to produce good crops that would please the one who planted them." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 25, 2020
"The lunatics are seemly on the prowl again burning everything what God has designed for nature. I saw the devastating effect of that same inferno here in Australia a month before covi took centre stage. My friend and her hubby's house and their property at the outback were thankfully spared from that disaster. The surroundings were all burnt-out, ashes powdering flat on the ground. Yet nature heals as after a week spat of rain, the ferns started to regrow and mosses came alive draping the dead trunk of trees that didn't fall down, new twigs and branches began to enliven them. There were lots of old trees that surrendered to the catastrophe, and some of them have had exposed their diseases." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 25, 2020
"Even our boss does menial job at work too. They don't confine themselves in an aircon room, sitting pretty in their swivel chairs barking orders like Don Kulas doing akimbo at the same time. That's why I have so much respect for Australian Work Ethics…" ~Leah C. Dancel, August 25, 2020 on Servant Leadership
"Submitted and published at THE DIARY FILES - DXLab, State Library of NSW
"Our college professor adviced us to look for our future life-mate in the library. But one Scandinavian Princess of Australian descent met her Prince Charming in the pub. And she lives happily with him to ever after, I hope. She bore him 4 children. I found mine through friends. After two-children, he messed up. And my friends somewhat deserted me too. Not that I mind. Wherever you are." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 21, 2020
"I can't deny that there are younger women friends I have who treat me not only as a big sister, but more like of their mother. We met and knew each other in Manila and got reconnected here in our adoptive country through other friends. We have a particular group of friends here in Australia from way back home who still keeps our friendship as strong as tea bags. We help each other in time of our dire needs. No questions ask. No sarcastic remarks. No hurting jokes. We don't poke at each other that only suits our own selfish time and convenience. Above all, there is a strong TRUST between us something which is very hard to find even in some family circles." ~Leah C. Dancel. August 11, 2020
"When at 70 you can face the mirror and tell her, 'Thank God I'm Fabulous!'. I wonder what the mirror would say. TGIF was lifted from Silver Lining of Your Cloud Facebook meme, the social media that pissed me off big time just because I shared something critically TRUTHFUL. Is TRUTH something like DISCIPLINE? Both hurts. But that's what TRUTH is all about. How many are offended by the Bible because it speaks the TRUTH?" ~Leah C. Dancel, August 7, 2020
"WHAT HAPPENS TO THE POWERFUL? It's so obvious... Political sabotage. Economic sabotage. Health sabotage! The world is subservient to the rising power of the east! And made everyone a fool. And behind all these social rampage there goes the secret of the sea and the mountains working under the bright noonday sun of Australian winter sky and its full moon at night thereof." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 6, 2020 on (Australian Deaths overall down on last year...covid deaths come no where near flu deaths, still a state of DISASTER is called... when there is no disaster. This is a screenshot from the Aust Gov website....Do your research right here on the Aus government website: https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/research-and-family-history/research-and-data-services/death-statistics/deaths-registered-per-month?fbclid=IwAR1LuTNv33fHJ5zCvqt8iROmjMwUuTaTVsEDcMY1KdathkjoD4KnfbGckrI)
"Behind the doom and gloom, somewhere, a new dawn will rise, and soon the country will bloom again. 30 years in disgraceful state and suffering of the underdogs is not easy to mend. The Phoenix will rise! We've got to believe this. One has to bear the brunt of ridicules, mockings, scourgings and God knows what else. Like Dr Jose Rizal, he will not live to see the sun rising for our country. There are more pessimists in our country than optimists. Those pessimists were the ones who put our country down." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 6, 2020 on Politicians versus Experts
"In the nick of time, as it was plugged at Twitter, my humble submission among the many took the honour being chosen as the successful entry to bag the 1000th place in THE DIARY FILES (DX-Lab) run by the State Library of New South Wales. 'The Diary Files is an Online Community Diary where people write their story of what they see, what they hear, how they feel, or what's on their mind.' This is open for all ages and is subject to Administrative Rules. At Twitter, the State Library of NSW wrote:Here's my full entry.
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ J - U - L - Y ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
"Life is like a fulcrum. There's ups. There's downs. There's in between." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 31, 2020
"Sorry to have missed the Live 5th State of the Nation's Address of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, (the 16th President of the Philippines) last Monday. It was a dismal day here with pouring rain and cold temperature that I contained myself in bed. Lazing my day as a couch potato but in bed - reading, reading and more reading. Finally today, the sun came out and made me able to do my work." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 29, 2020.
"The Blogger has now a new interface which I find it not helpful in my kind of gadget. I tried navigating the format but there's no way I can post entry to update my blog. With due respect to all our gorgeous programmers here at Blogger, I can only wish they will allow me to keep this legacy blogger format to which I'm more comfortably familiar and accustomed with in using. Thank you very much Guys. Kudos to your wonderful job. I wish I'm as nerd as you. Here's a gratitudinal salute to you all!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28, 2020.
"Special occasions such as birthday celebrations are one of those events being axed in numbers of invitees due to covid restriction. Somehow there should be a way to spend it not so much on extravagance but something to make your day very special with dear ones. To the city by train and on foot to the main venue, I went. The sky was threatening and looking depressed. I normally don't go out on this kind of weather, but words were already assured when I accepted the invite. Lucky, it wasn't that chilly. So I dressed up just right for the occasion. I grabbed a nicely packed flower arrangement of pinky waratahs and pastel red-yellow roses with a conglomerate of cute colourful sprays from the ground floor florist. I had the card with substantial note insertion, that saved me trouble from shopping, ready to hand in to the celebrant. And the people who expected me were already sitting on a round dining table: the engaged couple, and the fiance's mother. They arrived few minutes earlier. We all came from different directions out of the city. The original plan was to dine in a restaurant, and then go somewhere for a leisurely stroll, have coffee, etcetera. That didn't materialise, thanks to the unpredictable weather. Of course I was introduced to Lara, Matt's mother who looks very young and attractive. I found her very friendly too. I'm kind of the fiancee's adopted mother. We all settled in for a Japanese cuisine with healthy options to be had, I ordered a nice warm soupy Ramen! I escaped the dessert. The remainder of my day were spent at home after we parted. Timely, just as I got home, the big rain came tumbling down. Call that 'Showers of Blessing' for the birthday girl celebrant. Happy 29th Birthday Irene. Wish you many happy returns of the day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, July 25, 2020
📖🖌📖🖌📖🖌📖🖌📖🖌
"READING AND WRITING"
What alone-ness can bring the best in you!
My OUTDOOR POST was born out of love in reading, away from holistic form of perusing. It was born as an extended love affair with quotations that sprang from my late mother’s love of literature. It shows that I am simply my mother’s daughter. Her influence on me since childhood has been tremendous. She was an intelligent and gifted woman whose talents went wrong somewhere in life, where all her creativity and ingenuity were only allowed limited opportunities to express herself. She could have gone further out into the world should she found the right avenue to showcase her gifts. It’s a pity to lose all her creations depicted in the Scrapbooks of Fashion Sketches, sewings, crochets, crafts, embroideries and everything as mementos from her. Our nomadic life was constant. We lost so much valuable possessions in the process.
Born out of alone-ness in the silence of time, reading has been my stimulant that inspired me to create OUTDOOR POST as a sister blog to the GOLDEN THOUGHTS. Here I shared what I have collated for years. Hoping all these will someday find a place in the lives of my posterity as I am now heading toward the twilight of my life.
Simple readings from the writings of down to earth authors, whose pure expressions give more meaning to LIFE which we all can connect, relate and react in the real world. Writings based on realities as exponent of their own experiences that transform us into the image we see as we stand in front of a mirror, right there!
OUTDOOR POST is not only my collated range of interest, it is also a KEEPSAKE of memories I wish to keep in my heart for all eternity.
Author: Leah C. Dancel
July 24, 2020
Submitted and Published: THE DIARY FILES
State Library Of New South Wales
"Shine through in your dream
And wake up just as bright;
As the world sees your gleam
For the beauty of life."
~Leah C. Dancel
July 20, 2020
"A DIADEM of SMILE… is set with precious stones and jewels carved by my children and GRANDCHILDREN. ~Leah C. Dancel, July 20, 2020
"THE THRILL OF MOUNTAIN CLIMBING"
Weekends blessed with a perfect weather, warm and sunny days un-called for a winter, have got the family going as to how to spend the remainder of the kids’ school holiday. I happened to be with my daughter’s family on a second visit so there I was counted in their company.
The family decided to go mountain climbing at Mount Annan which is south-west of Sydney. It’s about 166meters elevation that took us to the peak with a spectacular view of towns and suburbs surrounding Camden. Its base started from the Royal Botanic Gardens where our foot trip followed the path to the Connections Garden that led us to go up via 4-storey stairs of 10-steps each as my memory recalls. It made the climbing easier and convenient for the elderly walkers.
Each storey is an array of flora; trees and other forest organisms indigenous to Australia. Each comes with interesting educational footnotes regarding the historical origin, evolution and development of the specie. As we reached to the top that’s where the thrill begun. The main walkways are concretely paved going round, downhill, uphill, on slopes and plains until you get to arterial outback trails.
I delighted in that pleasurable walk by ascent and descent depending on how the tracks presented each moment of the sojourn. Our 5-year old boy who didn’t mind the two hours circular path we trod out in the open space breathing in fresh mountain air that filled our lungs to filter the system.
Along the grassy trail of fine red dirt, we passed by a region of bottle trees, dried creeks exposing rocks and boulders, nude hillsides, degenerated ancient trees, beautiful wildflowers swarmed over by a school of butterflies and a couple of kangaroos grazing on a green hill.
Author: Leah C. Dancel
July 18, 2020
Submitted and Published: THE DIARY FILES
State Library of New South Wales
“The thing I love about Italian cuisine: simple, delicious and nutritious. And I love how they epitomise tomatoes as if it’s their sacred god in the kitchen. They seem can’t live without them. There was one particular pasta dish our Italian office guest cooked for us back home, and no matter how I tried to replicate the taste, texture and composition of his cooking, I just couldn’t get the magic of his recipe. No I was too shy to really ask the recipe. For everything, anything it’s a must to keep one’s culinary tradition. I taught a few favourites to my children. Surprisingly, while there’s no Italian DNA in us, the first food they cooked when they were young, (9-10 years old) was Italian pasta. Now that they’re married and have children, pasta is still their platemate.” ~Leah C. Dancel, July 17, 2020 on Cingul Pasta Dish of Shadowlands
"Revisiting my poetry world. This one was my first entry when I first joined in Poetry dot com. I had the privilege in attending the Poetry Convention sponsored by them held at Hilton Hotel, Washington DC. It was really a joyful experience, but a sad journey for me." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 12, 2020
"MY JOURNEY TO ORANGE"
June 19, 2020
What a glorious morning to journey! The sun shone bright; its golden orb was paled by the white glow that glimmered. I took a local train to Blacktown, took off there to catch the XPT Train to Orange. Securing a window seat, I was the only passenger bound west. All seating arrangement was implemented for social distancing. This time, the sun rose through the mist and everything was looking fine and visible.
On the way the scenery remained the same, but farm stocks grew more in numbers unlike before; thriving in a pristine world of pure air and abundance of naturally grown green feeds and water. Rainfall teems on regular intervals that fills the billabong. The train arrived few minutes late in Orange. Having not travelled in a long while, I took off at Blayney by mistake as I didn’t hear the announcement on board. The Steward who saw me came to my rescue.
My daughter’s little family was there at the station to pick me up. We decided a take away lunch for a quick bite at home. I was feeling jubilant to see my baby granddaughter at last! She’s having a piggyback ride on her Dad’s broad shoulders and gave me that curious look asking “who’s this little dwarf lady?”
Our weekend was packed with social dining arrangements. Only few people came due to number restrictions. I relished the home-cooked Lamb Shank dish and some roasts meat and veggies. Sunday was freezing. The old folks, the Godfather, Zana and her parents gathered to dine at Robinhood Hotel. There we celebrated her First Birthday with balloons and birthday cake after a scrumptious lunch. The little celebrant looked so tired. She didn’t know what’s going on, rubbed her eyes and cried as we sang Happy Birthday!
By Leah C. Dancel
Submitted and Published at THE DIARY FILES
State Library of NSW
July 12, 2020
"I dreamed of an old rocking chair. It was made of rattan and intricately knitted. On the backside rest panel is a big DIAMOND number. On its right hand side is a long rattan walking cane resting. On top of the seat right in the middle of the chair stands a neatly arranged beautiful flowers in a very lovely flower vase . This one is quite weird because it's a customised birthday cake of substantial size." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 11, 2020
MENTAL COVIDITY
Nobody was prepared for the coming onslaught of a new virus code name Covid19. It was purported to be the most lethal, and of epic proportion. It did rock the boat around the world which powered on to its bended knees as imperilled by pandemic thus propelled total lockdowns across all borders. It came at the untimely season of colds and flu that was approaching Australia.
It's always normal and a health reality check that this time of year, from Autumn through half of Springtime, people - both old and young - get sick. You hear and see their sniffles, hard breathings by the way they cough, the red tiring eyes, and their turbid state of being due to infirmity. All these are much part of Australians' seasonal psyche.
It's also a known fact that when it comes to flu season, the older generations are always the most vulnerable. There were numerous deaths occurred in the past that the people were never aware of. It was left unaccounted for by the mainstream news purveyors. And there was no strict orders for self-confinement or isolation issued on that account coming from big brother.
In this covid season, are we all lost to reasons shovelled through our throats by confusion which truth or which lie to cling to? Even authorities are divided in quite many spectrums of what they found from their researches, autopsies, symptoms and asymptotic preclusions. Is this 'new normal' a new way that leads us to paranoia?
While few restrictions are now easing, some are enjoying outdoor life among nature like beaches and mountains with precautions. It's best to play safe and not be too complacent. Let's beat the odds with "an ounce of prevention better than a pound of cure." Just my thought.
Submitted to and published: THE DIARY FILES
State Library of NSW
Leah C. Dancel
July 8, 2020
"Wherever you look, beginning from the Bible ... there's no history in the world that is not inked with human blood. Inhumanity, greed, and corruption remained the blueprint of human power. One can only wonder how much POWER corrupt the minds of men that involve bloodshed. Religion brought bloodshed, so is Politics. These two entertwine." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 6 on watching Russia in History via Epic History TV YouTube Channel
"So our little Bubba Zana makes Lemmy, the cat, her footstool and the sweet thing never purred one single complaint. They both look adorable. Lemmy is always cool, calm and collected cat. Very sweet natured gentle pet. I'm very happy she found a warm, loving home in my daughter's own place. I still miss all my little kitties and their matriarch Halle, who has a regal personality." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 6, 2020
"Fancy dreaming of a Praying Mantis that appeared from nowhere. It was vivid green in my dream as it sat still on my right arm sleeve. Then thoughts of my younger departed brother and sister, who died in two consecutive years popped on my mind. I told them to be patient and just continue on your journey. Dreams have meanings. Have no clue what message my dream implies." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 6, 2020
"The quote below was my mantra when I journeyed through the lonely road of single motherhood. Single Parenting to me was a calling I never would have any rueful decision made. My children grew up unwanted by their other parent, but they both managed to shine through the storms and streaks of challenges we had encountered. I'm proud to see and watch them both transformed to a loving, doting and responsible mothers as they're equally blessed with excellent hubbies who share the same devotion and affection towards their children and even to me as the matriarch." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 5, 2020
"A good pet is man's most loyal companion. They can feel, they can tell, and they understand how their masters treat them like they are human beings. They know how to show appreciation and gratitude to their human family with equal love and affection." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 5, 2020
"My daughter introduced me to Li Ziqi's YouTube Channel. I found it very interesting; culturally enlightening. Her traditional cuisine is one that is incredibly amazing and authentic for one so young, yet very skillful. I was not mistaken by my guess that she's from Sichuan judging from her spicy leanings. We have Chinese Restaurant here in Sydney Australia specialising the food from that province owned and promoted by Ming Fei. Apart from the Biblical wisdom, Ancient Chinese Customs and Wisdom along with the Native American Indians' wisdom are two of my most prefered traditions. It took me long to really come to watch her on YouTube from the comfort of my own personal space. I'm glad I did. I'm also thankful for the English caption. It would be nice to know if Li Ziqi has published her own book. I just love everything about her with all the gifts, skills and talents she has from arts, crafts, embroidery, sewing, knitting, etc. All the best to her. Nei ho from Australia!" ~Leah C. Dancel, July 2, 2020
"t." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 1, 2020
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ J - U - N E ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
"Years ago, I subjected myself to a test... I will not name names of what it was, and where it was, and who it was... yes, it was free and endorsed by I will not name who.
I didn't read the FINEST PRINT of what was stipulated in the paper I stupidly SIGNED.
The test was conducted. The only instruction I was told was... any thing little, tiny or insignificant I feel, I must say it straightaway. I thought I could hold on to endure the pain as my muscles started to feel a tight grip. Little did I know that the thing that was injected to me as part of the test reconstituted in a drip was capital letter P ... and when the only thing I felt at that time was "I FEEL LIKE CRYING", IMMEDIATELY the test process was STOPPED and I was given an ANTIDOTE needle. Then I feel like I was awoken from a NIGHTMARE. I then reviewed the PAPER. DOWN THE BOTTOM it says as part of a DISCLAIMER that none is LIABLE should THINGS GO WRONG while undergoing the test process. I was appalled to realise I was basically made a guinea pig. Since then, … .... I don't want to have anything to do with these FREE DEATH TESTS! Which sadly reminded me of the death of my brother-in-law who died in an undisclosed institution. Nowadays, even DEATH comes in a beautiful package with no one to benefit, but the corruptness of man. In Noah's time, the wickeds were wiped out from the face of the earth by flood. In the modern times, it's the opposite." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 29, 2020
"Not all men are teachable. They cannot discern contentment when their hearts desire for all things on earth and material wealth. The admirable woman in her kindness and compassion gave all to a hungry stranger who turned opportunistic so he could leave her in peace as she continued on her own journey. I too would opt for him to keep the precious stone instead of giving him my heart, mind and soul. By saying so, for all the greedy man knew, I have more precious stones in my keeping than he ever thought." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 29, 2020 a morałe lesson learned from THE WISE WOMAN'S STONE Story
"It's quite a dilemma to most, I suppose. Buy hey, eat your dinner early, 5pm at most, then you have plenty of time to wash up then relax before bedtime." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 29, 2020 on pile of kitchen dishes left on the sink and it's bedtime. What you gonna do?
"I am having a cocktail of emotion listening to the very moving oration of Stan Grant. It's not only RACISM that kills THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM, but also the COVID-19 in all its metaphorical forms as well. The world is getting more and more filled with piles-up of un-honeyed poohs." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 29, 2020
"To climb a ladder, you have to start from somewhere down below." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 28, 2020
"The kaleidoscope of perception reminds me of a church brethren who, during our church's split up after split up due to doctrinal dis-concordance over matters they started watering down when the founder died said, 'Fancy how we don't see what others have seen, and, them not seeing us what we have seen.' There's always differences of opinions even between couples, between family members, between people in the community, in society, in government, among nations ... I believe it's normal to have our own perception of things, beliefs and cognitions of anything that make us unique from everyone." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 28 on Perception
"No kingdom will thrive without salt." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 28, 2020
"It's not the history that keeps repeating. It's man's stupidity that never ceases through times eternity." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 27, 2020
EMOTIONAL COVIDITY
Emotions when left untamed and uncontrolled can ruin us inasmuch as it can cost us a good relationship with others; family, friends, relatives, employers, workmates, marriage, people in the community among many others. As a human being, I have my own moments where some pent up emotions I canned with patience will find its way for outburst. As the saying goes, "when the cup is full to the brim, it overflows." When I do, I feel bad afterwards. I feel angry at myself for allowing these negative emotions to outdo me, instead of me overcoming them. Then as I get older, when true understanding has finally seeped through my subconscious mind and characteristically helped me reform my outlook and insights of things within circumstances that befell me, I learned to tone down and mellow. To preserve peace within, I learned to turn my back on anything that are tempting and provoking that challenge my patience. I choose to become a passive reactor by completely ignoring the provocateurs, let alone shun them and better still shut them out from my presence. The following biblical counsels or admonitions help remind me in taking care of my emotion.
Proverbs 16:32 ESV - Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Leviticus 19:16 - Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I [am] the LORD.
~Leah C. Dancel, June 26, 2020
TO A PRECIOUS DAUGHTER
A day of contrast today
Of what it was thirty-years ago.
It might not be as colourful as Fall
Nevertheless, it was a dreamy spectacle
That your crib days were rocked in Wonderland
Just as how I wished it to be.
My hope, my dream, my wish
Was granted by Mother Earth;
Whose soft nature you gladly inherited,
Sweet like watermelon that I craved.
From un-dimpled smile to a helpless cry,
You're a sweet baby of un-ending bliss.
Winter days do come and go
As life like wheels move to and fro;
Be they dreamy, be they weary;
They come year after year.
To us this season brings good cheers
With Little Zana, your special day is shared.
Joyful greetings and prayers blessed
From whom above that watched your birth;
We are as thankful that you are here
A precious daughter a universe behold:
Ever patient, ever strong, ever tender
A mother of two, her offsprings' dearly beloved.
Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2020
All rights reserved
Australia
June 25, 2020
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
🎂🍰🥂🍮🍸🍨🍹🍧🍾
"Cooking a Winter warmer meal with Turkey wings in mushroom sauce and fettuccini pasta, so rich I have to drown it with Sangria." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 25, 2020
"See you next time Orange. It's wet and a cold day, but very warm .... to where I am... on board the Western XPT Train from Dubbo to Sydney. But boy! What a long tedious journey it is! The train runs high on late and very slow-dragging it feels like I will arrive to my destination in the middle of the night." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 23, 2020 Homeward bound...
"Sleeping soundly at night time, having peace in our heart, living day by day void of conflicts and with great contentment, and helping others in any means we can, no stress and anxiety hanging over our heads, no unnecessary dramas to contend - I believe is the best life to live inasfar as my experience speaks of. I don't care if I don't have overflowing money, living within my means is more than a blessing to me. After all, when I'm gone, what's the use of having these wordly materials? When my marriage ended, we started off from scratches, basically from nothing. But someone's up there was watching over us, never left us, never abandoned us. Angels are real. It's up to us how our perspective views them." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 22, 2020
"It's snowing at the peak of Mount Canobolas, Orange. Road closures to the mountains are enforced for safety net of the travellers . So far, there's no snow inland. Just a bearable freeze." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 22, 2020
"Farm Goat stew and lime leaf scented rice prepared and served by our hostess ... in the bush. Lily has surprised me with her driving lesson learned from our very generous hostess. It's fair way out in the country!" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 22, 2020
"We are the champions. We do double job in parenting." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 21, 2020 featured in Wendy Alviz Ocampo's pośt on Happy Father's Day to single moms.
"Those who dreamed of my failure were long gone in their time... by surprise! I don't know why." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 20, 2020
"My second entry dated June 13, 2020 was published … at DX Lab - SL-NSW - 'KITCHEN TABLE RUCKUS' …I thank my girls for egging me on to keep writing. And writing I will... I feel lucky there's a place in Australia that allows us to send our write-ups without feeling small, shy or intimidated ... A place that encourages people to write whatever they feel the need to write. We don't even have to be a writer to write. So write on... " ~Leah C. Dancel, June 15, 2020
"I was still dreamily asleep when the phone rang. I missed the call from my daughter, so I called back. We have kind of a filler, our usual convivial chat updating me the what's-about-going-ons in her life as a mommy. I miss my grandchildren so much. I only saw them once when some covid restrictions eased down. I reserve my time to visit another family with the baby whom I last visited in January during her baptism. They're lucky to hold the event earlier before the unexpected lockdown was enforced due to covid thing happened." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 15, 2020
"Good morning Australia! What a night to sleep over with! And what a day to wake up to a blessed morning with beautiful sunshine peeping through my kitchen window that is visible from my bedroom. Speaking of the kitchen window, I just notice that my plant (I don't know it's name-that grows taller and higher) was being cut down by the corporate gardeners. These blokes do have fun cutting out my plants without permission including those in the garden beds. I purposely planted this palm-tree like specie to give me shade and coolness from the summer scorching heat. The good thing is, now that it's winter, the window looks clear and more light is coming in!" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 15, 2020
"Here's the true story between us: When John Flournoy realised that I live in Australia (we were in the same poetry forum owned by a defunct poetry website by a Scot or Welsh, who called himself Poetry Castle Bard), he told me about you. And if I would like to connect with you. 'She's a very nice lady and a very good poet/writer.' So I checked on you. Before doing that, I'd already read lots of your writings. I felt so small and intimidated by your prowess. I said to meself, this lady is no ordinary. She's a professional writer, whereas I'm only a hobbyist. But something in your profile has mellowed my shyness... so okay, I'll give it a go. And found you're very encouraging and motivating. I love reading. And I discovered how English and Australian writers differ from their American contemporaries. I was a habitue at Max Webber Library always borrowing nice large print novel books which were very pleasant to read. And then I started looking at the writers. With so many books I read, I couldn't remember one iota of the authors, but I remember the characters and personalities of the writers in general. And their styles too. So I categorised them only by their nationalities. I therefore concluded that I love the first two best! I met Lynette McDermott in person who wrote the Garth Trilogy. When I first saw her, I remember you. I thought she looks like you. So you see, I'm really very honoured to have you as my ideal friend. Thank you Shenni for your friendship and humble heart. Your gifts do remind me of my mother." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 15, 2020
"Home is the best place to lay the foundation of early childhood learning. As the kids are growing, you will, as a parent (I'm single parent) watch and observe your children's mental development as you interact with them. When you introduce them to the intellectual level we need to test the water of their intellectual capability in matters of how well they can digest things you try to speak to them. In my time, my children and I (both girls) explored together the world (figure of speech) outside our zone. I exposed them to people who can help them further develop their cognitive skills, where they can learn perspectives higher than their own level. I exposed them to other personalities in a social setting to help them distinguish what attitudes or behaviours are apt or not. My own personal experience as a single parent with no backings from anyone was critical. It was at the height of my children's growing pains when drugs, sex and alcohol problems were predominant in the society which penetrated the school due to peer pressure and was made worse with outside intervention and influence. I didn't want that to happen to them. We are not a perfect family. However, we collectively managed to pull through from that dark tunnel of their teenage crucibles. The communication gap between parents and children were prevalent in time past, so I thought I would devise something different that my relationship with my children would hold us strong together in every storm we encountered." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 14, 2020
"We all have that 'kalibang kanding' family drama ... even among the most powerful families on earth … We're definitely not alone." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 13, 2020 on Family issues
"Sadly some members of my own family still adhere in relying their source of news from MSM. NOW, they knew where I stand. I can't put the shovel into their throat, but I'm hoping one day they will finally get enlightened by the truth." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 13, 2020
"Our father 'played a vital role' as a local guerrilla during WWII. During the Korean War, he served as a Paramedic. What a shame we lost all his medals and memoirs! Our family seems to be an unappreciative kind. If I was home, I would have kept them. But life was full of hard knocks that we splintered away to make a living. Others escaped poverty and impecunious life to search for their own fortune. None that I knew are successful. Keep your family intact. I know you do as I can see you are doing an ideal job as a family man." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 13, 2020, a convo with a nephew -jevdo
"It's nice that you spend time with friends in a place somewhere to break the monotony away from a mundane and tedious routine of social distancing due to covidity." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 13, 2020 on Friends and their Bingo Circle.
"The world is full of deception and distortion." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2020
"Sunny yesterday. Rain today. At 5pm it's looking almost midnight. What a better way to while away the time is but read a book!" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2020
"I don't understand it at all why history is full of cruelty; people murder people just because of their advocacy, that is, to make life bearable for the poor." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2020 on Nikola Tesla
"Though my stay in Germany was short, I was really in awe how the country is governed. I could tell there's a synchronised team effort between the authority and citizenry. The people kept their environment clean and orderliness was in place. Their discipline and handwork resulted to prosperity which is benefited by all." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 11, 2020 On my memory of Germany circa 1991-1992.
"Somewhere in a little town of Quambatok lives my FB friend Shenni Waldron, a long time Poet, a colleague I met at THE RHYMING PLACE. I was introduced to her by its founder, John Flournoy, whom I met in person with his wife Tammy, during my visit to their home in Texas with the help of another long time friend, Lia and her daughter Amneh." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 11, 2020 (The Diary Files - DX Lab - State Library of NSW.
"How weather influences your mood. After days of successive rain, cold temperatures, and dismal skies, we're gifted with a beautiful wintry day from orange sunny morning to a noonday bright sun today. And with a warm spirit on my side, I made my long craved wheat inspired salad, simply called Chicken-Macaroni Salad." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 11, 2020 On donning my apron, with knife and chopping board.
"Facebook is either your ranting board, preaching hall, counselling room, advertising column, punching bag or your display cabinet. It's either your story book, poetry muse, or your Comics; your photo gallery, your goss magazine, political arena, or your drawing board. Your closet, wardrobe or romping ground. It even makes you thick faced, ashen, sensitive, anaesthetic or amnesiac and brazen. Lots of uses depending on your personal purpose what FACEBOOK means to you." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 11, 2020
"The gardeners are early in their task of snipping branches of trees. It's pruning time. My backyard looks brighter with more lights from the sky coming in, only for me too late to realise that they beheaded my shelter tree outside my kitchen window." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020
"The day looks dismal and dreary. It's cold and raining. After the long tedious drought that was made worst by hailstorms of dragging fires literally burning Australia for months (4-5 months), followed by a total lockdown due to mindless covidity, the natural system of atmospheric cycle is back at work." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020
"Thank you for your much appreciated feedback, Linda." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020 on FLASHBACK: my solo trip to Queensland
"Sometimes your children help you to toe the line. Ask Lily." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020 with reference below:
"Modesty aside, I can still sustain walking. I love life and I am most grateful about it. Each time I reminisce the hard knocks part of my journey, I find it incredible how it strengthens me through the years; I could think nothing but be thankful to God. He must have made me a rubber ball that I just bounce back even after I get hurt." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020
"In everything there is always the good and the bad. Our pathway I supposed is pre-destined, in my general view of things. Sometimes it can be different depending on how we travel whether by storms or calm days. The airplane is predestined to travel against the wind. We humans, mostly have to go with the flow. About few of us go to the opposite direction away from the norm and still do well. Others for some reason don't make it." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020
"Excellent views on the reality of life. All these I wholly embrace. I'm prepared to leave this world alone." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020 on The Sky Gets Dark, Slowly
"We may focus our life towards the brighter side with a positive outlook. Lighter days always follow when the storms of life subside. We all undergo trials." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 9, 2020 with Mhao Rhie Kho
"The Land of Long White Clouds - My flight to Taupo from Sydney via Auckland in 2009 was an eye opener how clouds as high as or even higher than Mt. Everest can be intimidating. Still I thought at that time how magnificent the Great Creator designed His vast domain up to the highest sky!" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 9, 2020
"I'm not surprised. After all, the first wave of immigrants were predominantly Irish. And to them whose hard backbreaking works were what made Australia it is today. I personally give them my attribution for the beautiful architectures and infrastructures of their lasting legacy to this present generation." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 9, on Irish Convicts, Australia in History
"Don't throw stones on the surface of a calm water. Even one insignificant pebble can create a ripple. Not all ripples give a good outcome." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 8, 2020
"The gloominess gives way. And the heaven sends down the rain. Nice to snuggle in bed ..." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 7, 2020
"Remember those who you only remember when it suits your time, wants... and demands. Don't you think they too have their own struggles, needs and priorities? Did you ever consider they too have families more needy than your own selfish desires? Then why should you expect others to cater to your whims to satisfy your ego? … just a thought … or so" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 7, 2020
"My heart is big to help. My means is not enough. But I've given my all!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 7, 2020
"I joined Loy's Pharmacy, Inc. in 1972, when I decided to get out of Marawi City to move to Iligan City. I was then employed at Eva's Pharmacy under the proprietorship of Nang Perla Yu Garcia to whom I had an excellent rapport with and a loyal-trusted Pharmacy wholesale client of Loy's. I'm very proud of the training and discipline I gained from this family run customer service oriented pharmacy 'where service is best and prices are lowest' which they still hold true. When I left, that's when I studied Pharmacy under the Philippine Veteran Scholarship Program waived to me by my late retired military serviceman father. No one in the management knew as I kept it secret. I considered their management ideal, a model, and I thought, if given the opportunity, I would apply the same entrepreneurial management procedure and policy to my run my own business which didn't materialise. I worked with my profession for a while in Manila until the horizon called. I would never forget the many benefits from the experience I derived working with Loys. It helped a lot with my studies. I was hoping to see Ma'am Loy in Cebu sometime in 1976 when the Federation of Philippine Pharmacists Association Convention was held to which the university I studied in was its primary sponsor and venue. In that convention I represented our college in the Federation of Junior Chapters of the Philippine Pharmacists Association. I spoke about my background in Pharmacy work based on my broader experience while in their employ. I am still wearing that badge of pride having had worked in this firm. I was glad to see Ma'am Loy, the owner, in 2011 when I visited their historical landmark housed under Echiverri Building, corner Quezon Avenue -Echiverri Street, Iligan City which was established in September 22, 1966." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 July 2020
"When friends care to write, I do treasure their time and love put forth into it. I love reading letters with their own handwriting. It speaks of warmth and lovingness of their person. Electronic letters are cold; void of natural emotion and feelings." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 3, 2020
"I want to revive the old-fashioned letter writing. These days people rarely write and send letters. Everyone is reliant in technology to transmit their message. Some have forgotten their manners and spelling and, occasionally, grammar (I do sometimes). We don't need expensive writing tools to write letters. We don't need expensive stationeries to write our thoughts on. All we need is a loving heart to convey our minds on a paper, place it inside the envelope and seal it, with a little effort in exercising those lazy limb bones to walk to the post office; and spend a little amount to buy postage stamps, affix it on that envelope with the name and address of the receiver. Then drop it at the post office letter box. That simple." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 3, 2020
"For the first time, I received a card from a dear friend Shenni. She's a multi-talented lady who sings, composes songs, writes poetry, and stories; yarns lamb wools and loves to paint her home with decorative designs. While busy with her day to day pre-occupations, she squeezed her time to send me a card to let me know what's in her mind and heart: Thinking of You." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 3, 2020
"It takes some special people who are too willing to give you a go in life in order to succeed." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 2, 2020
"A memory from her graduation where she waved her hands to us... nag effort to get to where she is ... without bugging her poor parent... hindi kasi uso dito ang Parental Scholarship. You have to break your bones if you want to succeed. Thank you Girl (Lily) for doing yourself proud with some moral support from those closest to your heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 2, 2020
"If only every one will just overlook the colour of our skin and consider the human spirit in each person more vital, PEACE will be in our MIDST." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 1, 2020
"Dapat kasi bago ka nag-asawa handa ka sa anumang mga posibleng magaganap sa buhay mo: financially, mentally, socially, intellectually, physically at spiritually. Ang di ko lang nagustuhan sa mga magulang; eh sa mga anak nila ipapasa ang kanilang pagkukulang instead na bigyan nila ng katamtamang panahon ang obligasyon nila kung papaano nila palakihin sa tamang paraan at hubugin sa magandang asal ang kanilang mga anak. The struggle and difficulty of child rearing is part of parental curriculum. They have no right to complain because it's their choice, not their children." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 1, 2020
"I Welcome our Winter Season! It starts officially today in Australia. Looking forward to see the snow again on the highlands." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 1, 2020
🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂 M A Y 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
"It's raining. It's cold. I have a feeling that snowfalls on higher grounds is not far away. We're three days away from the official Winter Season. So high carbs and nutritious scrumptiousness should be in order without adding much on the scale." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 29, 2020
"I miss our Starry night date by the seashore with my late Mother to while away our time while meditating there ... as we watched the silent waves lapping on the sand and looking up to the sky listening to the story of the blinking stars in multitude. Nostalgia mode." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 30, 2020
"I managed to get some rest and soon will have that left-over soup I made yesterday. It gets dark here too early. Like what I feel about the weather, there's some snow coming on the highlands by next week. I don't mind it early because I'm planning to travel over there. I had seen enough of snow already. And I definitely don't like the melting point. It's when the road becomes dangerous to drive, even if my job is to ride only." ~Leah C. Dancel , May 30, 2020
"I'm thankful enough that I wake up each day to see the light in the morning. Thank you Lord for keeping me safe." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 29, 2020
"Having too little is not an excuse to help someone who is genuinely in need... Our late Father taught us to pass the bucket of kindness … Greediness is not a good virtue. Nor taking advantage of the generosity of others." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 29, 2020
"When you appreciate life you become grateful enough to be thankful. Sadly, it's not a virtue possess by everyone." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020
"What's the use of the letter box if there's no LETTER COMING? So many love to receive, but could never make an effort to give. Takers outnumbered the givers. The advancement of modern technology makes people lazy." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020
"The oppressors never published whom they oppressed. But when the oppressed hit back, expect a deluge of broadsheet publications flash around the globe. Ditto with airwaves, and flat screens. Meanwhile, churches or religions preach love, freedom and democracy." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020 on HISTORY
"Don't judge me by what I don't have or the lack of it. It's enough that I don't envy or beg for alms because I have nothing that you possess." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020
"Srinivasa Ramanujan, a born genius in Mathematics from India, "who knew infinity" - a very interesting documentary film, a must to watch... WhenI was in high school, it was instilled in the students' mind that once you learn to love and master Mathematics, you would instantaneously excel in all fields of the academics. However, as I was not innately born neither to love nor hate Mathematics, my love for this weakest link of my academic endeavour started to propel when I studied the basics of Mathematics one school summer term at SWU. I would never forget my then college instructress, Mrs. Enriqueta Encarquez, former Miss Aguisanda - if I remember her name right. She sure did help set me off to do well to the finished with my Pharmacy degree. Thank you Ma'am. I do remember you." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020
"I miss those years where I received letters from different friends all over the world." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020
"Yummy fried Salmon served on a bed of mashed potato along with boiled green Beans, fried Asparagus and a sprinkle of Capers... then finished it off with homemade Kanafeh prepared by my daughter and her husband. That's a hefty spoiling after three long months of separation due to c19 lockdown." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 26, 2020
"I'm honestly sick of this sheety stuff. Needless, I feel a need to help disseminate favourable information that might save OUR SANITY … After all we do come face to face with all kinds of VIRAL TOXICITIES day in, day out, year after year. And in this life of DOG EAT DOG, SURVIVAL OF THE FETTISH is the name of the game under the administration of human government with a tad of inhumanity somewhere along the line. When I went out to the mountain top one day after an order of easing restrictions was released, boy! I can tell how the people longed for fresh mountain air, let alone of wanting to get out from their prison house!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 26, 2020
"Dear oh dear!!! Blogspot my darlings, please let me stay in my old blogger format. My old brain cannot cope up with new changes beyond my scope. I love this Golden Thoughts blog and few others I created. I've already lost one original blog which is a personal blog of mine. 😢" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 26, 20207
"Some quotes are seemly parroted from someone's quote and attributed them to those who dispersed them. Incidental perhaps? Just my observation." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 25, 2020
"Somebody logged in to my account again without my permission?" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 25, 2020
"Autumn though sometimes can be cold and dreary also brings out the most beautiful colours of life you'd ever see. Only, if you look somewhere they can be found. And more often than not, they're just right there in your own homeyard." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 24, 2020 on Falling Leaves
"Reading is a delightful pastime that helps increase knowledge." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 23, 2020
"This poem was drafted in May 10... It was Mother's Day. I buried my head reading nice and cute delightful books, one of which is my favourite THE FRIENDSHIP BOOK OF FRANCIS GAY of Great Britain. Hello there Mr and Mrs Gay. I always come across beautiful and simple poetry that I find amusing and inspiring. They bring smiles on my face. So I wrote one to say how I feel about them." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 21, 2020.
How much I find delight in poetry
With verses not long; one liners are best.
Stanzas are trimmed and cut to simpleness
Devoid of pageantry and pompous words.
I love the ones with landscape thoughts;
A portrait only minds can draw or paint.
Instead of pictures, words are inscribed
Designed to amaze, awe and inspire.
I walk along the trail that poets leave
Their stories, like my own, are found on the road of life.
Some are epics of better and mis-spent days
They give lessons to ponder under this covid mess.
Somewhere in between the lines I'm caught
In a trance lost to a forest of all that I believe
Forgetting the time that passes by
I'm soaked, immersed in words of the poets' fare.
Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@2020
All rights reserved
May 10, 2020
Australia
"Just taking a sneak peak into another hobby I love: Poetry. I love reading. I love writing or scribbling too. There's so much inspiration to keep your mind sane and your head above water in this insane environment at the moment. You don't have to be in the middle of a physical war to become a prisoner. COVIDITY is war itself. No question about that. It has its own UPS AND DOWNS. Surviving this modern holocaust would be a miracle. I believe in Divine Intervention. While a prisoner, let's find something worthwhile to do. I wish it's gardening. But that too gives me some restrictions. I'm thankful still because I live to this day to see another new day. Except that I miss my family especially my grandchildren. I longed to hug and kiss them. It's been a long time so COVID HURRY UP! Get over it!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 21, 2020.
"This social distancing imperative of COVIDITY, thanks to its creators, has me find time to rekindle my love of cooking. YouTube which is also run by Uncle Google has many splendid talents that show off their culinary expertise including those of amateurs. Yesterday, I have had finally done my FIRST BEEF BOURGUIGNON (Beef Burgundy cooked in red wine) and ICE CREAM BREAD (thank you Donna of SLOW ITALIAN cooking) with much success. I love food. I'm somewhat picky to the extent of its simplicity that gives off good nutrition. I cook and eat with the end goal: NUTRITION. I create my own recipe from scratches. My children and their hubbies appreciate my cooking. That's my trophy. Today, I'm going to cook CHEVON STEW in traditional Filipino way. There are many ways to kill a cat, the saying goes. It's the same with cooking. It varies from region to region with each country having their own name of the recipe that resembles similarity." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 21, 2020
"Good morning Google, I hope against hope nobody out from the cybersphere did try to attempt my blog account. Thank you for keeping it safe for me. This is the only place where I can pour forth my thoughts in my sacred alone time as my diary or journal, at the same time share the thoughts of those whom I admire most. There are beautiful and good lessons to be learned from their wisdom. Good morning my dear READERS AROUND THE WORLD. Thank you for your visits too. I did not realise this simple blog has reached many countries including those I've never heard before. Please know I appreciate you all!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 21, 2020.
"When will this covidity end? The sprayers are not done yet?" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 2020
"I am wondering if there's anyone trying to hack my account? Why after some confirmation and answer to a question and going round about to prove of my ownership that this turn out not to be mine? Who is answerable to this kind of playing games?" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 20, 2020
"Grief, I've learned, is really just love. It's all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go." ~Jamie Anderson
"Don't spend too much time for mourning …
Tears are for the sad …
I left to be with Jesus
And may this make you glad."
~Anon
In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death. ~Proverbs 12:28
Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
Today, Auntie Mary's body will be laid to her final resting place. Her spirit has already been in the bosom of our Maker, the Eternal Home.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
~Psalm 34:18
I happened to dig this story that I would like to dedicate to her, my own late mother and all those mothers who in their time on earth mentored, nurtured and guided their children as they journey through life passing all the elements of weather and incredible challenges and trials they have survived together.
Philippians 3:20-21 New King James Version (NKJV)
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
@LCD/May 16, 2020
"There were moments I've navigated a touch of escapism from the sad reality of life where death becomes incomprehensible in the hands of time. Adieu Auntie Mary. Till we meet again." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 12, 2020
MY PROFOUND TRIBUTE TO AUNTIE MARY M. CASIS, RIP, (May 26, 1929 - May 11, 2020)
Your journey was long to get this far Auntie Mary. I guess our Dear Creator has seen you struggling as you lifted your feet to make another step further into these uncertain times biblically known as The End Times. Just as I greeted you a Happy Mother's Day yesterday in addendum to my Sunday wishes for the same, little have I known it was my last.
Thankfully God took your spirit as you silently breathed out your last breath while you were peacefully asleep. He removed your pain and your suffering ended.
It is for us, the living, who will pick up the pieces of the legacy that you've left behind as we continue our own journey till we, too, succumb to the end. I will dearly and fondly remember the best unforgettable lessons you impacted on me since the day I was finally reconnected to you as a young adult.
That lessons were RESILIENCE, INDUSTRY, HUMILITY, THOUGHFULNESS, GENEROSITY, and above all, SIMPLICITY.
As I watched you silently, you showed me how life was to be confronted with straightforward honesty, realistically and hard work. I never heard you complain, murmur, and looking disgruntled for anything that were of trivial matters. You just went on about your business of the daily routine of life. You were up as the dawn lifted its blinds like a wink, and you were home just as when the sun went down to its nest. You were tired but it never showed. You have a relentless store of strength, fortitude and power to execute your responsibility towards your family.
In your absence in the homefront, I remember well how the boys, my dear cousins, carried on their duty that you delegated to them with equal quietude as you.
I do so admire you Auntie without you knowing it. I am ashamed of my own shortcomings towards you. My own life then was lived in a maze itself and I was lost.
I thank God for being able to get re-united with you last October 2011 with my younger sister Priscilla Bierbaum. Thank you for still remembering me at that time. How you amazed me with your very sharp memory. I apologise to those whom I didn't make to meet as it was the only opportunity for me to see that part of our country.
The curtain has fallen on you Auntie. As the day is dying in the west, so is the end has come for you to be no longer with your loved ones on earth. It was a truly remarkable journey you've treaded in life. You were a successful Woman and Wife and Mother! I bid, yet, another farewell to a BEAUTIFUL SOUL which in silence is genuinely very DEAR to my heart.
TO MY COUSINS, YOUR WIVES AND FAMILY and to all posterity of our late Uncle Alejo Manzo Casis, on behalf of my family, I humbly convey our profound and heartfelt CONDOLENCE to the sudden demise of Auntie Mary. May her soul REST IN PEACE.
LCD/12 May 2020
"Wine, Women and Song... and Hershey's chocolates (thanks to Ellen Zaragoza), but when a woman gets hold of a wine, she can still be creative on how and what to do with it without getting hooked and not losing her composure, let alone her decorum. So I concocted my own Sangria version as Shiraz (Vinatero Grampians) is too heavy for me. I simply added a dash of Lime infused mineral water and Apple, Pine and Coconut cordial. That's my Indulgence 102 post Mother's Day celebration." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11, 2020
"The falsity of what media is feeding has been truly embraced by most... without giving a thought of its implications. But who really listens to Noah's warning? When each catastrophe strikes, they have the gall to say, 'if there is God, why would He let this happen?' And why not? How many times are we hit by misfortunes, curses, calamities of epic proportions? This world is overloaded with dramatic scripts only satan knows what he is doing. This era of human destructions is his time. It won't diminish, sadly, at the expense of our children." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11, 2020
"Flowers are one of the joys of my life." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11, 2020
"This is what I love about music. You've got to see unique variety of musical instruments you've never seen before." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2020
"I do love being a Grandma. For me, it's the best job in the world. It's very special to me having to experience grandmotherhood starting at the age of 60. Two more after that, at 64 then at 68 over. By the time the latest addition will turn one year old, I will be in my 70. I'm more than proud of this achievement as the thrills and excitements and adventures keep unfolding in my twilights with those sprinkles and twinkles from these innocent stars of my life." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2020
"I can't LOVE my children enough especially my 3 fantastic grandchildren ... who started coming when I was 60." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2020
"I just want to THANK THE LORD FOR THE BLESSINGS FLOW. They come by the KILO OF KINDNESS including a brand new warm blanket for a Happy Mother's Day! The Dorcas Ladies are very special in serving humanity." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 8, 2020
"This covid quarantine is not bad at all! It gives me time to watch cooking shows on videos. There are three recipes I'm dying to prepare for my family when the time comes that all these chaos will stop and allow us to live our normal life. I can't wait for my family and I to get together so I can bombard them with my kitchen spoilings. For now I will keep it a secret, but one thing sure it's gonna be Greecey !!!! Bon apetit!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 3, 2020
"Happy Birthday Tessie. Just to let you know how grateful I am for all your love and support for my family regardless of weather. You're very much in my thoughts and in my heart. Many Happy Returns of the Day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 3, 2020
"Woke up from a long nap at 3.58pm to find there's no power. So I put all switches down." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 2, 2020
🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋 A P R I L 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
"How would we know if this covidity mess is a product of insane minds? That justifies this thought provoking verse." ~Leah C. Dancel, On shadowlands' ode. April 30, 2020
"In silence I find time to ruminate. My solitary confinement has been my place of refuge." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 30, 2020
"Each storm we encountered, we just slept through until it subsided. Then I would get up to patiently wait for the dawn to come and for the sunrise to burst." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 30, 2020, a letter to my family
"Sometimes the intelligence of a person is not measured by his academic achievements. The knowledge he gained from the academe which he applies in life, in his leadership, in his day to day undertaking with a common sense broadens his wisdom through experience." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 28, 2020
"I woke up past 6am. I rose to watch the eastern sky from my kitchen window. It looked subdued and forlorn with the slow emergence of the soft glow of sunrise; I paused in retrospection. Even the trees were unmoved, and everything in them was still. The surrounding seemed eerie. It was extraordinarily peaceful, solemn and tranquil. A plethora of thoughts filled my mind as I was picking my momentum in silence. Then I went back to bed and read a book of verses written by Jackie French: WHEN THE WAR IS OVER... As I was reading, I noticed how each verse segment represents an historic era of war time zone where ANZAC soldiers went to fight the battles for other nations. I was moved to tears in admiration for how much they sacrificed by laying their lives for the sake of helping their "friends" far away from home, away from their loved ones who too suffered with longings from their long absence. A wave of introspection followed as I realised that these wars for all purposes and intents remained ongoing. They never end. There seems to be no peace in place, not even in the hearts of men. It's all hell let loose! Today, the world is battling a new conflict. We see people in the front lines but none of them is seen behind the enemy line. It's a war between flesh and spirit, a real bad spirit, for the enemy though monstrous in conquering peoples' lives, is interestingly invisible. How could you aim your weapon to millions of destructive microbes of droplets released in the air with formidable horns portrayed by bombs? In global scale? World leaders conceded there is a war. World War III? Albert Einstein the renown physicist said, "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." Wasn't he right? Really he should know if he considered himself a Christian believer. Cast that thought away. Today on reflection, I am remembering our noble men who fought those wars in their true valiant spirit of bravery, fighting against the enemies of the allies. I'm also attributing this in memory of my own Father, who served two wars back home in his time as a guerrila (unrecognised by the government ) during WW2 and, the Korean War. 'We will remember them. Lest We Forget.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 25, 2020 in remembrance of ANZAC DAY!
"When you are rich, very rich, but you die of the virus - can only mean that death is no respecter of money, nobility, prestige, fame and power . In this virulent environment, you die alone with only one thing you want to hold your life on, the most important element for survival: air to breathe. You suffer silently with excruciating pain in isolation, with no one else by your side except the doctor, or nurse perhaps; and not even your own wealth can rescue you from perishing. Is this the way the day of our reckoning comes to us?" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 24, 2020
"I am indeed very grateful for my blessings that come in three! The ones that fill my empty world. How I miss them all! I long to hug them, kiss them, squeeze them, hold them tight, play with them, watch them grow every day, and talk to them. This poor old Lola has been forbidden to travel to see them, visit them, and be with them. That's all because covid19 is messing up our family togetherness. Covid's family is ruthless, unmerciful, and never ever a loving kind; without compassion. I wonder how their destructive creators and their families are feeling and thinking today?" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 24, 2020 On grandchildren
And generous in spirit
When someone is thoughful
For things you can't do
Saved me from trouble
Brought by this cv crisis
A respite from worries
She offered me a relief.
Thank you for these blessings over-flowing."
Copyright @LEAH C DANCEL
All rights reserved
Australia
April 23, 2020
"My personal tribute to the demise of Ate Wilhelmina "Bebs" Martinez-Dancel, who passed away last April 15, 2020 in Davao. I was privileged to attend the mini reunion of the prominent DANCELs family in Davao last November 30, 2019 and met some members who gathered at Mac Arquiza's residence. Not long before that, Mama Emily Rose Harris Murphy went to meet our Maker too. Mama Emily is our old neighbour at Goorawin Rd, Orange (circa 1987-1994). My deepest Condolence to the bereaved families from my family to yours."
~Leah C. Dancel, April 23, 2020 In Memoriam
"My friend Susan commented that this covid pandemic has turned me into a baker. Well, I baked a simple Butter cake that comes from a box. When done, it tastes more like a Sponge Cake .. I'm happy enough at least there's something I can nibble. Sugar is mode lifter. I don't like icing so I simply made a shortcut. I sprinkle some icing sugar on top of the cake. Voila!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 23, 2020
"Meanwhile, Marco sent me another drawing of his new Fly Fly the Butterfly.🦋🦋 via Mum Noemi. How I love my little boy!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 23, 2020
"In many places we'd lived before, we always have a garden whether front or back or both. Then as I went through a rummage, this is what I found. I have no way of identifying the writer who left this on our mailbox one day, long ago. Inside the envelope were packets of floral seeds. Seeds that humbled me... for later on, they flourished and added beauty in my humble garden." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 23, 2020
"I was hit by this simple truth that Wake Up World nudged as a gentle reminder to us,
"Big houses never appeal to me. Too much to clean. I admire their grandeur though." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 23, 2020
"Last night I went through my photo gallery to find a picture I took long ago from the rubbles of scraps and scribbles I kept in my Treasure Box for years; I'm a hoarder by some measure. Having been reconnected to some of our old neighbours in the past, whose children were still young, but bit older than my own, with fascinating memories of us especially about our garden; I find this personal note below (I made into a quote) amazing that brought a big smile on my face. I was momentarily in a deep trance being transported back in time where memories were set in that period from our former residence at Pimpala, Orange. I have no clue who owns the envelope and who put it inside our street mailbox. It has a handwritten note at the back with addendum below it "Gift inside" which was some little packets of floral seeds. Even blessings come handy from the humble seeds that truly humbled me for the unexpected kindness of someone I can't even identify. Whoever among of our neighbours you generous giver is, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sorry that this comes late. I'm not even sure if you could read this little attribute for you. God is good!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 20, 2020
"This is the life of a Soloist. You play the music, you sing your song, you dance on your own tune like it's death do I part." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 17, 2020
"I am sick. I miss my freedom. Freedom to enjoy the fresh air in a limitless space. Freedom to smell the salty air from the sea and ocean. Freedom to wander off in the vast wilderness and get lost to experience and explore the secret of the mountains and go for a careless adventure what's in the forest and beyond the caves of wonders of nature that hide there. I miss the bubbling sound of the creeks, the silent way of the rivers and the mystery of the spring. I miss the barren countryside full of dust in summer but green on rainy days regardless of the season. I miss the hissing waves of the wild grasses, the drooping curtains of the heavy branches and twigs laden with thickets of leaves of any colours of life. I miss the skipping thuds of the wallabies and kangaroos frolicking in the rocky hills chilling in their never ending nibbling state staring in curiosity each time I aim my camera at them. They pause, they watch me and unmindful of my business and just hop away. I miss the sound of the chirpy birds who come and go, flocking on the branches of my backyard trees. I want my freedom back. I hate the new shitty normal. Who brought this mess upon us?" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 17, 2020
"Raising kids is a no easy feat, if you take it that way instead of a calling. It takes a tough mother to survive by outsmarting their smart-aleck kids. But I admire mothers who can do it with firmness and gentleness, yet, no nonsense approach to doing their job. I admire them more if they possess a humorous tone to put their hard-shelled kids in place. I love it better if your child will give you the highest distinction of being "AS TOUGH AS A WARRIOR, BUT LOVING AS A LION"parental report. Boy! That stoked me to bits! My eldest would have something to look back when her own daughter will turn into a teenage sweet, still at a far off distance yet." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 16, 2020
"My mother told me that "beautiful hands are the hands that work", a passage she learned from reading. Apparently, she detested young girls who were whimsicals in my time as a growing teen." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 16, 2020
"It's global trending by the demo-libs Mate! All countries ruled by them are in a big-time mess. Those who step-up after them have a hard time cleaning up their never ending messes5." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 15, 2020 on Ron Hasting's "freely elected government not one purchased by the oligarchs)
"Being alone is comforting with no pesky elements of the society bugging my peaceful existence." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 13, 2020
"Please accept my belated Condolence for the untimely demise of your hubby. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet him in person when I was there during Liam's 3rd birthday. May you find comfort and solace in the presence of the Lord knowing that your better-half is now at rest with our Creator free from pain and suffering. And with your children's help, you'll continue your journey in life with courage and strength." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 12, 2020 a message to Mrs. Vilma Pido, Myra Pido Occena's dearest mother.
"People in the area are like ghosts. You will only know they existed if you see an Ambulance." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 8, 2020 when neighbours are hardly seen
"I saw Paramedics and ladies (wearing masks) in the courtyard ... oh dear ... what could it be? Ambulance vehicle has always frequented our area, but at this time? One can only make a guess." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 8, 2020 while Sydney is in lock down and residents under home quarantine due to covid19.
"I just remember an old neighbour having a conversation with a cop, whom she asked: why? Is our law made to defend the criminals? To which the guy replied: yes! She then rest her case." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 8, 2020 on GP walking free (April 7... the highest court quashed his case of "what" abuse)
There's a distance between me and my space. It's even SOCIAL! Epic !!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 1, 2020
"Make your own funeral, so the saying goes to those who stay obstinate to the law of staying 4th to avoid spreading the virus. There must be something beyond the grave that made some leaders shuddered about this virus which no ordinary layman will ever comprehend. Hello COVID19!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 1, 2020
🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒 MARCH 🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒
"I'm going to wear gloves each time I go shopping to make sure I won't leave a trace of germs. Hello OCD!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 29, 2020
"This is a documented proof that cv brings goodness and the best in people. This is beyond showing off. I am so touched by the kindness and generosity of someone I know. I can't thank you enough. God bless your heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 27, 2020 on Blessings received
"There's so much the cv crisis has taught us. It's one of God's way' to remind us that HE IS IN CHARGE of this WORLD we live in. After all HE IS THE CREATOR and we are HIS creation." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 27, 2020
"Some plants coy away once damaged. They can be sensitive. Even my new shoots of lemon grass was done by them (gardeners). It took a long while for them to grow. Now these irresponsible or ignorant gardeners cleaned them up again." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 27, 2020
"Onions are local home anti bacterial agents found in your humble kitchen. That is why they are called Nature's Antibiotics." ~Leah C. Dancel, mental note on Pharmacognosy, March 27, 2020
"Oh MAN, the mongrels (gardeners) did it again! They cut off (by whipper snipper) my sweet potato stems from my garden bed thinking they were weeds." ~Leah . Dancel, March 27, 2020
"ISO-LAT-ION-ISM"
Let's break it down:
Iso - equal
Lat - from the word late - meaning behind
Ion - atom or molecule with plus and negative electron
Ism - philosophy or system
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"There's only one couple in my lifetime who were like that. I can assure you, it's not my parents. I would be dreaming if they were. Reality sucks. " ~Leah C. Dancel, September 2, 2020 on couples who stay warm and loving through their old age.
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"Mother Nature is activating the reign of pollens. Hay fever is rising above covidity." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 2, 2020
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❄️❄️❄️ A - U - G - U - S - T ❄️❄️❄️
"The nature that heals when properly treated by humans also kills when mistreated by them, intentional or not. Those organic chemicals found in wood smoke are sure way to cause human extinction when their fumes are breathed-in." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 31, 2020 on Mark Cummins thread on Forest fires.
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"It takes a good leader to navigate the direction of his people. And that's towards prosperity, dignity and discipline." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 29, 2020 on Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Manila City, Philippines
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"Cooking is art. Be free to be creative and adventurous. Kalamansi is sweetish. Lemon is sour, tangy and zingy." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 28, 2020
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"I know we lost so many old school values. The things we did. How they were. In our innocence, we never thought of their discomforts, inconveniences, at other times the hazards that in all probability had came along. But their memories remained. We were happy. We were contented. I belonged to that era... and I treasure every bit of them. They're all part of my being." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 27, 2020
"Farmers are people's real saviours." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 27, 2020
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"She found how the Covid19 virus already penetrated her soul and damaged her spirit. Death is imminent; as such, there is no cure." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 26, 2020 on spontaneous writing
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"My favourite church memory in the 1950's: Worship and fellowship with brethren up in the mountains. We had to rise up early on cold mornings to get ready. Lunches were packed the day before. We happily walked down and sometimes skipped on a trodden road 'While The Dew Is Still On The Roses' so to speak. In the afternoon when the whole service activities were over, we kids, would look forward to going home at sundown. There's a song which I favourited singing after the Sabbath Service, 'In a Little While We're Going Home' as we stopped to linger in the field we passed by picking wild green berries (native in my country), on our way home. We walked two kilometres each way. Lovely memories that part were. I miss my childhood pious life." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 26, 2020 on Phyllis Minner's "Any favorite memories of your church (or other) youth group back in the 1950’s" (The Fabulous Fifties)
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"I've been on social media for awhile, ten years perhaps. This is what I've observed: When people realised you live abroad, and you're a kin; they tend to cling to you like a moss. Otherwise, you're just as good as a fallen stripped off bark. Contrary to what they had been before when you're just a speck in their eyes, they're becoming like a caramelised succharine. So with other strangers whom you shared a piece of your compassionate heart. Your value is as good as what they can get. My voice has found a way of expressing my mind by the opportunity brought through this thread: How and what we see in ourselves, may not be the same exactly as what other eyes do." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 26, 2020
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"You have to labour to see the beauty of the outcome of what you labour. Even plants have to endure patience to grow under all circumstances like weather and climate to produce good crops that would please the one who planted them." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 25, 2020
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"The lunatics are seemly on the prowl again burning everything what God has designed for nature. I saw the devastating effect of that same inferno here in Australia a month before covi took centre stage. My friend and her hubby's house and their property at the outback were thankfully spared from that disaster. The surroundings were all burnt-out, ashes powdering flat on the ground. Yet nature heals as after a week spat of rain, the ferns started to regrow and mosses came alive draping the dead trunk of trees that didn't fall down, new twigs and branches began to enliven them. There were lots of old trees that surrendered to the catastrophe, and some of them have had exposed their diseases." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 25, 2020
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"Even our boss does menial job at work too. They don't confine themselves in an aircon room, sitting pretty in their swivel chairs barking orders like Don Kulas doing akimbo at the same time. That's why I have so much respect for Australian Work Ethics…" ~Leah C. Dancel, August 25, 2020 on Servant Leadership
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"Submitted and published at THE DIARY FILES - DXLab, State Library of NSW
MY BOOK OF LIFE
Here's the book of my life
That tells the story of my being
From the pangs of birth
When I was brought
Into this world to witness
Chaos, wars, and tribulations
Of all kinds.
There were times of peace
And abundance too
Peace that created happiness
And abundance
That brought contentment
As we're happy enough
Whatever we could have had.
As to provisions,
There was no lacking
For wherever we lived
As nomads would do,
There's always fresh food
We put on the table
Straight from the harvest
Of our Mother's endless toils.
Day and night
She's out there
Cultivating and planting
In every space her eyes
Set on a piece of land
That was not even ours.
Yet, we were free to use
So we could live with dignity
To the present day.
To where I am,
Old at seventy
And passing through
All calamities of shame
And humility in life
With pride being hurled
Into the sea of sadness
By people turned traitors;
As stories wouldn't be
Without enemies, foes
And villains in the form
Of smiling faces
That wear make-up
Too heavy to conceal
Their envy and jealousy
Of what I never have:
A mystery that still
Baffles me.
Dusting off the powder
Of disgust, oftentimes
Disappointment and
Resentment from every blow.
Firmly, my lowly being
Stand still silently in pain
But triumphantly win
Them all in silence
By turning away
From all nagging hurts
As I draw the curtains down,
Leaving the past behind me.
Seventy, the number
Of years
I wouldn't have known
What brought me here.
But my strong conviction
That there is someone
Above watching over me
All the days of my life.
He gifted me
Two wonderful children
Who begot three
Adorable and beautiful
Angels,
My crowning glory
Honour and splendour.
By Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2020
All rights reserved
August 23, 2020
Australia
(Edited Version)
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"Our college professor adviced us to look for our future life-mate in the library. But one Scandinavian Princess of Australian descent met her Prince Charming in the pub. And she lives happily with him to ever after, I hope. She bore him 4 children. I found mine through friends. After two-children, he messed up. And my friends somewhat deserted me too. Not that I mind. Wherever you are." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 21, 2020
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"I can't deny that there are younger women friends I have who treat me not only as a big sister, but more like of their mother. We met and knew each other in Manila and got reconnected here in our adoptive country through other friends. We have a particular group of friends here in Australia from way back home who still keeps our friendship as strong as tea bags. We help each other in time of our dire needs. No questions ask. No sarcastic remarks. No hurting jokes. We don't poke at each other that only suits our own selfish time and convenience. Above all, there is a strong TRUST between us something which is very hard to find even in some family circles." ~Leah C. Dancel. August 11, 2020
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"When at 70 you can face the mirror and tell her, 'Thank God I'm Fabulous!'. I wonder what the mirror would say. TGIF was lifted from Silver Lining of Your Cloud Facebook meme, the social media that pissed me off big time just because I shared something critically TRUTHFUL. Is TRUTH something like DISCIPLINE? Both hurts. But that's what TRUTH is all about. How many are offended by the Bible because it speaks the TRUTH?" ~Leah C. Dancel, August 7, 2020
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"WHAT HAPPENS TO THE POWERFUL? It's so obvious... Political sabotage. Economic sabotage. Health sabotage! The world is subservient to the rising power of the east! And made everyone a fool. And behind all these social rampage there goes the secret of the sea and the mountains working under the bright noonday sun of Australian winter sky and its full moon at night thereof." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 6, 2020 on (Australian Deaths overall down on last year...covid deaths come no where near flu deaths, still a state of DISASTER is called... when there is no disaster. This is a screenshot from the Aust Gov website....Do your research right here on the Aus government website: https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/research-and-family-history/research-and-data-services/death-statistics/deaths-registered-per-month?fbclid=IwAR1LuTNv33fHJ5zCvqt8iROmjMwUuTaTVsEDcMY1KdathkjoD4KnfbGckrI)
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"Behind the doom and gloom, somewhere, a new dawn will rise, and soon the country will bloom again. 30 years in disgraceful state and suffering of the underdogs is not easy to mend. The Phoenix will rise! We've got to believe this. One has to bear the brunt of ridicules, mockings, scourgings and God knows what else. Like Dr Jose Rizal, he will not live to see the sun rising for our country. There are more pessimists in our country than optimists. Those pessimists were the ones who put our country down." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 6, 2020 on Politicians versus Experts
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"In the nick of time, as it was plugged at Twitter, my humble submission among the many took the honour being chosen as the successful entry to bag the 1000th place in THE DIARY FILES (DX-Lab) run by the State Library of New South Wales. 'The Diary Files is an Online Community Diary where people write their story of what they see, what they hear, how they feel, or what's on their mind.' This is open for all ages and is subject to Administrative Rules. At Twitter, the State Library of NSW wrote:
"Our 1000th entry in #TheDiaryFiles is a touching description of something most of us can relate to: getting lost in a good book when we feel low. #DX-Lab"
TURNING 70, FEELING LOW
Soon I'll be 70. Seven decades of existence is a miracle itself getting this far. There's not a day I miss saying my solemn gratitude to the ONE who breathed me life. Yet, I can't figure out why my happy hormone is depriving me this special feeling of perk-ness considering the exciting prospect of a family get-together on a weekend away to the mountains. Thanks to my daughters who organised it on my behalf. They gave me a hint: a weekend sleepover and winter warmers. All the rest are under wraps in the form of "surprise", whatever!
Feeling low and slow, I abandon my packing. Suitcase and clothes are in disarray. They're screaming a protest, I heard them. My washing suffers too. I do wash by hands. My washing machine is barely new when one small external part went missing - I don't know how. Hence, my hand-washing days are far from over. I prefer it that way anyway. Only, it relies on my mood and duty of care. Occasionally, my youngest daughter would offer in taking my washing to her place and do them there. She lives an hour away from me.
I ended up doing something else. I turn to reading instead. There's this WOMAN'S TREASURY hardbound British edition published in 1985 hiding in the closet. That's 35 year old book half my age. "A LIGHT ON THE MOORS" by Rachel Murray is actually a light love story written in synoptic essay of 3-1/2 pages. I rarely read novels in tome. Short stories are my forte.
Reading done. The story ends well. I'm pleased! Now it's time to get back to my packing task. That's all the light I needed, perhaps; not necessarily a light coming from the moors.
Author: Leah C. Dancel
Date: August 5, 2020
Submitted to THE DIARY FILES-DXLab
State Library of NEW SOUTH WALES
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❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ J - U - L - Y ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
"Life is like a fulcrum. There's ups. There's downs. There's in between." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 31, 2020
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"Sorry to have missed the Live 5th State of the Nation's Address of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, (the 16th President of the Philippines) last Monday. It was a dismal day here with pouring rain and cold temperature that I contained myself in bed. Lazing my day as a couch potato but in bed - reading, reading and more reading. Finally today, the sun came out and made me able to do my work." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 29, 2020.
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"The Blogger has now a new interface which I find it not helpful in my kind of gadget. I tried navigating the format but there's no way I can post entry to update my blog. With due respect to all our gorgeous programmers here at Blogger, I can only wish they will allow me to keep this legacy blogger format to which I'm more comfortably familiar and accustomed with in using. Thank you very much Guys. Kudos to your wonderful job. I wish I'm as nerd as you. Here's a gratitudinal salute to you all!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28, 2020.
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"Special occasions such as birthday celebrations are one of those events being axed in numbers of invitees due to covid restriction. Somehow there should be a way to spend it not so much on extravagance but something to make your day very special with dear ones. To the city by train and on foot to the main venue, I went. The sky was threatening and looking depressed. I normally don't go out on this kind of weather, but words were already assured when I accepted the invite. Lucky, it wasn't that chilly. So I dressed up just right for the occasion. I grabbed a nicely packed flower arrangement of pinky waratahs and pastel red-yellow roses with a conglomerate of cute colourful sprays from the ground floor florist. I had the card with substantial note insertion, that saved me trouble from shopping, ready to hand in to the celebrant. And the people who expected me were already sitting on a round dining table: the engaged couple, and the fiance's mother. They arrived few minutes earlier. We all came from different directions out of the city. The original plan was to dine in a restaurant, and then go somewhere for a leisurely stroll, have coffee, etcetera. That didn't materialise, thanks to the unpredictable weather. Of course I was introduced to Lara, Matt's mother who looks very young and attractive. I found her very friendly too. I'm kind of the fiancee's adopted mother. We all settled in for a Japanese cuisine with healthy options to be had, I ordered a nice warm soupy Ramen! I escaped the dessert. The remainder of my day were spent at home after we parted. Timely, just as I got home, the big rain came tumbling down. Call that 'Showers of Blessing' for the birthday girl celebrant. Happy 29th Birthday Irene. Wish you many happy returns of the day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, July 25, 2020
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📖🖌📖🖌📖🖌📖🖌📖🖌
"READING AND WRITING"
What alone-ness can bring the best in you!
My OUTDOOR POST was born out of love in reading, away from holistic form of perusing. It was born as an extended love affair with quotations that sprang from my late mother’s love of literature. It shows that I am simply my mother’s daughter. Her influence on me since childhood has been tremendous. She was an intelligent and gifted woman whose talents went wrong somewhere in life, where all her creativity and ingenuity were only allowed limited opportunities to express herself. She could have gone further out into the world should she found the right avenue to showcase her gifts. It’s a pity to lose all her creations depicted in the Scrapbooks of Fashion Sketches, sewings, crochets, crafts, embroideries and everything as mementos from her. Our nomadic life was constant. We lost so much valuable possessions in the process.
Born out of alone-ness in the silence of time, reading has been my stimulant that inspired me to create OUTDOOR POST as a sister blog to the GOLDEN THOUGHTS. Here I shared what I have collated for years. Hoping all these will someday find a place in the lives of my posterity as I am now heading toward the twilight of my life.
Simple readings from the writings of down to earth authors, whose pure expressions give more meaning to LIFE which we all can connect, relate and react in the real world. Writings based on realities as exponent of their own experiences that transform us into the image we see as we stand in front of a mirror, right there!
OUTDOOR POST is not only my collated range of interest, it is also a KEEPSAKE of memories I wish to keep in my heart for all eternity.
Author: Leah C. Dancel
July 24, 2020
Submitted and Published: THE DIARY FILES
State Library Of New South Wales
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"Shine through in your dream
And wake up just as bright;
As the world sees your gleam
For the beauty of life."
~Leah C. Dancel
July 20, 2020
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"A DIADEM of SMILE… is set with precious stones and jewels carved by my children and GRANDCHILDREN. ~Leah C. Dancel, July 20, 2020
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"THE THRILL OF MOUNTAIN CLIMBING"
Weekends blessed with a perfect weather, warm and sunny days un-called for a winter, have got the family going as to how to spend the remainder of the kids’ school holiday. I happened to be with my daughter’s family on a second visit so there I was counted in their company.
The family decided to go mountain climbing at Mount Annan which is south-west of Sydney. It’s about 166meters elevation that took us to the peak with a spectacular view of towns and suburbs surrounding Camden. Its base started from the Royal Botanic Gardens where our foot trip followed the path to the Connections Garden that led us to go up via 4-storey stairs of 10-steps each as my memory recalls. It made the climbing easier and convenient for the elderly walkers.
Each storey is an array of flora; trees and other forest organisms indigenous to Australia. Each comes with interesting educational footnotes regarding the historical origin, evolution and development of the specie. As we reached to the top that’s where the thrill begun. The main walkways are concretely paved going round, downhill, uphill, on slopes and plains until you get to arterial outback trails.
I delighted in that pleasurable walk by ascent and descent depending on how the tracks presented each moment of the sojourn. Our 5-year old boy who didn’t mind the two hours circular path we trod out in the open space breathing in fresh mountain air that filled our lungs to filter the system.
Along the grassy trail of fine red dirt, we passed by a region of bottle trees, dried creeks exposing rocks and boulders, nude hillsides, degenerated ancient trees, beautiful wildflowers swarmed over by a school of butterflies and a couple of kangaroos grazing on a green hill.
Author: Leah C. Dancel
July 18, 2020
Submitted and Published: THE DIARY FILES
State Library of New South Wales
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“The thing I love about Italian cuisine: simple, delicious and nutritious. And I love how they epitomise tomatoes as if it’s their sacred god in the kitchen. They seem can’t live without them. There was one particular pasta dish our Italian office guest cooked for us back home, and no matter how I tried to replicate the taste, texture and composition of his cooking, I just couldn’t get the magic of his recipe. No I was too shy to really ask the recipe. For everything, anything it’s a must to keep one’s culinary tradition. I taught a few favourites to my children. Surprisingly, while there’s no Italian DNA in us, the first food they cooked when they were young, (9-10 years old) was Italian pasta. Now that they’re married and have children, pasta is still their platemate.” ~Leah C. Dancel, July 17, 2020 on Cingul Pasta Dish of Shadowlands
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"Revisiting my poetry world. This one was my first entry when I first joined in Poetry dot com. I had the privilege in attending the Poetry Convention sponsored by them held at Hilton Hotel, Washington DC. It was really a joyful experience, but a sad journey for me." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 12, 2020
SOLITARY JOURNEY
In peace there is happiness
In solitude - contentment;
An escape into the woods
of serene and tranquility,
provides a place
of solace and comfort;
away from the world
of fallacies and vagaries.
Copyright @2006 Leah C. Dancel
Quakers Hill NSW
15 February 2006
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"MY JOURNEY TO ORANGE"
June 19, 2020
What a glorious morning to journey! The sun shone bright; its golden orb was paled by the white glow that glimmered. I took a local train to Blacktown, took off there to catch the XPT Train to Orange. Securing a window seat, I was the only passenger bound west. All seating arrangement was implemented for social distancing. This time, the sun rose through the mist and everything was looking fine and visible.
On the way the scenery remained the same, but farm stocks grew more in numbers unlike before; thriving in a pristine world of pure air and abundance of naturally grown green feeds and water. Rainfall teems on regular intervals that fills the billabong. The train arrived few minutes late in Orange. Having not travelled in a long while, I took off at Blayney by mistake as I didn’t hear the announcement on board. The Steward who saw me came to my rescue.
My daughter’s little family was there at the station to pick me up. We decided a take away lunch for a quick bite at home. I was feeling jubilant to see my baby granddaughter at last! She’s having a piggyback ride on her Dad’s broad shoulders and gave me that curious look asking “who’s this little dwarf lady?”
Our weekend was packed with social dining arrangements. Only few people came due to number restrictions. I relished the home-cooked Lamb Shank dish and some roasts meat and veggies. Sunday was freezing. The old folks, the Godfather, Zana and her parents gathered to dine at Robinhood Hotel. There we celebrated her First Birthday with balloons and birthday cake after a scrumptious lunch. The little celebrant looked so tired. She didn’t know what’s going on, rubbed her eyes and cried as we sang Happy Birthday!
By Leah C. Dancel
Submitted and Published at THE DIARY FILES
State Library of NSW
July 12, 2020
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"I dreamed of an old rocking chair. It was made of rattan and intricately knitted. On the backside rest panel is a big DIAMOND number. On its right hand side is a long rattan walking cane resting. On top of the seat right in the middle of the chair stands a neatly arranged beautiful flowers in a very lovely flower vase . This one is quite weird because it's a customised birthday cake of substantial size." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 11, 2020
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MENTAL COVIDITY
Nobody was prepared for the coming onslaught of a new virus code name Covid19. It was purported to be the most lethal, and of epic proportion. It did rock the boat around the world which powered on to its bended knees as imperilled by pandemic thus propelled total lockdowns across all borders. It came at the untimely season of colds and flu that was approaching Australia.
It's always normal and a health reality check that this time of year, from Autumn through half of Springtime, people - both old and young - get sick. You hear and see their sniffles, hard breathings by the way they cough, the red tiring eyes, and their turbid state of being due to infirmity. All these are much part of Australians' seasonal psyche.
It's also a known fact that when it comes to flu season, the older generations are always the most vulnerable. There were numerous deaths occurred in the past that the people were never aware of. It was left unaccounted for by the mainstream news purveyors. And there was no strict orders for self-confinement or isolation issued on that account coming from big brother.
In this covid season, are we all lost to reasons shovelled through our throats by confusion which truth or which lie to cling to? Even authorities are divided in quite many spectrums of what they found from their researches, autopsies, symptoms and asymptotic preclusions. Is this 'new normal' a new way that leads us to paranoia?
While few restrictions are now easing, some are enjoying outdoor life among nature like beaches and mountains with precautions. It's best to play safe and not be too complacent. Let's beat the odds with "an ounce of prevention better than a pound of cure." Just my thought.
Submitted to and published: THE DIARY FILES
State Library of NSW
Leah C. Dancel
July 8, 2020
"Wherever you look, beginning from the Bible ... there's no history in the world that is not inked with human blood. Inhumanity, greed, and corruption remained the blueprint of human power. One can only wonder how much POWER corrupt the minds of men that involve bloodshed. Religion brought bloodshed, so is Politics. These two entertwine." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 6 on watching Russia in History via Epic History TV YouTube Channel
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"So our little Bubba Zana makes Lemmy, the cat, her footstool and the sweet thing never purred one single complaint. They both look adorable. Lemmy is always cool, calm and collected cat. Very sweet natured gentle pet. I'm very happy she found a warm, loving home in my daughter's own place. I still miss all my little kitties and their matriarch Halle, who has a regal personality." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 6, 2020
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"Fancy dreaming of a Praying Mantis that appeared from nowhere. It was vivid green in my dream as it sat still on my right arm sleeve. Then thoughts of my younger departed brother and sister, who died in two consecutive years popped on my mind. I told them to be patient and just continue on your journey. Dreams have meanings. Have no clue what message my dream implies." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 6, 2020
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"The quote below was my mantra when I journeyed through the lonely road of single motherhood. Single Parenting to me was a calling I never would have any rueful decision made. My children grew up unwanted by their other parent, but they both managed to shine through the storms and streaks of challenges we had encountered. I'm proud to see and watch them both transformed to a loving, doting and responsible mothers as they're equally blessed with excellent hubbies who share the same devotion and affection towards their children and even to me as the matriarch." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 5, 2020
"Raising kids was my choice. I gave up things and went without them. I regret nothing… My life was, is and will always be for my children, no matter how big they get. They didn't ruin my life. They give me a new whole view of the meaning of life."
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"A good pet is man's most loyal companion. They can feel, they can tell, and they understand how their masters treat them like they are human beings. They know how to show appreciation and gratitude to their human family with equal love and affection." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 5, 2020
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"My daughter introduced me to Li Ziqi's YouTube Channel. I found it very interesting; culturally enlightening. Her traditional cuisine is one that is incredibly amazing and authentic for one so young, yet very skillful. I was not mistaken by my guess that she's from Sichuan judging from her spicy leanings. We have Chinese Restaurant here in Sydney Australia specialising the food from that province owned and promoted by Ming Fei. Apart from the Biblical wisdom, Ancient Chinese Customs and Wisdom along with the Native American Indians' wisdom are two of my most prefered traditions. It took me long to really come to watch her on YouTube from the comfort of my own personal space. I'm glad I did. I'm also thankful for the English caption. It would be nice to know if Li Ziqi has published her own book. I just love everything about her with all the gifts, skills and talents she has from arts, crafts, embroidery, sewing, knitting, etc. All the best to her. Nei ho from Australia!" ~Leah C. Dancel, July 2, 2020
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"t." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 1, 2020
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❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ J - U - N E ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
"Years ago, I subjected myself to a test... I will not name names of what it was, and where it was, and who it was... yes, it was free and endorsed by I will not name who.
I didn't read the FINEST PRINT of what was stipulated in the paper I stupidly SIGNED.
The test was conducted. The only instruction I was told was... any thing little, tiny or insignificant I feel, I must say it straightaway. I thought I could hold on to endure the pain as my muscles started to feel a tight grip. Little did I know that the thing that was injected to me as part of the test reconstituted in a drip was capital letter P ... and when the only thing I felt at that time was "I FEEL LIKE CRYING", IMMEDIATELY the test process was STOPPED and I was given an ANTIDOTE needle. Then I feel like I was awoken from a NIGHTMARE. I then reviewed the PAPER. DOWN THE BOTTOM it says as part of a DISCLAIMER that none is LIABLE should THINGS GO WRONG while undergoing the test process. I was appalled to realise I was basically made a guinea pig. Since then, … .... I don't want to have anything to do with these FREE DEATH TESTS! Which sadly reminded me of the death of my brother-in-law who died in an undisclosed institution. Nowadays, even DEATH comes in a beautiful package with no one to benefit, but the corruptness of man. In Noah's time, the wickeds were wiped out from the face of the earth by flood. In the modern times, it's the opposite." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 29, 2020
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"Not all men are teachable. They cannot discern contentment when their hearts desire for all things on earth and material wealth. The admirable woman in her kindness and compassion gave all to a hungry stranger who turned opportunistic so he could leave her in peace as she continued on her own journey. I too would opt for him to keep the precious stone instead of giving him my heart, mind and soul. By saying so, for all the greedy man knew, I have more precious stones in my keeping than he ever thought." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 29, 2020 a morałe lesson learned from THE WISE WOMAN'S STONE Story
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"It's quite a dilemma to most, I suppose. Buy hey, eat your dinner early, 5pm at most, then you have plenty of time to wash up then relax before bedtime." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 29, 2020 on pile of kitchen dishes left on the sink and it's bedtime. What you gonna do?
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"I am having a cocktail of emotion listening to the very moving oration of Stan Grant. It's not only RACISM that kills THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM, but also the COVID-19 in all its metaphorical forms as well. The world is getting more and more filled with piles-up of un-honeyed poohs." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 29, 2020
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"To climb a ladder, you have to start from somewhere down below." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 28, 2020
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"The kaleidoscope of perception reminds me of a church brethren who, during our church's split up after split up due to doctrinal dis-concordance over matters they started watering down when the founder died said, 'Fancy how we don't see what others have seen, and, them not seeing us what we have seen.' There's always differences of opinions even between couples, between family members, between people in the community, in society, in government, among nations ... I believe it's normal to have our own perception of things, beliefs and cognitions of anything that make us unique from everyone." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 28 on Perception
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"No kingdom will thrive without salt." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 28, 2020
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"It's not the history that keeps repeating. It's man's stupidity that never ceases through times eternity." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 27, 2020
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EMOTIONAL COVIDITY
Emotions when left untamed and uncontrolled can ruin us inasmuch as it can cost us a good relationship with others; family, friends, relatives, employers, workmates, marriage, people in the community among many others. As a human being, I have my own moments where some pent up emotions I canned with patience will find its way for outburst. As the saying goes, "when the cup is full to the brim, it overflows." When I do, I feel bad afterwards. I feel angry at myself for allowing these negative emotions to outdo me, instead of me overcoming them. Then as I get older, when true understanding has finally seeped through my subconscious mind and characteristically helped me reform my outlook and insights of things within circumstances that befell me, I learned to tone down and mellow. To preserve peace within, I learned to turn my back on anything that are tempting and provoking that challenge my patience. I choose to become a passive reactor by completely ignoring the provocateurs, let alone shun them and better still shut them out from my presence. The following biblical counsels or admonitions help remind me in taking care of my emotion.
Proverbs 16:32 ESV - Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Leviticus 19:16 - Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I [am] the LORD.
~Leah C. Dancel, June 26, 2020
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TO A PRECIOUS DAUGHTER
A day of contrast today
Of what it was thirty-years ago.
It might not be as colourful as Fall
Nevertheless, it was a dreamy spectacle
That your crib days were rocked in Wonderland
Just as how I wished it to be.
My hope, my dream, my wish
Was granted by Mother Earth;
Whose soft nature you gladly inherited,
Sweet like watermelon that I craved.
From un-dimpled smile to a helpless cry,
You're a sweet baby of un-ending bliss.
Winter days do come and go
As life like wheels move to and fro;
Be they dreamy, be they weary;
They come year after year.
To us this season brings good cheers
With Little Zana, your special day is shared.
Joyful greetings and prayers blessed
From whom above that watched your birth;
We are as thankful that you are here
A precious daughter a universe behold:
Ever patient, ever strong, ever tender
A mother of two, her offsprings' dearly beloved.
Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2020
All rights reserved
Australia
June 25, 2020
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
🎂🍰🥂🍮🍸🍨🍹🍧🍾
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"Cooking a Winter warmer meal with Turkey wings in mushroom sauce and fettuccini pasta, so rich I have to drown it with Sangria." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 25, 2020
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"See you next time Orange. It's wet and a cold day, but very warm .... to where I am... on board the Western XPT Train from Dubbo to Sydney. But boy! What a long tedious journey it is! The train runs high on late and very slow-dragging it feels like I will arrive to my destination in the middle of the night." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 23, 2020 Homeward bound...
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"Sleeping soundly at night time, having peace in our heart, living day by day void of conflicts and with great contentment, and helping others in any means we can, no stress and anxiety hanging over our heads, no unnecessary dramas to contend - I believe is the best life to live inasfar as my experience speaks of. I don't care if I don't have overflowing money, living within my means is more than a blessing to me. After all, when I'm gone, what's the use of having these wordly materials? When my marriage ended, we started off from scratches, basically from nothing. But someone's up there was watching over us, never left us, never abandoned us. Angels are real. It's up to us how our perspective views them." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 22, 2020
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"It's snowing at the peak of Mount Canobolas, Orange. Road closures to the mountains are enforced for safety net of the travellers . So far, there's no snow inland. Just a bearable freeze." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 22, 2020
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"Farm Goat stew and lime leaf scented rice prepared and served by our hostess ... in the bush. Lily has surprised me with her driving lesson learned from our very generous hostess. It's fair way out in the country!" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 22, 2020
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"We are the champions. We do double job in parenting." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 21, 2020 featured in Wendy Alviz Ocampo's pośt on Happy Father's Day to single moms.
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"Those who dreamed of my failure were long gone in their time... by surprise! I don't know why." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 20, 2020
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"My second entry dated June 13, 2020 was published … at DX Lab - SL-NSW - 'KITCHEN TABLE RUCKUS' …I thank my girls for egging me on to keep writing. And writing I will... I feel lucky there's a place in Australia that allows us to send our write-ups without feeling small, shy or intimidated ... A place that encourages people to write whatever they feel the need to write. We don't even have to be a writer to write. So write on... " ~Leah C. Dancel, June 15, 2020
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"I was still dreamily asleep when the phone rang. I missed the call from my daughter, so I called back. We have kind of a filler, our usual convivial chat updating me the what's-about-going-ons in her life as a mommy. I miss my grandchildren so much. I only saw them once when some covid restrictions eased down. I reserve my time to visit another family with the baby whom I last visited in January during her baptism. They're lucky to hold the event earlier before the unexpected lockdown was enforced due to covid thing happened." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 15, 2020
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"Good morning Australia! What a night to sleep over with! And what a day to wake up to a blessed morning with beautiful sunshine peeping through my kitchen window that is visible from my bedroom. Speaking of the kitchen window, I just notice that my plant (I don't know it's name-that grows taller and higher) was being cut down by the corporate gardeners. These blokes do have fun cutting out my plants without permission including those in the garden beds. I purposely planted this palm-tree like specie to give me shade and coolness from the summer scorching heat. The good thing is, now that it's winter, the window looks clear and more light is coming in!" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 15, 2020
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"Here's the true story between us: When John Flournoy realised that I live in Australia (we were in the same poetry forum owned by a defunct poetry website by a Scot or Welsh, who called himself Poetry Castle Bard), he told me about you. And if I would like to connect with you. 'She's a very nice lady and a very good poet/writer.' So I checked on you. Before doing that, I'd already read lots of your writings. I felt so small and intimidated by your prowess. I said to meself, this lady is no ordinary. She's a professional writer, whereas I'm only a hobbyist. But something in your profile has mellowed my shyness... so okay, I'll give it a go. And found you're very encouraging and motivating. I love reading. And I discovered how English and Australian writers differ from their American contemporaries. I was a habitue at Max Webber Library always borrowing nice large print novel books which were very pleasant to read. And then I started looking at the writers. With so many books I read, I couldn't remember one iota of the authors, but I remember the characters and personalities of the writers in general. And their styles too. So I categorised them only by their nationalities. I therefore concluded that I love the first two best! I met Lynette McDermott in person who wrote the Garth Trilogy. When I first saw her, I remember you. I thought she looks like you. So you see, I'm really very honoured to have you as my ideal friend. Thank you Shenni for your friendship and humble heart. Your gifts do remind me of my mother." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 15, 2020
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"Home is the best place to lay the foundation of early childhood learning. As the kids are growing, you will, as a parent (I'm single parent) watch and observe your children's mental development as you interact with them. When you introduce them to the intellectual level we need to test the water of their intellectual capability in matters of how well they can digest things you try to speak to them. In my time, my children and I (both girls) explored together the world (figure of speech) outside our zone. I exposed them to people who can help them further develop their cognitive skills, where they can learn perspectives higher than their own level. I exposed them to other personalities in a social setting to help them distinguish what attitudes or behaviours are apt or not. My own personal experience as a single parent with no backings from anyone was critical. It was at the height of my children's growing pains when drugs, sex and alcohol problems were predominant in the society which penetrated the school due to peer pressure and was made worse with outside intervention and influence. I didn't want that to happen to them. We are not a perfect family. However, we collectively managed to pull through from that dark tunnel of their teenage crucibles. The communication gap between parents and children were prevalent in time past, so I thought I would devise something different that my relationship with my children would hold us strong together in every storm we encountered." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 14, 2020
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"We all have that 'kalibang kanding' family drama ... even among the most powerful families on earth … We're definitely not alone." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 13, 2020 on Family issues
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"Sadly some members of my own family still adhere in relying their source of news from MSM. NOW, they knew where I stand. I can't put the shovel into their throat, but I'm hoping one day they will finally get enlightened by the truth." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 13, 2020
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"Our father 'played a vital role' as a local guerrilla during WWII. During the Korean War, he served as a Paramedic. What a shame we lost all his medals and memoirs! Our family seems to be an unappreciative kind. If I was home, I would have kept them. But life was full of hard knocks that we splintered away to make a living. Others escaped poverty and impecunious life to search for their own fortune. None that I knew are successful. Keep your family intact. I know you do as I can see you are doing an ideal job as a family man." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 13, 2020, a convo with a nephew -jevdo
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"It's nice that you spend time with friends in a place somewhere to break the monotony away from a mundane and tedious routine of social distancing due to covidity." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 13, 2020 on Friends and their Bingo Circle.
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"The world is full of deception and distortion." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2020
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"Sunny yesterday. Rain today. At 5pm it's looking almost midnight. What a better way to while away the time is but read a book!" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2020
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"I don't understand it at all why history is full of cruelty; people murder people just because of their advocacy, that is, to make life bearable for the poor." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2020 on Nikola Tesla
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"The gloominess gives way. And the heaven sends down the rain. Nice to snuggle in bed ..." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 7, 2020
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"Though my stay in Germany was short, I was really in awe how the country is governed. I could tell there's a synchronised team effort between the authority and citizenry. The people kept their environment clean and orderliness was in place. Their discipline and handwork resulted to prosperity which is benefited by all." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 11, 2020 On my memory of Germany circa 1991-1992.
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"Somewhere in a little town of Quambatok lives my FB friend Shenni Waldron, a long time Poet, a colleague I met at THE RHYMING PLACE. I was introduced to her by its founder, John Flournoy, whom I met in person with his wife Tammy, during my visit to their home in Texas with the help of another long time friend, Lia and her daughter Amneh." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 11, 2020 (The Diary Files - DX Lab - State Library of NSW.
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"How weather influences your mood. After days of successive rain, cold temperatures, and dismal skies, we're gifted with a beautiful wintry day from orange sunny morning to a noonday bright sun today. And with a warm spirit on my side, I made my long craved wheat inspired salad, simply called Chicken-Macaroni Salad." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 11, 2020 On donning my apron, with knife and chopping board.
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"Facebook is either your ranting board, preaching hall, counselling room, advertising column, punching bag or your display cabinet. It's either your story book, poetry muse, or your Comics; your photo gallery, your goss magazine, political arena, or your drawing board. Your closet, wardrobe or romping ground. It even makes you thick faced, ashen, sensitive, anaesthetic or amnesiac and brazen. Lots of uses depending on your personal purpose what FACEBOOK means to you." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 11, 2020
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"The gardeners are early in their task of snipping branches of trees. It's pruning time. My backyard looks brighter with more lights from the sky coming in, only for me too late to realise that they beheaded my shelter tree outside my kitchen window." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020
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"The day looks dismal and dreary. It's cold and raining. After the long tedious drought that was made worst by hailstorms of dragging fires literally burning Australia for months (4-5 months), followed by a total lockdown due to mindless covidity, the natural system of atmospheric cycle is back at work." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020
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"Thank you for your much appreciated feedback, Linda." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020 on FLASHBACK: my solo trip to Queensland
Wow, beautiful!
Your expressions beyond words is so moving! Your poetic description of things and emotion is just so wonderful! Love , linda-herave
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"Sometimes your children help you to toe the line. Ask Lily." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020 with reference below:
After Lily read the Artist's preamble aloud to me for everyone to hear, I agree what he laments. I dug deep in my pocket for few silvers leftover and place it down in that red box with chequered white tape and told him, it was for his rule alone. Then Lily handed me gold coins , and asked him if I could take his work of art a photo including him. Even him laughed at what Lily did! He's the second Street Artist I've ever photographed! I did not ask his name. What a shame! Post with permission. June 10, 2013 at Market Place Public Square, CBD
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"Modesty aside, I can still sustain walking. I love life and I am most grateful about it. Each time I reminisce the hard knocks part of my journey, I find it incredible how it strengthens me through the years; I could think nothing but be thankful to God. He must have made me a rubber ball that I just bounce back even after I get hurt." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020
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"In everything there is always the good and the bad. Our pathway I supposed is pre-destined, in my general view of things. Sometimes it can be different depending on how we travel whether by storms or calm days. The airplane is predestined to travel against the wind. We humans, mostly have to go with the flow. About few of us go to the opposite direction away from the norm and still do well. Others for some reason don't make it." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020
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"Excellent views on the reality of life. All these I wholly embrace. I'm prepared to leave this world alone." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 10, 2020 on The Sky Gets Dark, Slowly
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"We may focus our life towards the brighter side with a positive outlook. Lighter days always follow when the storms of life subside. We all undergo trials." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 9, 2020 with Mhao Rhie Kho
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"The Land of Long White Clouds - My flight to Taupo from Sydney via Auckland in 2009 was an eye opener how clouds as high as or even higher than Mt. Everest can be intimidating. Still I thought at that time how magnificent the Great Creator designed His vast domain up to the highest sky!" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 9, 2020
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"I'm not surprised. After all, the first wave of immigrants were predominantly Irish. And to them whose hard backbreaking works were what made Australia it is today. I personally give them my attribution for the beautiful architectures and infrastructures of their lasting legacy to this present generation." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 9, on Irish Convicts, Australia in History
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"Don't throw stones on the surface of a calm water. Even one insignificant pebble can create a ripple. Not all ripples give a good outcome." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 8, 2020
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"The gloominess gives way. And the heaven sends down the rain. Nice to snuggle in bed ..." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 7, 2020
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"Remember those who you only remember when it suits your time, wants... and demands. Don't you think they too have their own struggles, needs and priorities? Did you ever consider they too have families more needy than your own selfish desires? Then why should you expect others to cater to your whims to satisfy your ego? … just a thought … or so" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 7, 2020
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"My heart is big to help. My means is not enough. But I've given my all!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 7, 2020
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"I joined Loy's Pharmacy, Inc. in 1972, when I decided to get out of Marawi City to move to Iligan City. I was then employed at Eva's Pharmacy under the proprietorship of Nang Perla Yu Garcia to whom I had an excellent rapport with and a loyal-trusted Pharmacy wholesale client of Loy's. I'm very proud of the training and discipline I gained from this family run customer service oriented pharmacy 'where service is best and prices are lowest' which they still hold true. When I left, that's when I studied Pharmacy under the Philippine Veteran Scholarship Program waived to me by my late retired military serviceman father. No one in the management knew as I kept it secret. I considered their management ideal, a model, and I thought, if given the opportunity, I would apply the same entrepreneurial management procedure and policy to my run my own business which didn't materialise. I worked with my profession for a while in Manila until the horizon called. I would never forget the many benefits from the experience I derived working with Loys. It helped a lot with my studies. I was hoping to see Ma'am Loy in Cebu sometime in 1976 when the Federation of Philippine Pharmacists Association Convention was held to which the university I studied in was its primary sponsor and venue. In that convention I represented our college in the Federation of Junior Chapters of the Philippine Pharmacists Association. I spoke about my background in Pharmacy work based on my broader experience while in their employ. I am still wearing that badge of pride having had worked in this firm. I was glad to see Ma'am Loy, the owner, in 2011 when I visited their historical landmark housed under Echiverri Building, corner Quezon Avenue -Echiverri Street, Iligan City which was established in September 22, 1966." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 July 2020
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"When friends care to write, I do treasure their time and love put forth into it. I love reading letters with their own handwriting. It speaks of warmth and lovingness of their person. Electronic letters are cold; void of natural emotion and feelings." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 3, 2020
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"I want to revive the old-fashioned letter writing. These days people rarely write and send letters. Everyone is reliant in technology to transmit their message. Some have forgotten their manners and spelling and, occasionally, grammar (I do sometimes). We don't need expensive writing tools to write letters. We don't need expensive stationeries to write our thoughts on. All we need is a loving heart to convey our minds on a paper, place it inside the envelope and seal it, with a little effort in exercising those lazy limb bones to walk to the post office; and spend a little amount to buy postage stamps, affix it on that envelope with the name and address of the receiver. Then drop it at the post office letter box. That simple." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 3, 2020
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"For the first time, I received a card from a dear friend Shenni. She's a multi-talented lady who sings, composes songs, writes poetry, and stories; yarns lamb wools and loves to paint her home with decorative designs. While busy with her day to day pre-occupations, she squeezed her time to send me a card to let me know what's in her mind and heart: Thinking of You." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 3, 2020
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"It takes some special people who are too willing to give you a go in life in order to succeed." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 2, 2020
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"A memory from her graduation where she waved her hands to us... nag effort to get to where she is ... without bugging her poor parent... hindi kasi uso dito ang Parental Scholarship. You have to break your bones if you want to succeed. Thank you Girl (Lily) for doing yourself proud with some moral support from those closest to your heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 2, 2020
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"If only every one will just overlook the colour of our skin and consider the human spirit in each person more vital, PEACE will be in our MIDST." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 1, 2020
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"Dapat kasi bago ka nag-asawa handa ka sa anumang mga posibleng magaganap sa buhay mo: financially, mentally, socially, intellectually, physically at spiritually. Ang di ko lang nagustuhan sa mga magulang; eh sa mga anak nila ipapasa ang kanilang pagkukulang instead na bigyan nila ng katamtamang panahon ang obligasyon nila kung papaano nila palakihin sa tamang paraan at hubugin sa magandang asal ang kanilang mga anak. The struggle and difficulty of child rearing is part of parental curriculum. They have no right to complain because it's their choice, not their children." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 1, 2020
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"I Welcome our Winter Season! It starts officially today in Australia. Looking forward to see the snow again on the highlands." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 1, 2020
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🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂 M A Y 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
"It's raining. It's cold. I have a feeling that snowfalls on higher grounds is not far away. We're three days away from the official Winter Season. So high carbs and nutritious scrumptiousness should be in order without adding much on the scale." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 29, 2020
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"I miss our Starry night date by the seashore with my late Mother to while away our time while meditating there ... as we watched the silent waves lapping on the sand and looking up to the sky listening to the story of the blinking stars in multitude. Nostalgia mode." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 30, 2020
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"I managed to get some rest and soon will have that left-over soup I made yesterday. It gets dark here too early. Like what I feel about the weather, there's some snow coming on the highlands by next week. I don't mind it early because I'm planning to travel over there. I had seen enough of snow already. And I definitely don't like the melting point. It's when the road becomes dangerous to drive, even if my job is to ride only." ~Leah C. Dancel , May 30, 2020
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"I'm thankful enough that I wake up each day to see the light in the morning. Thank you Lord for keeping me safe." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 29, 2020
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"Having too little is not an excuse to help someone who is genuinely in need... Our late Father taught us to pass the bucket of kindness … Greediness is not a good virtue. Nor taking advantage of the generosity of others." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 29, 2020
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"When you appreciate life you become grateful enough to be thankful. Sadly, it's not a virtue possess by everyone." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020
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"What's the use of the letter box if there's no LETTER COMING? So many love to receive, but could never make an effort to give. Takers outnumbered the givers. The advancement of modern technology makes people lazy." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020
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"The oppressors never published whom they oppressed. But when the oppressed hit back, expect a deluge of broadsheet publications flash around the globe. Ditto with airwaves, and flat screens. Meanwhile, churches or religions preach love, freedom and democracy." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020 on HISTORY
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"Don't judge me by what I don't have or the lack of it. It's enough that I don't envy or beg for alms because I have nothing that you possess." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020
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"Srinivasa Ramanujan, a born genius in Mathematics from India, "who knew infinity" - a very interesting documentary film, a must to watch... WhenI was in high school, it was instilled in the students' mind that once you learn to love and master Mathematics, you would instantaneously excel in all fields of the academics. However, as I was not innately born neither to love nor hate Mathematics, my love for this weakest link of my academic endeavour started to propel when I studied the basics of Mathematics one school summer term at SWU. I would never forget my then college instructress, Mrs. Enriqueta Encarquez, former Miss Aguisanda - if I remember her name right. She sure did help set me off to do well to the finished with my Pharmacy degree. Thank you Ma'am. I do remember you." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020
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"I miss those years where I received letters from different friends all over the world." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 28, 2020
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"Yummy fried Salmon served on a bed of mashed potato along with boiled green Beans, fried Asparagus and a sprinkle of Capers... then finished it off with homemade Kanafeh prepared by my daughter and her husband. That's a hefty spoiling after three long months of separation due to c19 lockdown." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 26, 2020
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"I'm honestly sick of this sheety stuff. Needless, I feel a need to help disseminate favourable information that might save OUR SANITY … After all we do come face to face with all kinds of VIRAL TOXICITIES day in, day out, year after year. And in this life of DOG EAT DOG, SURVIVAL OF THE FETTISH is the name of the game under the administration of human government with a tad of inhumanity somewhere along the line. When I went out to the mountain top one day after an order of easing restrictions was released, boy! I can tell how the people longed for fresh mountain air, let alone of wanting to get out from their prison house!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 26, 2020
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"Dear oh dear!!! Blogspot my darlings, please let me stay in my old blogger format. My old brain cannot cope up with new changes beyond my scope. I love this Golden Thoughts blog and few others I created. I've already lost one original blog which is a personal blog of mine. 😢" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 26, 20207
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"Some quotes are seemly parroted from someone's quote and attributed them to those who dispersed them. Incidental perhaps? Just my observation." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 25, 2020
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"Somebody logged in to my account again without my permission?" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 25, 2020
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"Autumn though sometimes can be cold and dreary also brings out the most beautiful colours of life you'd ever see. Only, if you look somewhere they can be found. And more often than not, they're just right there in your own homeyard." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 24, 2020 on Falling Leaves
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"Reading is a delightful pastime that helps increase knowledge." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 23, 2020
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"This poem was drafted in May 10... It was Mother's Day. I buried my head reading nice and cute delightful books, one of which is my favourite THE FRIENDSHIP BOOK OF FRANCIS GAY of Great Britain. Hello there Mr and Mrs Gay. I always come across beautiful and simple poetry that I find amusing and inspiring. They bring smiles on my face. So I wrote one to say how I feel about them." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 21, 2020.
With verses not long; one liners are best.
Stanzas are trimmed and cut to simpleness
Devoid of pageantry and pompous words.
I love the ones with landscape thoughts;
A portrait only minds can draw or paint.
Instead of pictures, words are inscribed
Designed to amaze, awe and inspire.
I walk along the trail that poets leave
Their stories, like my own, are found on the road of life.
Some are epics of better and mis-spent days
They give lessons to ponder under this covid mess.
Somewhere in between the lines I'm caught
In a trance lost to a forest of all that I believe
Forgetting the time that passes by
I'm soaked, immersed in words of the poets' fare.
Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@2020
All rights reserved
May 10, 2020
Australia
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"Just taking a sneak peak into another hobby I love: Poetry. I love reading. I love writing or scribbling too. There's so much inspiration to keep your mind sane and your head above water in this insane environment at the moment. You don't have to be in the middle of a physical war to become a prisoner. COVIDITY is war itself. No question about that. It has its own UPS AND DOWNS. Surviving this modern holocaust would be a miracle. I believe in Divine Intervention. While a prisoner, let's find something worthwhile to do. I wish it's gardening. But that too gives me some restrictions. I'm thankful still because I live to this day to see another new day. Except that I miss my family especially my grandchildren. I longed to hug and kiss them. It's been a long time so COVID HURRY UP! Get over it!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 21, 2020.
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"This social distancing imperative of COVIDITY, thanks to its creators, has me find time to rekindle my love of cooking. YouTube which is also run by Uncle Google has many splendid talents that show off their culinary expertise including those of amateurs. Yesterday, I have had finally done my FIRST BEEF BOURGUIGNON (Beef Burgundy cooked in red wine) and ICE CREAM BREAD (thank you Donna of SLOW ITALIAN cooking) with much success. I love food. I'm somewhat picky to the extent of its simplicity that gives off good nutrition. I cook and eat with the end goal: NUTRITION. I create my own recipe from scratches. My children and their hubbies appreciate my cooking. That's my trophy. Today, I'm going to cook CHEVON STEW in traditional Filipino way. There are many ways to kill a cat, the saying goes. It's the same with cooking. It varies from region to region with each country having their own name of the recipe that resembles similarity." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 21, 2020
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"Good morning Google, I hope against hope nobody out from the cybersphere did try to attempt my blog account. Thank you for keeping it safe for me. This is the only place where I can pour forth my thoughts in my sacred alone time as my diary or journal, at the same time share the thoughts of those whom I admire most. There are beautiful and good lessons to be learned from their wisdom. Good morning my dear READERS AROUND THE WORLD. Thank you for your visits too. I did not realise this simple blog has reached many countries including those I've never heard before. Please know I appreciate you all!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 21, 2020.
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"When will this covidity end? The sprayers are not done yet?" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 2020
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"I am wondering if there's anyone trying to hack my account? Why after some confirmation and answer to a question and going round about to prove of my ownership that this turn out not to be mine? Who is answerable to this kind of playing games?" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 20, 2020
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🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
"In memory of our late Mother Valentina Manzo-Casis Dancel on her 39th Death Anniversary today. "Grief, I've learned, is really just love. It's all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go." ~Jamie Anderson
"Don't spend too much time for mourning …
Tears are for the sad …
I left to be with Jesus
And may this make you glad."
~Anon
In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death. ~Proverbs 12:28
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Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
Today, Auntie Mary's body will be laid to her final resting place. Her spirit has already been in the bosom of our Maker, the Eternal Home.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
~Psalm 34:18
I happened to dig this story that I would like to dedicate to her, my own late mother and all those mothers who in their time on earth mentored, nurtured and guided their children as they journey through life passing all the elements of weather and incredible challenges and trials they have survived together.
A DEDICATORY POEM FOR AUNTIE MARY
For those lucky to still be blessed with your Mom, this is beautiful. For those of us who aren't, this is even more beautiful. For those who are moms, you'll love this:
MOTHER
The young mother set her foot on the path of life.
'Is this the long way?' she asked.
And the guide said:
'Yes, and the way is hard
And you will be old before you reach the end of it..
But the end will be better than the beginning.'
But the young mother was happy,
And she would not believe
That anything could be better than these years.
So she played with her children,
And gathered flowers for them along the way,
And bathed them in the clear streams;
And the sun shone on them,
And the young Mother cried,
'Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.'
Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark,
And the children shook with fear and cold,
And the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle.
And the children said,
'Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come.'
And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead,
And the children climbed and grew weary,
And the mother was weary.
But at all times she said to the children,
'A little patience and we are there.'
So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said,
'Mother, we would not have done it without you.'
And the mother, when she lay down at night
Looked up at the stars and said,
'This is a better day than the last,
For my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness.
Yesterday I gave them courage.
Today, I've given them strength.'
And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth,
Clouds of war and hate and evil,
And the children groped and stumbled,
And the mother said:
'Look up. Lift your eyes to the light.'
And it guided them beyond the darkness.
And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years,
And the mother grew old and she was little and bent.
But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage.
And when the way was rough, they lifted her,
For she was as light as a feather;
And at last they came to a hill,
And mother said:
'I have reached the end of my journey.
And now I know the end is better than the beginning,
For my children can walk alone, and their children after them.'
And the children said:
'You will always walk with us.
She went on alone, and the gates closed after her.
And they said:
'We cannot see her but she is with us still.'
Author Anon
Philippians 3:20-21 New King James Version (NKJV)
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
@LCD/May 16, 2020
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"There were moments I've navigated a touch of escapism from the sad reality of life where death becomes incomprehensible in the hands of time. Adieu Auntie Mary. Till we meet again." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 12, 2020
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⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️
"Life is short. There is no time to leave important words unsaid." ~Journey to Peace
MY PROFOUND TRIBUTE TO AUNTIE MARY M. CASIS, RIP, (May 26, 1929 - May 11, 2020)
Your journey was long to get this far Auntie Mary. I guess our Dear Creator has seen you struggling as you lifted your feet to make another step further into these uncertain times biblically known as The End Times. Just as I greeted you a Happy Mother's Day yesterday in addendum to my Sunday wishes for the same, little have I known it was my last.
Thankfully God took your spirit as you silently breathed out your last breath while you were peacefully asleep. He removed your pain and your suffering ended.
It is for us, the living, who will pick up the pieces of the legacy that you've left behind as we continue our own journey till we, too, succumb to the end. I will dearly and fondly remember the best unforgettable lessons you impacted on me since the day I was finally reconnected to you as a young adult.
That lessons were RESILIENCE, INDUSTRY, HUMILITY, THOUGHFULNESS, GENEROSITY, and above all, SIMPLICITY.
As I watched you silently, you showed me how life was to be confronted with straightforward honesty, realistically and hard work. I never heard you complain, murmur, and looking disgruntled for anything that were of trivial matters. You just went on about your business of the daily routine of life. You were up as the dawn lifted its blinds like a wink, and you were home just as when the sun went down to its nest. You were tired but it never showed. You have a relentless store of strength, fortitude and power to execute your responsibility towards your family.
In your absence in the homefront, I remember well how the boys, my dear cousins, carried on their duty that you delegated to them with equal quietude as you.
I do so admire you Auntie without you knowing it. I am ashamed of my own shortcomings towards you. My own life then was lived in a maze itself and I was lost.
I thank God for being able to get re-united with you last October 2011 with my younger sister Priscilla Bierbaum. Thank you for still remembering me at that time. How you amazed me with your very sharp memory. I apologise to those whom I didn't make to meet as it was the only opportunity for me to see that part of our country.
The curtain has fallen on you Auntie. As the day is dying in the west, so is the end has come for you to be no longer with your loved ones on earth. It was a truly remarkable journey you've treaded in life. You were a successful Woman and Wife and Mother! I bid, yet, another farewell to a BEAUTIFUL SOUL which in silence is genuinely very DEAR to my heart.
TO MY COUSINS, YOUR WIVES AND FAMILY and to all posterity of our late Uncle Alejo Manzo Casis, on behalf of my family, I humbly convey our profound and heartfelt CONDOLENCE to the sudden demise of Auntie Mary. May her soul REST IN PEACE.
LCD/12 May 2020
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"Wine, Women and Song... and Hershey's chocolates (thanks to Ellen Zaragoza), but when a woman gets hold of a wine, she can still be creative on how and what to do with it without getting hooked and not losing her composure, let alone her decorum. So I concocted my own Sangria version as Shiraz (Vinatero Grampians) is too heavy for me. I simply added a dash of Lime infused mineral water and Apple, Pine and Coconut cordial. That's my Indulgence 102 post Mother's Day celebration." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11, 2020
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"The falsity of what media is feeding has been truly embraced by most... without giving a thought of its implications. But who really listens to Noah's warning? When each catastrophe strikes, they have the gall to say, 'if there is God, why would He let this happen?' And why not? How many times are we hit by misfortunes, curses, calamities of epic proportions? This world is overloaded with dramatic scripts only satan knows what he is doing. This era of human destructions is his time. It won't diminish, sadly, at the expense of our children." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11, 2020
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"Flowers are one of the joys of my life." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11, 2020
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"This is what I love about music. You've got to see unique variety of musical instruments you've never seen before." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2020
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"I do love being a Grandma. For me, it's the best job in the world. It's very special to me having to experience grandmotherhood starting at the age of 60. Two more after that, at 64 then at 68 over. By the time the latest addition will turn one year old, I will be in my 70. I'm more than proud of this achievement as the thrills and excitements and adventures keep unfolding in my twilights with those sprinkles and twinkles from these innocent stars of my life." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2020
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"I can't LOVE my children enough especially my 3 fantastic grandchildren ... who started coming when I was 60." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2020
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"I just want to THANK THE LORD FOR THE BLESSINGS FLOW. They come by the KILO OF KINDNESS including a brand new warm blanket for a Happy Mother's Day! The Dorcas Ladies are very special in serving humanity." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 8, 2020
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"This covid quarantine is not bad at all! It gives me time to watch cooking shows on videos. There are three recipes I'm dying to prepare for my family when the time comes that all these chaos will stop and allow us to live our normal life. I can't wait for my family and I to get together so I can bombard them with my kitchen spoilings. For now I will keep it a secret, but one thing sure it's gonna be Greecey !!!! Bon apetit!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 3, 2020
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"Happy Birthday Tessie. Just to let you know how grateful I am for all your love and support for my family regardless of weather. You're very much in my thoughts and in my heart. Many Happy Returns of the Day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 3, 2020
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"Woke up from a long nap at 3.58pm to find there's no power. So I put all switches down." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 2, 2020
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🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋 A P R I L 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
"How would we know if this covidity mess is a product of insane minds? That justifies this thought provoking verse." ~Leah C. Dancel, On shadowlands' ode. April 30, 2020
Save your sanity
Don’t trust all that you hear
Or believe all that you see
Be judicious with what you accept
Aware of all the circumstances
And considerate of all that is pertinent.
Trust your inner soul."
@Shadowlands
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"In silence I find time to ruminate. My solitary confinement has been my place of refuge." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 30, 2020
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"Each storm we encountered, we just slept through until it subsided. Then I would get up to patiently wait for the dawn to come and for the sunrise to burst." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 30, 2020, a letter to my family
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"Sometimes the intelligence of a person is not measured by his academic achievements. The knowledge he gained from the academe which he applies in life, in his leadership, in his day to day undertaking with a common sense broadens his wisdom through experience." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 28, 2020
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"I woke up past 6am. I rose to watch the eastern sky from my kitchen window. It looked subdued and forlorn with the slow emergence of the soft glow of sunrise; I paused in retrospection. Even the trees were unmoved, and everything in them was still. The surrounding seemed eerie. It was extraordinarily peaceful, solemn and tranquil. A plethora of thoughts filled my mind as I was picking my momentum in silence. Then I went back to bed and read a book of verses written by Jackie French: WHEN THE WAR IS OVER... As I was reading, I noticed how each verse segment represents an historic era of war time zone where ANZAC soldiers went to fight the battles for other nations. I was moved to tears in admiration for how much they sacrificed by laying their lives for the sake of helping their "friends" far away from home, away from their loved ones who too suffered with longings from their long absence. A wave of introspection followed as I realised that these wars for all purposes and intents remained ongoing. They never end. There seems to be no peace in place, not even in the hearts of men. It's all hell let loose! Today, the world is battling a new conflict. We see people in the front lines but none of them is seen behind the enemy line. It's a war between flesh and spirit, a real bad spirit, for the enemy though monstrous in conquering peoples' lives, is interestingly invisible. How could you aim your weapon to millions of destructive microbes of droplets released in the air with formidable horns portrayed by bombs? In global scale? World leaders conceded there is a war. World War III? Albert Einstein the renown physicist said, "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." Wasn't he right? Really he should know if he considered himself a Christian believer. Cast that thought away. Today on reflection, I am remembering our noble men who fought those wars in their true valiant spirit of bravery, fighting against the enemies of the allies. I'm also attributing this in memory of my own Father, who served two wars back home in his time as a guerrila (unrecognised by the government ) during WW2 and, the Korean War. 'We will remember them. Lest We Forget.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 25, 2020 in remembrance of ANZAC DAY!
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"When you are rich, very rich, but you die of the virus - can only mean that death is no respecter of money, nobility, prestige, fame and power . In this virulent environment, you die alone with only one thing you want to hold your life on, the most important element for survival: air to breathe. You suffer silently with excruciating pain in isolation, with no one else by your side except the doctor, or nurse perhaps; and not even your own wealth can rescue you from perishing. Is this the way the day of our reckoning comes to us?" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 24, 2020
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"I am indeed very grateful for my blessings that come in three! The ones that fill my empty world. How I miss them all! I long to hug them, kiss them, squeeze them, hold them tight, play with them, watch them grow every day, and talk to them. This poor old Lola has been forbidden to travel to see them, visit them, and be with them. That's all because covid19 is messing up our family togetherness. Covid's family is ruthless, unmerciful, and never ever a loving kind; without compassion. I wonder how their destructive creators and their families are feeling and thinking today?" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 24, 2020 On grandchildren
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Praise GOD For Whom All Blessings Flow"When someone is tender at heart
And generous in spirit
When someone is thoughful
For things you can't do
Saved me from trouble
Brought by this cv crisis
A respite from worries
She offered me a relief.
Thank you for these blessings over-flowing."
Copyright @LEAH C DANCEL
All rights reserved
Australia
April 23, 2020
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"My personal tribute to the demise of Ate Wilhelmina "Bebs" Martinez-Dancel, who passed away last April 15, 2020 in Davao. I was privileged to attend the mini reunion of the prominent DANCELs family in Davao last November 30, 2019 and met some members who gathered at Mac Arquiza's residence. Not long before that, Mama Emily Rose Harris Murphy went to meet our Maker too. Mama Emily is our old neighbour at Goorawin Rd, Orange (circa 1987-1994). My deepest Condolence to the bereaved families from my family to yours."
Don't cry for me. I will be okay.Also In memory of my parents and siblings: Papang, Mamang, Toto (Jacob - eldest, 2004), Lolong (Samuel - youngest, 2018 ), Bebe (Ruth - third, 2019) and Dodong (Benjamin - fourth, 2020).
Heaven is my home now, and this is where I'll stay.
Don't cry for me. I'm where I belong.
I want you to be happy and try to stay strong.
Don't cry for me. It was just my time,
But I will see you someday on the other side.
Don't cry for me. I am not alone.
The angels are with me to welcome me home.
Don't cry for me, I have no fear.
All my pain is gone, and Jesus took my tears.
Don't cry for me. This is not the end.
I'll be waiting here for you when we meet again.
~Author Anon
~Leah C. Dancel, April 23, 2020 In Memoriam
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"My friend Susan commented that this covid pandemic has turned me into a baker. Well, I baked a simple Butter cake that comes from a box. When done, it tastes more like a Sponge Cake .. I'm happy enough at least there's something I can nibble. Sugar is mode lifter. I don't like icing so I simply made a shortcut. I sprinkle some icing sugar on top of the cake. Voila!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 23, 2020
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"Meanwhile, Marco sent me another drawing of his new Fly Fly the Butterfly.🦋🦋 via Mum Noemi. How I love my little boy!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 23, 2020
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"In many places we'd lived before, we always have a garden whether front or back or both. Then as I went through a rummage, this is what I found. I have no way of identifying the writer who left this on our mailbox one day, long ago. Inside the envelope were packets of floral seeds. Seeds that humbled me... for later on, they flourished and added beauty in my humble garden." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 23, 2020
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"I was hit by this simple truth that Wake Up World nudged as a gentle reminder to us,
'The space in your mind is too valuable and precious to fill it with nonsense.'Indeed that's what's filling most of our social media these days: sickening politics going on in the wrong directions contriving to more confusion amongst the remnants of the arguing morons, rantings of personal rancour with a sly agenda as a bait to hook unsuspecting good Samaritans, and the spreading of misinformation and disinformation which is too overwhelming to deal with. The worldwide web via this medium has become the storehouse of all kinds of pollutants. So back to my normal world with simple books to peruse and extract few inspirational here and there to share makes my time worthwhile." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 23, 2020
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"Big houses never appeal to me. Too much to clean. I admire their grandeur though." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 23, 2020
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"Last night I went through my photo gallery to find a picture I took long ago from the rubbles of scraps and scribbles I kept in my Treasure Box for years; I'm a hoarder by some measure. Having been reconnected to some of our old neighbours in the past, whose children were still young, but bit older than my own, with fascinating memories of us especially about our garden; I find this personal note below (I made into a quote) amazing that brought a big smile on my face. I was momentarily in a deep trance being transported back in time where memories were set in that period from our former residence at Pimpala, Orange. I have no clue who owns the envelope and who put it inside our street mailbox. It has a handwritten note at the back with addendum below it "Gift inside" which was some little packets of floral seeds. Even blessings come handy from the humble seeds that truly humbled me for the unexpected kindness of someone I can't even identify. Whoever among of our neighbours you generous giver is, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sorry that this comes late. I'm not even sure if you could read this little attribute for you. God is good!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 20, 2020
"Every day on the way to work I enjoy the sight of your beautiful garden. Keep up the good work." ~Anon neighbour
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"This is the life of a Soloist. You play the music, you sing your song, you dance on your own tune like it's death do I part." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 17, 2020
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"I am sick. I miss my freedom. Freedom to enjoy the fresh air in a limitless space. Freedom to smell the salty air from the sea and ocean. Freedom to wander off in the vast wilderness and get lost to experience and explore the secret of the mountains and go for a careless adventure what's in the forest and beyond the caves of wonders of nature that hide there. I miss the bubbling sound of the creeks, the silent way of the rivers and the mystery of the spring. I miss the barren countryside full of dust in summer but green on rainy days regardless of the season. I miss the hissing waves of the wild grasses, the drooping curtains of the heavy branches and twigs laden with thickets of leaves of any colours of life. I miss the skipping thuds of the wallabies and kangaroos frolicking in the rocky hills chilling in their never ending nibbling state staring in curiosity each time I aim my camera at them. They pause, they watch me and unmindful of my business and just hop away. I miss the sound of the chirpy birds who come and go, flocking on the branches of my backyard trees. I want my freedom back. I hate the new shitty normal. Who brought this mess upon us?" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 17, 2020
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"Raising kids is a no easy feat, if you take it that way instead of a calling. It takes a tough mother to survive by outsmarting their smart-aleck kids. But I admire mothers who can do it with firmness and gentleness, yet, no nonsense approach to doing their job. I admire them more if they possess a humorous tone to put their hard-shelled kids in place. I love it better if your child will give you the highest distinction of being "AS TOUGH AS A WARRIOR, BUT LOVING AS A LION"parental report. Boy! That stoked me to bits! My eldest would have something to look back when her own daughter will turn into a teenage sweet, still at a far off distance yet." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 16, 2020
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"My mother told me that "beautiful hands are the hands that work", a passage she learned from reading. Apparently, she detested young girls who were whimsicals in my time as a growing teen." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 16, 2020
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"It's global trending by the demo-libs Mate! All countries ruled by them are in a big-time mess. Those who step-up after them have a hard time cleaning up their never ending messes5." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 15, 2020 on Ron Hasting's "freely elected government not one purchased by the oligarchs)
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"Being alone is comforting with no pesky elements of the society bugging my peaceful existence." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 13, 2020
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"Please accept my belated Condolence for the untimely demise of your hubby. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet him in person when I was there during Liam's 3rd birthday. May you find comfort and solace in the presence of the Lord knowing that your better-half is now at rest with our Creator free from pain and suffering. And with your children's help, you'll continue your journey in life with courage and strength." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 12, 2020 a message to Mrs. Vilma Pido, Myra Pido Occena's dearest mother.
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"People in the area are like ghosts. You will only know they existed if you see an Ambulance." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 8, 2020 when neighbours are hardly seen
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"I saw Paramedics and ladies (wearing masks) in the courtyard ... oh dear ... what could it be? Ambulance vehicle has always frequented our area, but at this time? One can only make a guess." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 8, 2020 while Sydney is in lock down and residents under home quarantine due to covid19.
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"I just remember an old neighbour having a conversation with a cop, whom she asked: why? Is our law made to defend the criminals? To which the guy replied: yes! She then rest her case." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 8, 2020 on GP walking free (April 7... the highest court quashed his case of "what" abuse)
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"Fingers are fingers. Their main functions on keyboards are dot dot-ting every key. Outside the keyboard, it's all about pointing at each other." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 6, 2020
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"Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one." ~Robert E. Lee"The quote above makes me stop and ponder. How do we make friends? What motivates us to have and keep a friend? Do you really have to have vested interests as to why you should befriend a person? Can just people be friends for friendship sake? True we need friends for 'No man is an island.' But why can't people let nature takes its course without hidden agenda involved in friendship?" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 2, 2020
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There's a distance between me and my space. It's even SOCIAL! Epic !!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 1, 2020
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"Make your own funeral, so the saying goes to those who stay obstinate to the law of staying 4th to avoid spreading the virus. There must be something beyond the grave that made some leaders shuddered about this virus which no ordinary layman will ever comprehend. Hello COVID19!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 1, 2020
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🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒 MARCH 🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒
"I'm going to wear gloves each time I go shopping to make sure I won't leave a trace of germs. Hello OCD!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 29, 2020
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"The world is in a standstill. An unseen hand has pushed the PAUSE button.
Is anybody HOME?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 March 2020
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"This is a documented proof that cv brings goodness and the best in people. This is beyond showing off. I am so touched by the kindness and generosity of someone I know. I can't thank you enough. God bless your heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 27, 2020 on Blessings received
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"There's so much the cv crisis has taught us. It's one of God's way' to remind us that HE IS IN CHARGE of this WORLD we live in. After all HE IS THE CREATOR and we are HIS creation." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 27, 2020
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"Some plants coy away once damaged. They can be sensitive. Even my new shoots of lemon grass was done by them (gardeners). It took a long while for them to grow. Now these irresponsible or ignorant gardeners cleaned them up again." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 27, 2020
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"Onions are local home anti bacterial agents found in your humble kitchen. That is why they are called Nature's Antibiotics." ~Leah C. Dancel, mental note on Pharmacognosy, March 27, 2020
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"Oh MAN, the mongrels (gardeners) did it again! They cut off (by whipper snipper) my sweet potato stems from my garden bed thinking they were weeds." ~Leah . Dancel, March 27, 2020
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"ISO-LAT-ION-ISM"
Let's break it down:
Iso - equal
Lat - from the word late - meaning behind
Ion - atom or molecule with plus and negative electron
Ism - philosophy or system
Atom - an extremely small amount of something.
Therefore: ISOLATIONISM, in apolitical point of view, stands behind a system that is equal to an atom, the tiniest particle of matter that exist. In the case of Corona Virus, a deadly particle content in this chemical weapon precludes the society to come together lest the contagion will hasten its effectiveness faster by micro seconds.
My view based on my personal philosophy."
~Leah C. Dancel, March 27, 2020
"Two big time events that affected the whole globe: GFC in 2008 and now CV. TIME for RECKONING?" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 25, 2020
"My pastime when I was in my home country was to find a solitary shady tree to unwind from the mundane grind of daily life. It's soothing and relaxing." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 25, 2020 on Forest therapy
"What God has given men for free, men charge it for a fee." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 24, 2020 on Air we breatheeeee
"Moment of truth : no rice and most bare necessities found in two supermarkets are nil. Incredibly impossible how shelves get empty in a span of one month since panic buying begun. Wow!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 24, 2020
"Truth is I'm really lazy going out. But I need foodie. I long for fresh veggies to cook in the comfort of my little kitchen." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 24, 2020
"Perhaps this CV will also teach us not to waste our abundance. Austerity should be practiced as there are billions out there who go and live without food, let alone have bare essentials to which many have the privilege to live in comfort and still feel discontented, keep ranting and whingeing. Their complaints never seem to end." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 23, 2020
"Every year there is always a new haberdashery of virus strain introduced to alert the people. They created vaccines. Now the sensationalism of cv has been largely intensified ... in my curious mind, is it because it purportedly originated from china? I've read articles of 17 questions raised for this topic alone. Not long ago, someone posted a long list of annual virus strains that were supposed to be deadly.... So expect to have another explosion coming from nowhere... They alł sound scary, but we know whom to really fear and run to hide for our protection. I always believe in divine intervention." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 22, 2020
"Not far-fetched at all regardless who did it. Someone gave an idea, another someone outsmarted that idea. Unfortunately, the blame game will never cease as it was in the beginning that it happened. Prophecy is prophecy. The mind boggling started rolling because the prophecy was not specific as to who would do it!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 20, 2020 On Muammar Gaddafi's quote: "They will create the viruses … and sell you the antidotes. Thereafter, they will pretend to take time to find the solution when they already have it."
"I did remember reading something that such virulent virus was also under research study conducted somewhere in northern hemisphere by oriental scientists. The news are getting quite a spin off these days. Welcome to the era of destructive knowledge." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 20, 2020 on virus comment reply to Teresita Sy Giok Liong Virological Research comment
"With cv having only a molecule of victims died, yet, declared as pandemic ... I consider that as a joke. However, I will not discount the fact that it brings out good benefits too -such as re-enforcement of health and sanitation, discipline, looking out for those slow and aged who need help (brother's keeper), learning new languages (slang, idioms etc) ... far too many to name. There's always the bright side of life to look into in spite of darkness and gloom." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
"When 'worries about unknowns still loom and confidence surge up high' … what more inspiration or motivation our farmers need?" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020 on farming under good weather with substantial rainfall to quench the drought
"The abnormal sudden high rise cost of commodities and essentials are mainly 'the cause and effect of Law of Supply and Demand' exacerbated by a stupid supposed man-made covid for eco sabotage?" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
"Somewhere it has been reported that 104 cv related deaths against thousands who died years before of potent flu virus with nil story being sensationalised - and this molecular number becomes pandemic. What a dyok!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
"Positive things happen when everything looks negative." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
"'Nothing beats like soap and water as best cleaning agents.' Who can forget my Pharmacy College Instructress, Mrs. Cecilia Tapalla of SWU, Cebu City circa 1976. She's my ideal mentor, an advocator of Simplicity and Moral Ethics." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020 (As I am re-writing this, I googled her name and her Obituary appeared: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/riverside-ca/cecilia-tapalla-7092841. My deepest sorrow to learn of your demise Ma'am. You've been always in my heart. You're one Unforgettable Special Person in my life I ever met. To your beloved family, I am sincerely conveying my belated Condolence! 😢) and
"Market crash and CV... they came in tandem. Coincidence?
Global LOCKDOWN. The world has touched the key: RESET!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
"If supposing CV is man-made and airborne, shall we look up the sky and see what's up in there? One might see an IDEA written by a jetstream." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
"Today and every day we are truly grateful for your sacrifices. You are loved and prayed for everyday." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 15, 2020 on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, a fearless, uncompromising leader of the Philippines
"So at the height of this COVID19 and the desperate measures too late to contain, it seems that 'mankind is locking the gates after the horse has fled the pasture?'. Got to love this idiom." ~Leah C. Dancel, March15, 2020
"Whatever, whether the world is melting, CV spreading, the atmosphere is geo-engineered, war keeps going, fear mongering is the order of the day ... whatever …
For as long as my beautiful Bamboo continues to grow at leisure I AM HAPPY!
By the way, this bamboo definitely did not come from China. It's a gift from a very special lady from Canada." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 11, 2020 on Chinese Bamboo
"Very sad this happens to Australia. Yes, not only the toilet rolls and all things tissue are gone from the shelves, but also toiletries. Almost empty. Thankfully they left me some food to buy so I can eat! For a week last week, I thrive on porridge and sausages I kept in the fridge. I dared not going out especially because it rained cats and dogs almost the whole week." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 11, 2020 on Toilet Paper frenzy and Panic Buying
"Some facts are hidden behind a fiction." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 11, 2020 on Facts and Fiction
"In the early 1960's somewhere in Lanao, there was an epidemic outbreak of Cholera. Sadly, it was the majority of our Muslim brothers who were hardly hit by. The local government through its HEALTH DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY MOBILISED ITS TEAM and the whole COMMUNITY was urged to observe and practice HEALTH and SANITATION. CLEANLINESS was its prime wheel for the people so as not to run dry aground. It's quick thinking with common sense and soon it was all well. Proudly I would say, that the town where I spent my childhood was honestly well-governed and everyone, Muslim and Christian alike, made our place clean and liveable. There was indeed a tremendous harmony and peace among the people. I miss the old KAROMATAN." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 11, 2020 on Healthy Living
"I was on XPT Train to Canberra last month. Somewhere along the way, an un-Asian lady boarded and sat next to me. She was sneezing, had a stuffy nose, and always coughing .. It was when the CV started to go rife in Australia. All was quiet including me. I wonder if it was me who was in her position, what would be my fellow passengers do to me? …My friend and hubby travelled from Queensland to NSW. Her hubby was in the same predicament as my seatmate on the train. The passengers demanded to the Driver to let him out of the bus afraid that the poor guy was carrying CV. The kind DRIVER told them he couldn't do that. Instead, he went to the sick fellow and gave him massage on his back. The poor man felt better, and they continued their journey. … All is well that ends well. …By the way, the poor Guy is a true blue Ozzie." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 11, 2020 on CV and the Passengers
We're now into Fall! It begins with a rain." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 5, 2020 on Season Change
"My time is up worrying about body consciousness. Let's embrace old age with grace. Fact! Else, you'll be miserable. And I don't want to be miserable. I'd rather be powerful!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 4, 2020
"I don't know. I personally don't like the idea of overstocking my whole system with medications. I go for water and prayers. All that's enough for me. She's making herself clear about knowing what to do by employing the most common denominator called SENSE. And her facts of truth are straightforward. Too much idolatry taking every letter of the news which these days are more of Run on the Mill stories than facts have its own downturn. So the upheavals worsen. In Australia we now have Panic Buying going on. Of all the articles that is subject to controversy is the ridiculous TOILET PAPER. There! Why? It's the effect of sensationalism. Keyword? PANDEMIC! Who runs it? The news. Right or wrong." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 5, 2020, Common Sense on CORONA VIRUS - Begin With Yes shared blog
"If what we hope for or desire can't be attained due to impossibility or lack of opportunity, you may do WOOLGATHERING." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 3, 2020
"I feel devastated looking at those burnt houses down to the ground in Mallacoota and the enormous coverage of fire that razed the woodlands. As you drive pass the highway, all trees stand naked and the inner soul of the forest is visible. No wildlife moving, no birds in sight and what else!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 3, 2020 during my recent visit to Far South...
🎒🎒🎒 FEBRUARY 🎒🎒🎒
"My strength is: I'm kind but not naive." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 28, 2020
"The beautiful hands are the hands that work" ; my late Mother said. Ako mga kamot tadtad ug trabaho, yet my usa nako ka iyaan who had the temerity to tell me that my hands are the hands of a Princess. Kalma lang to manginsulto. But not to her own nga sobra pa sa raynang dukha. Some words of other people are just unforgettable." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 26, 2020
"Kung may dahon ng saging mas mabuti. I did it and let my Ozzie brethren tasted it, they said it's so yummy! Lucky they have outdoor dirty kitchen so mas masarap dahil I baked the fish in between the live ember..." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 26, 2020 on open grilled/baked fish stuffed with chopped onion, tomatoes, ginger and garlic, with tamarind based powder, salt and paper. Baste it with butter before wrapping and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked.
"I'd been a Relief Caregiver once in my life to two elderlies in their 90's. I absolutely loved them both having two oceanic behavioural contrasts. One was a larrikin, the other was like a porcelain. Love the memory of them." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 26, 2020
"My children did have the habit picking wild flowers growing on the ground when they were little. It was a sweet thought from their blissful hearts. That was their afternoon activity after school as they walked home." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 25, 2020 on children gift giving to parents even little flowers
"Aloneness is a pastime too that you can turn into passion." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 25, 2020
"Reminiscing of what happened today, 6-years ago in February 23, 2014 ! It happens that today is our twin siblings birthday!" ~Leah Dancel, February 23, 2020
"Happy Birthday Neneng and Nonoy. There was a great commotion at home when you were born. As the word spread out like fire in the neighbourhood, many people came to pay tribute to your twinbirth by homebirthing in Patag, Cagayan de Oro. I had never seen a crowd like that in my whole life just to satisfy people's curiosity about the birth of a twin. It was very rare in those days. Added to that historic birth, my Father was instructed by Old Kumadrona who was present along with the Philippine Army Hospital Nurse and Doctor to dispose the placentas separately passing through different doors. It's a local customs based on superstitious belief, I have no idea about. I was 6 years old then with a vivid memory to recount on this eventful day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 23, 2020
"The amazing grace of verdant green countryside in spite of the burning bushes around the areas. Passing through Bega, the Big Cheese Country." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2020 on countryside scenery of the Far South Coast mountains on my way home to the city by NSW Trainlink Coach
"Adieu Sapphire Coast. I will surely gonna miss you! In spite of the bushfires that swallowed the wildlife, life goes on. As always you fight hard, you thrive well. You get up fast and quick, dust off the ashes and go. For those who lost their homes, may God provide you with better ones." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2020. My home away from home visit ends today.
"The first commercial airplane I flew with on my first trip Down Under! I loved the experience! Excellent service then: Friendly, helpful and warm staff. Circa 1987." ~Leah C. Dancel, On Philippine Airlines February 20, 2020
"It's okay to admire things on earth. Just don't die to own them unless you can really, really afford." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 19, 2020 on finer things in life
"Beautiful sunrise.... After an overnight refreshing rain. Excellent compliment to a peaceful quiet place. The serene and tranquil ambience makes it conducive to contented living. A Country Practice." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 18, 2020 on Sunrise at Wonboyn Lake
"That sweet refreshing rain...
A smell of the country
Fresh from the bushfires
Is a little green paradise
With a leap of faith
God has protected.
Only if you believed!"
@Leah C. Dancel,
February 13, 2020
Wonboyn Lake NSW
"From this point of the Nature's Reserve (Greenglade - Nadgee Nature Reserve), the fire spread faster by 300 km up to the border of Victoria with wind as the catalyst. If the wind didn't change direction, the bushfires around these areas would have burned down the whole town and nearby places. The wooded areas from my friend's house towards the highway and half-way through town were badly razed by these fires with few houses far in-between charred to the ground. Then, along came the rain... and some parts of these burned areas quickly recovered with the appearance of new growths of ferns and some spurts of organisms growing along the trunks and branches of the burnt trees. It's kind of the soul of the trees were killes and their spirits came back to life. Visibles are the naked innards and entrails of the forest, with no living faunas in sight, nor the fowls in the trees. Even the most common Wallabies (grey-coloured kangaroos) are nowhere to be found. I miss them as they used to be permanent habitues in my friend's yard." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 13, 2020 on my Wonboyn Lake recent visit
"'Sunrise on the rice fields the gay Maya is singing.' Who remember this song? Another nostalgic moment somewhere in Bacolod Farm. What a lovely morning to behold my eyes to see the ricefields newly planted for the next harvest. Peace and serenity captured my heart at this very moment as I surveyed the quietude of the place. I longed for home... Eternal home as peaceful as this where life goes on for some..." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 9, 2020 on Philippine Nostalgic 101 post
"I wish I knew this before! Mandaue was my favourite place to hang out where I spent my quietude, a week before my exams (I studied in the city circa 1974). It's highly recommended that every place with historical significance should be landmarked with a plaque embossed with brief historical note. That will help our tourists understand and appreciate our country better. Yes, Mandaue is a hub of commerce and trading even in my time. Nostagic memory there." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 9, 2020
"Reminiscing some moments with my first grandchild as to when she was little, circa 2012 … from my journal.
"I grew up surrounded with tomato plants. Not only for food, but as a "snack food" as well. I especially love making my own fresh tomato juice." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 8, 2020 on Tomatoes
"An Italian friend taught me how to prepare fresh homemade tomato sauce. It's guaranteed yummy. It requires time, love and patience." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 8, 2020 on Tomatoes for liver detox
"The weather softens abit. I managed a mileage of walking without hurting my knees, legs, and ego. Great to ward off depression. And Mang Marko 's train I was on ran fast like a rabbit that I got home in no time. And I feel it's time to have a sip of little sparkling white wine. Who's with me? Pasikat blue!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2020 on Claire Creek Sparkling Moscato Rosa
"Sa ilang kalaug ug pagkaon
Pati tawo halos ilang kaonon
Bisan usa way gipasaylo
Sa ngalan sa negosyo ilang gihaylo
Mga tawo madato ug makabos
Sa way pagkakontento, sila ra ang nag-antus."
~Leah C. Dancel,
Feb 1, 2020 on Coronavirus
🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒JANUARY🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒
"My girls are enough Piglets I need during my own Difficult Days, as I am with theirs. Though we don't exactly sitting beside each other, a phone call away will do. It helps to have supportive and understanding family who loves you." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 31, 2020 on Difficult Days - Babyology Speech Pathologist
"When Ozzies do their BEAT, there's NO HOLDS BAR. Some people out there are still sporting their BACKWATER views and opinions over trivial matters." ~Leah C. Dancel On Sky Watch News, January 30, 2020
"The stars are busy swooning over the moon. With your simple beauty and elegance, only You can own!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 30, 2020 on Danelle Joy.
"My girls are tea drinkers and into frenetic health madness ..." ~Leah C. Dancel. January 30, 2020
"Hey it's getting popular... lots of new things are going on out in the west. Some paddocks are gone. So are the old gum trees. And I'm sad because we used to pass by those old green old-fashioned countryside for all their idyllic beauty all gone in the name of progress. You would never imagine how far the city is growing as it's expanding north, south and west." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 30, 2020 on aerotropolis.
"Books are the only wealth and treasure no one can steal from you. Hence in Iraq the Book Stores leave their stocks uncovered in open places because it is believed nobody would be interested to steal them away." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 30, 2020
"The culture of appreciation has been devalued. It's all about I WANT ...." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 27, 2020
"Traffic wouldn't be that bad if there's a regulated Traffic Law strictly imposed. Every one seems to be in charge of the road like it's their own private thoroughfare. There never was any discipline and respect amongst the people to the authorities. Chaos was everywhere. And road accident involving children was the order of the day." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 22, 2020, I witness at Iligan City (December 2019)
"PARRAMATTA RIVER"
Quiet, silent movement
Gently blown by the breeze
Brownian theory speaks
Above the aquatic surface.
Rhodes by the bay
Looking far away
In one moment slip
Letting sadness go…
~Leah C. Dancel
January 15, 2020
"IN THE DEAD OF SUMMER"
Nothing green.
Nothing verdant.
Nothing vibrant.
Rhodes.
Lifeless.
Dryness.
Drought.
Summer is dead.
~Leah C. Dancel
January 15, 2020
"I've never seen one like this before as undomesticated marsupials are known to be wild when you get near them. The calamity has made them meek and mild and surprisingly they go near any humans for help by instinct. How lovely! They are generally camera friendly at a safe distance." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 12, 2020 on A mob of kangaroo with a NSW Police Officer (from the *photo taken earlier this week at Holiday Haven Lake Conjola courtesy by NSW POLICE FORCE)
"2020 - Definitely someone in my family didn't make it.
Adieu my Brother Ben. Till the stars will shine again in my cosmos.
Thanks for a new lesson you left on earth." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 12, 2020
"The recent tragedy within my dysfunctional family has me in contemplation: Our Father was far from perfect, at least before his last hour came, he was attended and cared for by his wife and those that remained around him with dignity and respect. Prior to his bid from this temporal world, he was being prayed over by the church brethren. Hatred wreak havoc and that which prevailed in the hearts of those that my brother hurt from his consequential reactions due to frustrations and desperations against his wife and family. I would never blame him." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 12, 2020
"It took long years for the authorities to recognize this certain individual differences with children. Oftentimes they're left out and deprived and bullied and highly criticised. Most humans including those surrounding them have less capability to show compassion let alone patience in dealing with them. Most autistic children are actually sharp and talented. Its just a matter of exploring their world with love and understanding." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 10, 2020 on AUTISM
"I knew he (my brother) was in his helpless state when I told him I was going back home to Australia. My anger was beyond contempt that I haven't properly addressed. I'm trying to step back... but for how long? The letter he (my brother) wrote, the scenario I saw, and the behavior of those people surrounding him was distinctly reproachful. The condemnation in words spoken without conscience while the sick old man was in his deathbed, the greediness of his wife to the last minute are all haunting me. While it was expected that he would go to a destined point of no return, every voices in my head heard long ago from my moaning siblings in distress, in dire needs of their help came back. The situation I saw, the condition of a dying man were all too much for my weak heart to bear. He was taken to the hospital only in the last minute to die when nothing could be salvaged. "Vengeance is mine!" So the Great Creator said. After some rantings, I've decided to back off and see what happens next when all these unthinkables will be put to rest." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 10, 2020 on Ben's demise.
"I'm Asian by blood, and my restaurant is my home kitchen. My customers are my children, friends and visitors. They eat FREE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 9, 2020
"I am very tired. Tired of people's drama. Their shits and craps and bullshits. As my friend would have it paraphrasing Abraham Hicks words that exactly fit the picture!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 6, 2020
"He's finally laid to rest. ... Though my heart is broken, I am comforted at the thought that he is now at peace with the Lord. Thank you All for your prayers and love and support." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 6, 2020 on my brother Ben's demise.
"I want to Thank You All for sending love, condolences and sympathies in this time of grief my siblings and I are going through." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 4, 2020 on the demise of my younger brother Ben.
"I'm glad, though sad, you are back in our Maker's arms. His mercy never fails. Farewell my dear brother Ben. RIP. Your demise has truly traumatised me seeing the way you were mistreated by those around you who are fit to be called more than animals." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 2, 2020
"I thought I would expect a bit of fanfare on board! But spending a New Year on the air was kind of Peace On Earth and Goodwill to Men. Very quiet and the service was truly extra special with congenial and attentive friendly air hostesses. By the time the midnight struck all passengers were very tired enough to snooze away till the bright morning sky awoke us... for breakfast." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 1, 2020 on Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 END OF 2019 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
"It's been years our love for our brother has been displaced only time and space knew the reason why. Laban lang gyud Dong. We will pray for God's power to restore you in your former health. All you need is the Will to Live. The great lesson you've brought us in your dire situation is: blood is thicker than water. I stand by my pledge to come back to celebrate my 70th, God willing." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 25, 2019, on our ailing brother, Benjamin Casis Dancel in the hands of his wife and children.
"A bold leader... is one indeed who leads without fear!" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 6, 2019
"Once upon in my lifetime, there was a young boy who approached me at the train platform respectfully asking for a dollar. He was neat, decent and well-spoken. I asked him why he was there, shouldn't he ought to be at school? He said he was with friends. And he needed to go home. I asked him so many questions. He was a good lad to talk to. You can tell in spite of his average bearing, he was well-bred. I relented and gave him a dollar. And I regretted giving him a small amount when he deserved more. But I was already on the train back home to the city. The boy seemed fixated. He didn't leave the platform until I was gone. My heart wrenched in pain watching him alone and somewhat bewildered. What if he was my own child needing help from any stranger he met on the road and was refused?" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 31, 2019, a memory at Springwood
PINK ROSES
Pulchritude of innocence
The allure of my morning best
Its only sense of duty I've known
Is to seduce butterflies and bees.
Leah C. Dancel
@Poetry and Verse
October 29, 2019
NB.Home garden inspiration.
"When the mountains come down to meet the sea." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 24, 2019 wowing at all the awesome photos of Elena Zaragosa Escubio's taken during her recent tour in Hawaii.
"Even if they dubbed me as the 'bestest mum' when in their favourable mood; there were times too that I met resistance from my girls. As they mature, they realised that whatever I did for them was right. I applied the unspoken rule of Parenting: loving, kind but firm. It was hard work specially for a single parent like me. I suppose it did!" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 24, 2019
"I miss those early morning wakings up to get ready for a two kilometers walk to the farm where we gathered together in worship and fellowship. After which we shared meals with nice nutritious hot fresh veggie soups coming from the garden. What now? Modern times have changed our old-mindset values, even conservative churches turned into money-making machines but never ATM's for the poor brethren as they bleed them more and more. Materialism become the norm, the new order of earthly and wordly ways. Me? I turned into LIKE A WAYWARD LAMB somewhat in that sense away from any organised religion. I keep what I believe in my heart. I hold on to the Bible better than any man's teachings. For as long as MEN remain men, he will never be incorruptible. Happy Sabbath Lord." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 19, 2019
"Does travel change you as a person? - Personally, yes, in a way by learning and gaining more insights on social perspectives at intellectual spectrum. My observations are set in motion how I view the world outside politics. It improves my understanding on humanity." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 19, 2019 on travels as read via BETTER READING
"Words do have power. We can empower each other even with just a simple comforting word. After all, we are all the same. We all get through with problems, trials, challenges, storms ... and as the saying says 'behind the clouds lies a silver lining'; it's one of those inspiring quotes I learned from my mother when I was young." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 18, 2019
"Well. You're a total stranger to me but I take your writings as my fountain of knowledge and that itself is as good as the most part of a beautiful counsel of your wisdom." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 16, 2019 on George Daniel Anos writings about Strangers.
"into residenceship, the local council came to leave plants in my front yard so I could start my self-healing therapy through gardening. It has a huge front yard. With plants and flowers dominating the space, I saved up on mowing the lawn. The backyard is huge enough to build a Granny's Flat. If only we didn't leave and moved to a big smoke. 😢. But still, I'm happy where I am now." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 15, 2019
"Finally the laid-back Kangaroo Country will soon be catching up with the world and is trying to keep up with the Jones." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 15, 2019 on Trackless Tram`
As time deepens time
Healing wounds and smoothen hurts
Forgetting bad memories
Consigned to forgiveness
Life rises to a new height
Giving hopes a new meaning.
@Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2019
Conceptual Verse
October 15, 2019
M ~*~ A ~*~ R ~*~ C ~*~ O
A wee bit old
He's daring and bold
To mind himself playing in the sand
While time passes by, like the moving sun.
His world of oysters is solitude
Though he is in a noisy crowd
Go mind your own
Let me play alone.
~Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2019
All rights reserved
October 14, 2019
SH, Australia
"Sometimes we need to remind others who overstepped our boundary. They need to understand that there is such thing as personal space." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 10, 2019
"It is fitting for the President to accept such a prestigious honorary degree (honoris causa) in respect to the country that embrace and respect his independent foreign policy. Plus the university itself that offered such highest honour is not a run-on-the-mill institution. Cheers!" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 8, 2-19 on PRRD's Doctorate in Foreign Diplomacy Honoris Causa (President Duterte is now called a doctor as the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conferred on him an honorary doctorate degree diploma).
"There's always a beginning to start life with. To pass it with flying colours is par excellence per se." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 7, 2019
"May your goodness and mercy dwell in me. In the wholeness of my being, let it prevail." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 5, 2019
"Many will disappear, but there will always angels who come to the rescue." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 5, 2019 (Hard times will reveal true friends).
"Men tend to be foolishly boyish... as what someone I knew said: my man maybe older than me, but as I found out, he is more of an idiot than I realised." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 3, 2019
"gyp well-known schools for people who study SPACESHIP! Thanks to my temporary demented memory because I didn't write down that particular Prologue (intro); her personal details could be helpful to share, but in my heart she was an inspiration in the light of Clarissa Pinkola Estes' quote. I am basically like that according to her words." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 1, 2019 on housecleaning
"Makes me wonder as when you live alone how and why can't you not be silent?" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 1, 2019
"Our life is a book. It may not be published, but it's been read in a million times by those we know, we live with; by our friends, neighbours, community and society.... etc" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 27, 2019
"Bakit ang pagsubok ng buhay ay di napaparam?
Bakit ang hapdi ng sugat ng kabiguan ay nangangalam?
Bakit ang mga pangarap at mithiin sa buhay ay nauunsyami!
Bakit kay ilap ng kapalaran sa mga taong tunay na umiibig?"
~Leah C. Dancel, September 26, 2019
"Better is the hard rock for when the lightning strikes, it breaks. A stoic human heart? Never!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 24, 2019
"The Philippines never stops being the top toyed as a string puppet sacrificed at the mercy of any invaders' hands especially by those who are wearing the lamb's clothing and the angel's robe." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 18, 2019
"OVER TIME things will change. So does situations, circumstances in life, attitude, behaviour, weather, technology, people, etc. If not for the worse, for the better." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 18, 2019
"My parents never made me feel they were proud of me. So I kept my achievements all to myself. They made me feel undervalued except when they needed me. My family as a whole: parents and siblings, actually." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 18, 2019
"It must be the earthy nature of original ways that make things give away good outcome as we noticed, observed and concluded. We, who experienced real life, discern things that others couldn't." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 18, 2019
"Though temptation of giving up is grievous, men are generally fitted with a survival kit: 'matira ang matibay.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 17, 2019
"Some memories are not meant to be colourful." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 17, 2019, my nasty nostalgia of my home country visit in 2011 after 25 years of absence.
"While others are kind, some are busy digging others' FAULTS." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 14, 2019
"Sometimes in life we do get caught up between confusion that leads to indecision. Sometimes the wisdom we thought we have that factors our decision are plain mis-steps due to error of our own judgment. We overlooked the necessities that are just beneath our noses. Miscalculated notions and ideas can lead to wrong perceptions." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 12, 2019 on Road Less Traveled by Robert Frost
"This world seems to be made for a wrong purpose by men largely in great contrast what the Great Creator intended it to be. Politics and Religion are ANATHEMAS to human race of all kinds. The only PANACEA is to bind these IDIOTIC JINGOISTS and burn them in stakes and roast them alive. Then bury their ashes in a brimstone of fire." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 10, 2019
"Before the wise and the patient can do that (sic) alternative, HUMANITIES are downgraded to ashes themselves." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 10, 2019
"I love being old. I love being called Lola. Being old gives me the benefit of enjoying a Senyorita lifestyle (once in a while) 😉. Being pampered sometimes. I don't understand why some women are afraid to get old or are afraid to admit they are old. A few I knew didn't want to be a grandmother because it makes them feel old." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 5, 2019
"I go PASSIVE in a NO WIN WIN SITUATION - I OPT FOR FLIGHT over FIGHT... and I FEEL THERE IS NO NEED TO WASTE TIME over an OBVIOUS SITUATION." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 3, 2019
"Mother, Mother, we all go through that jazz of space with our teenage kids. That stage of their lives is our litmus test as parents. We know the story as we'd been there before, though our time was more wrapped with reverence and fear for our parents. Guilt was the barometer. This era's barometer is peer pressure, the institution of psychology and materialistic society and hollywood's influence. Uncompromising love and friendship was my key, and though they revolted against the church within, that foundation I tell you actually helped shape them overall, even if they slipped up. In the end, you'll be proud of them, and they will be proud of you. After all, THERE's NO PLACE LIKE HOME. I love this piece! Join the wagon!" ~Leah C. Dancel, August 29, 2019 on raising teenagers by Che Bautista
"I taught my children how to play chess and even encouraged them to join their School Chess Club. Nah... my eldest found it boring, so was my youngest. We just played it at home. It's good mental analytical game that teaches you to think carefully, study your opponent, and patience what to anticipate while waiting for the outcome." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 23, 2019
"ONCE UPON A TIME, my first inspirational poem was printed out and commercialised.
It was circulated in the bookshops/novelty shops, and, even the post office carried them. I myself bought some copies of my own work and sent them out to my friends overseas. They're mostly my friends I knew in few poetic forums. In that published pocket poem card, my name was omitted and only a pronoun was altered. I googled to check its publisher/printer, but to no avail. I made a complaint to one of the outlets. And I also brought it out in the poetry forum where I was once an active member. Since then, I no longer see it in circulation." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 22, 2019
"If that's the case, what makes of the birth certificate of a newborn? Will the doctor/nurse/midwife leave it blank until the child can choose what he/she wants to be? Anyare sa mga legislators now?" ~Leah C. Dancel, August 22, 2019 on children allowing them to choose their gender later in life re SEX: PENDING by Edwin Jamora
"He hears your prayer even in the absence of words. He reads it in the tablet of your heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 22, 2019 on Prayer
"Death in the family is one experience that made me somewhat stoic. I had no time to mourn, to grieve because I was the decision maker... and my mind, my faculty had to think what to do next to give them (parents) proper and decent burial. So far, everything went okay in spite of our mendicant situation and I (representing my family) was not denied help when we plead our cause." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 22, 2019 on stoic or frozen emotion in time of grief and sorrow caused by death
"I don't live on anyone's standard and expectation. No keeping up with the Jones. My identity is exclusively mine. I have life that I live the way I want it …" ~Leah C. Dancel, August 20, 2019
"Today is the day I say Thank You Dear Lord for this privileged life you've given me." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 17, 2019
"Today is my day.
Overshadowed by grief
When my younger sibling
Decided to let go
Of her life
And passed away.
I have confidence that she slipped away in peace. Rest in peace my sister Ruth." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 17, 2019
"Dreaming is a constant habit. It's up to you how to turn it into a profit." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 17, 2019
"Just be firm but kind. Practice authority without being autocratic. Gain their respect not fear. Love and prayer is the answer." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 15, 2019 on what I learned about good parenting
"He is my favourite company In my ALONENESS. He inspires me and loves me. I can feel his genuine affection and tenderness. Industriousness is his virtue of labour. He works for his great love of his family; a legacy for their future to take over when he's gone. His love is pure and true. I believe in him. And I trust him. He strengthens my confidence as I am to him. I love him very dearly. He finds his way in Yahweh, and I adore him more. Once he was lost. Like a wayward lamb that wanders out of the fold, he went back to Him in deep repentance. Since then, he became prayerful and grateful for all the blessings he receives from HIM. I appreciate his thoughtfulness. He is full of compassion towards those around him. He mellows in years with kindness. I thank my Lord that I found him. He brings me closer home to his heart. He is my SOULMATE. He is my Palangga, since the day he calls me his." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 13, 2019
"It was indeed an astonishing sight to see the snow after so many years of missing it. From Raglan to the end before Lithgow, the roadside looked dashing with a blanket of whiteness. I was very lucky to be able to occupy the front seat of the bus to see the spectacular winter view of the mountain slopes." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 12, 2019 on my way home to Sydney from Orange.
"Creative people are quiet. Because they need to focus, to concentrate on their work. That's why most writers prefer to write away from nuisances. Solitude is the partner of silence." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 10, 2019
"The storm of life is part of a nature's landscape. It has its own purpose to test a man's strength, stamina and resilience. Just let your anchor holds in the arms of faith." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2019
"Nature is the best healer. It's time proven. But man destroys its own healer because of greed and ignorance, deliberate or not." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2019
"In my understanding, what makes the young restless is a wrong focus, without vision, without direction, poverty and hardships in life, lack of opportunities and sometimes family rivalry and social injustices and environmental upheavals." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2019
"God's love and mercy prevails. He still dispenses justice amidst the turbulence of the season." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2019
"Sweetheart, when you are anak of meatcan, you too strikes everywhere. Sa kadaghan nga mga kakuyaw akong nasagubang, milagro gyud nga nakaabot ko ani nga era, let alone nakagawas ko sa hawla." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 6, 2019 on MAM Maguindanao
"When we pass this world for good, we can't carry memories with us." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 4, 2019
"Sila man ang boss, until Filipinos changed their boss. Two headhorns are vying for that position, but one wouldn't relent and the other is as recalcitrant as a bull." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 4, 2019 on VButch re:cbcp
Therefore: ISOLATIONISM, in apolitical point of view, stands behind a system that is equal to an atom, the tiniest particle of matter that exist. In the case of Corona Virus, a deadly particle content in this chemical weapon precludes the society to come together lest the contagion will hasten its effectiveness faster by micro seconds.
My view based on my personal philosophy."
~Leah C. Dancel, March 27, 2020
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"Two big time events that affected the whole globe: GFC in 2008 and now CV. TIME for RECKONING?" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 25, 2020
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"My pastime when I was in my home country was to find a solitary shady tree to unwind from the mundane grind of daily life. It's soothing and relaxing." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 25, 2020 on Forest therapy
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"What God has given men for free, men charge it for a fee." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 24, 2020 on Air we breatheeeee
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"Moment of truth : no rice and most bare necessities found in two supermarkets are nil. Incredibly impossible how shelves get empty in a span of one month since panic buying begun. Wow!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 24, 2020
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"Truth is I'm really lazy going out. But I need foodie. I long for fresh veggies to cook in the comfort of my little kitchen." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 24, 2020
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"Perhaps this CV will also teach us not to waste our abundance. Austerity should be practiced as there are billions out there who go and live without food, let alone have bare essentials to which many have the privilege to live in comfort and still feel discontented, keep ranting and whingeing. Their complaints never seem to end." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 23, 2020
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"Every year there is always a new haberdashery of virus strain introduced to alert the people. They created vaccines. Now the sensationalism of cv has been largely intensified ... in my curious mind, is it because it purportedly originated from china? I've read articles of 17 questions raised for this topic alone. Not long ago, someone posted a long list of annual virus strains that were supposed to be deadly.... So expect to have another explosion coming from nowhere... They alł sound scary, but we know whom to really fear and run to hide for our protection. I always believe in divine intervention." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 22, 2020
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"Not far-fetched at all regardless who did it. Someone gave an idea, another someone outsmarted that idea. Unfortunately, the blame game will never cease as it was in the beginning that it happened. Prophecy is prophecy. The mind boggling started rolling because the prophecy was not specific as to who would do it!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 20, 2020 On Muammar Gaddafi's quote: "They will create the viruses … and sell you the antidotes. Thereafter, they will pretend to take time to find the solution when they already have it."
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"I did remember reading something that such virulent virus was also under research study conducted somewhere in northern hemisphere by oriental scientists. The news are getting quite a spin off these days. Welcome to the era of destructive knowledge." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 20, 2020 on virus comment reply to Teresita Sy Giok Liong Virological Research comment
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"With cv having only a molecule of victims died, yet, declared as pandemic ... I consider that as a joke. However, I will not discount the fact that it brings out good benefits too -such as re-enforcement of health and sanitation, discipline, looking out for those slow and aged who need help (brother's keeper), learning new languages (slang, idioms etc) ... far too many to name. There's always the bright side of life to look into in spite of darkness and gloom." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
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If the #coronavirus has taught us anything, it is the lengths people will go to when desperate. Next time you want to judge boat people, refugees, migrants fleeing war-torn land ― remember we fought over toilet paper."Whoever wrote this deserves a credit. I remember being abused and yelled at as 'boat people, go back to where you belong!' while doing a SCHOOL CROSSING DUTY for kids at Orange Public School, Kite Street, Orange. Funny because I was looking after the safety of the schoolchildren of his own skin." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 20209
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"When 'worries about unknowns still loom and confidence surge up high' … what more inspiration or motivation our farmers need?" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020 on farming under good weather with substantial rainfall to quench the drought
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"The abnormal sudden high rise cost of commodities and essentials are mainly 'the cause and effect of Law of Supply and Demand' exacerbated by a stupid supposed man-made covid for eco sabotage?" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
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"Somewhere it has been reported that 104 cv related deaths against thousands who died years before of potent flu virus with nil story being sensationalised - and this molecular number becomes pandemic. What a dyok!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
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"Positive things happen when everything looks negative." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
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"'Nothing beats like soap and water as best cleaning agents.' Who can forget my Pharmacy College Instructress, Mrs. Cecilia Tapalla of SWU, Cebu City circa 1976. She's my ideal mentor, an advocator of Simplicity and Moral Ethics." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020 (As I am re-writing this, I googled her name and her Obituary appeared: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/riverside-ca/cecilia-tapalla-7092841. My deepest sorrow to learn of your demise Ma'am. You've been always in my heart. You're one Unforgettable Special Person in my life I ever met. To your beloved family, I am sincerely conveying my belated Condolence! 😢) and
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"Market crash and CV... they came in tandem. Coincidence?
Global LOCKDOWN. The world has touched the key: RESET!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
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"If supposing CV is man-made and airborne, shall we look up the sky and see what's up in there? One might see an IDEA written by a jetstream." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 19, 2020
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"Today and every day we are truly grateful for your sacrifices. You are loved and prayed for everyday." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 15, 2020 on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, a fearless, uncompromising leader of the Philippines
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"So at the height of this COVID19 and the desperate measures too late to contain, it seems that 'mankind is locking the gates after the horse has fled the pasture?'. Got to love this idiom." ~Leah C. Dancel, March15, 2020
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"Whatever, whether the world is melting, CV spreading, the atmosphere is geo-engineered, war keeps going, fear mongering is the order of the day ... whatever …
For as long as my beautiful Bamboo continues to grow at leisure I AM HAPPY!
By the way, this bamboo definitely did not come from China. It's a gift from a very special lady from Canada." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 11, 2020 on Chinese Bamboo
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"Very sad this happens to Australia. Yes, not only the toilet rolls and all things tissue are gone from the shelves, but also toiletries. Almost empty. Thankfully they left me some food to buy so I can eat! For a week last week, I thrive on porridge and sausages I kept in the fridge. I dared not going out especially because it rained cats and dogs almost the whole week." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 11, 2020 on Toilet Paper frenzy and Panic Buying
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"Some facts are hidden behind a fiction." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 11, 2020 on Facts and Fiction
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"In the early 1960's somewhere in Lanao, there was an epidemic outbreak of Cholera. Sadly, it was the majority of our Muslim brothers who were hardly hit by. The local government through its HEALTH DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY MOBILISED ITS TEAM and the whole COMMUNITY was urged to observe and practice HEALTH and SANITATION. CLEANLINESS was its prime wheel for the people so as not to run dry aground. It's quick thinking with common sense and soon it was all well. Proudly I would say, that the town where I spent my childhood was honestly well-governed and everyone, Muslim and Christian alike, made our place clean and liveable. There was indeed a tremendous harmony and peace among the people. I miss the old KAROMATAN." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 11, 2020 on Healthy Living
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"I was on XPT Train to Canberra last month. Somewhere along the way, an un-Asian lady boarded and sat next to me. She was sneezing, had a stuffy nose, and always coughing .. It was when the CV started to go rife in Australia. All was quiet including me. I wonder if it was me who was in her position, what would be my fellow passengers do to me? …My friend and hubby travelled from Queensland to NSW. Her hubby was in the same predicament as my seatmate on the train. The passengers demanded to the Driver to let him out of the bus afraid that the poor guy was carrying CV. The kind DRIVER told them he couldn't do that. Instead, he went to the sick fellow and gave him massage on his back. The poor man felt better, and they continued their journey. … All is well that ends well. …By the way, the poor Guy is a true blue Ozzie." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 11, 2020 on CV and the Passengers
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We're now into Fall! It begins with a rain." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 5, 2020 on Season Change
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"My time is up worrying about body consciousness. Let's embrace old age with grace. Fact! Else, you'll be miserable. And I don't want to be miserable. I'd rather be powerful!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 4, 2020
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"I don't know. I personally don't like the idea of overstocking my whole system with medications. I go for water and prayers. All that's enough for me. She's making herself clear about knowing what to do by employing the most common denominator called SENSE. And her facts of truth are straightforward. Too much idolatry taking every letter of the news which these days are more of Run on the Mill stories than facts have its own downturn. So the upheavals worsen. In Australia we now have Panic Buying going on. Of all the articles that is subject to controversy is the ridiculous TOILET PAPER. There! Why? It's the effect of sensationalism. Keyword? PANDEMIC! Who runs it? The news. Right or wrong." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 5, 2020, Common Sense on CORONA VIRUS - Begin With Yes shared blog
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"If what we hope for or desire can't be attained due to impossibility or lack of opportunity, you may do WOOLGATHERING." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 3, 2020
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"I feel devastated looking at those burnt houses down to the ground in Mallacoota and the enormous coverage of fire that razed the woodlands. As you drive pass the highway, all trees stand naked and the inner soul of the forest is visible. No wildlife moving, no birds in sight and what else!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 3, 2020 during my recent visit to Far South...
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🎒🎒🎒 FEBRUARY 🎒🎒🎒
"My strength is: I'm kind but not naive." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 28, 2020
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"The beautiful hands are the hands that work" ; my late Mother said. Ako mga kamot tadtad ug trabaho, yet my usa nako ka iyaan who had the temerity to tell me that my hands are the hands of a Princess. Kalma lang to manginsulto. But not to her own nga sobra pa sa raynang dukha. Some words of other people are just unforgettable." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 26, 2020
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"Kung may dahon ng saging mas mabuti. I did it and let my Ozzie brethren tasted it, they said it's so yummy! Lucky they have outdoor dirty kitchen so mas masarap dahil I baked the fish in between the live ember..." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 26, 2020 on open grilled/baked fish stuffed with chopped onion, tomatoes, ginger and garlic, with tamarind based powder, salt and paper. Baste it with butter before wrapping and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked.
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"I'd been a Relief Caregiver once in my life to two elderlies in their 90's. I absolutely loved them both having two oceanic behavioural contrasts. One was a larrikin, the other was like a porcelain. Love the memory of them." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 26, 2020
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"My children did have the habit picking wild flowers growing on the ground when they were little. It was a sweet thought from their blissful hearts. That was their afternoon activity after school as they walked home." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 25, 2020 on children gift giving to parents even little flowers
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"Aloneness is a pastime too that you can turn into passion." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 25, 2020
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"Reminiscing of what happened today, 6-years ago in February 23, 2014 ! It happens that today is our twin siblings birthday!" ~Leah Dancel, February 23, 2020
It was fun reliving life for what it was on weekend with us way back home in Orange long time ago. We had a very special Sabbath evening meal with my little family minus a member or two. Thank you my little family. I miss cooking for my girls.
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"Happy Birthday Neneng and Nonoy. There was a great commotion at home when you were born. As the word spread out like fire in the neighbourhood, many people came to pay tribute to your twinbirth by homebirthing in Patag, Cagayan de Oro. I had never seen a crowd like that in my whole life just to satisfy people's curiosity about the birth of a twin. It was very rare in those days. Added to that historic birth, my Father was instructed by Old Kumadrona who was present along with the Philippine Army Hospital Nurse and Doctor to dispose the placentas separately passing through different doors. It's a local customs based on superstitious belief, I have no idea about. I was 6 years old then with a vivid memory to recount on this eventful day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 23, 2020
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"The amazing grace of verdant green countryside in spite of the burning bushes around the areas. Passing through Bega, the Big Cheese Country." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2020 on countryside scenery of the Far South Coast mountains on my way home to the city by NSW Trainlink Coach
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"Adieu Sapphire Coast. I will surely gonna miss you! In spite of the bushfires that swallowed the wildlife, life goes on. As always you fight hard, you thrive well. You get up fast and quick, dust off the ashes and go. For those who lost their homes, may God provide you with better ones." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2020. My home away from home visit ends today.
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"The first commercial airplane I flew with on my first trip Down Under! I loved the experience! Excellent service then: Friendly, helpful and warm staff. Circa 1987." ~Leah C. Dancel, On Philippine Airlines February 20, 2020
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"It's okay to admire things on earth. Just don't die to own them unless you can really, really afford." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 19, 2020 on finer things in life
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"Beautiful sunrise.... After an overnight refreshing rain. Excellent compliment to a peaceful quiet place. The serene and tranquil ambience makes it conducive to contented living. A Country Practice." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 18, 2020 on Sunrise at Wonboyn Lake
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"That sweet refreshing rain...
A smell of the country
Fresh from the bushfires
Is a little green paradise
With a leap of faith
God has protected.
Only if you believed!"
@Leah C. Dancel,
February 13, 2020
Wonboyn Lake NSW
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"From this point of the Nature's Reserve (Greenglade - Nadgee Nature Reserve), the fire spread faster by 300 km up to the border of Victoria with wind as the catalyst. If the wind didn't change direction, the bushfires around these areas would have burned down the whole town and nearby places. The wooded areas from my friend's house towards the highway and half-way through town were badly razed by these fires with few houses far in-between charred to the ground. Then, along came the rain... and some parts of these burned areas quickly recovered with the appearance of new growths of ferns and some spurts of organisms growing along the trunks and branches of the burnt trees. It's kind of the soul of the trees were killes and their spirits came back to life. Visibles are the naked innards and entrails of the forest, with no living faunas in sight, nor the fowls in the trees. Even the most common Wallabies (grey-coloured kangaroos) are nowhere to be found. I miss them as they used to be permanent habitues in my friend's yard." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 13, 2020 on my Wonboyn Lake recent visit
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"'Sunrise on the rice fields the gay Maya is singing.' Who remember this song? Another nostalgic moment somewhere in Bacolod Farm. What a lovely morning to behold my eyes to see the ricefields newly planted for the next harvest. Peace and serenity captured my heart at this very moment as I surveyed the quietude of the place. I longed for home... Eternal home as peaceful as this where life goes on for some..." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 9, 2020 on Philippine Nostalgic 101 post
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"I wish I knew this before! Mandaue was my favourite place to hang out where I spent my quietude, a week before my exams (I studied in the city circa 1974). It's highly recommended that every place with historical significance should be landmarked with a plaque embossed with brief historical note. That will help our tourists understand and appreciate our country better. Yes, Mandaue is a hub of commerce and trading even in my time. Nostagic memory there." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 9, 2020
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"Reminiscing some moments with my first grandchild as to when she was little, circa 2012 … from my journal.
Baba S has been so wonderfully perfect today! We're both having a good time. No fuss and she let me do some little work while she kept herself busy playing, dancing, running, writing, reading and climbing chairs and tables!Love browsing my notes and read some amusing development of my little darling." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 8, 2019 on Memory
"I grew up surrounded with tomato plants. Not only for food, but as a "snack food" as well. I especially love making my own fresh tomato juice." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 8, 2020 on Tomatoes
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"An Italian friend taught me how to prepare fresh homemade tomato sauce. It's guaranteed yummy. It requires time, love and patience." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 8, 2020 on Tomatoes for liver detox
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"The weather softens abit. I managed a mileage of walking without hurting my knees, legs, and ego. Great to ward off depression. And Mang Marko 's train I was on ran fast like a rabbit that I got home in no time. And I feel it's time to have a sip of little sparkling white wine. Who's with me? Pasikat blue!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2020 on Claire Creek Sparkling Moscato Rosa
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"Sa ilang kalaug ug pagkaon
Pati tawo halos ilang kaonon
Bisan usa way gipasaylo
Sa ngalan sa negosyo ilang gihaylo
Mga tawo madato ug makabos
Sa way pagkakontento, sila ra ang nag-antus."
~Leah C. Dancel,
Feb 1, 2020 on Coronavirus
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🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒JANUARY🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒
"My girls are enough Piglets I need during my own Difficult Days, as I am with theirs. Though we don't exactly sitting beside each other, a phone call away will do. It helps to have supportive and understanding family who loves you." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 31, 2020 on Difficult Days - Babyology Speech Pathologist
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"When Ozzies do their BEAT, there's NO HOLDS BAR. Some people out there are still sporting their BACKWATER views and opinions over trivial matters." ~Leah C. Dancel On Sky Watch News, January 30, 2020
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"The stars are busy swooning over the moon. With your simple beauty and elegance, only You can own!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 30, 2020 on Danelle Joy.
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["The greatest test will be how you handle people who mishandled you." ~Simple Capacity]Comment: I had enough of them. I treat them as if either they didn't exist or that I didn't exist to them. Anyway, it's okay now. For some reason, and many REASONS, I just couldn't fathom WHY THEY ARE ALL DEAD! And how? Literally. Shall I rejoice that they're gone just like what my brother's immediate family displayed even before his death? I loathed their actions. Shameful and shameless!" ~Leah C. Dancel , January 30, 2020
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"My girls are tea drinkers and into frenetic health madness ..." ~Leah C. Dancel. January 30, 2020
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"Hey it's getting popular... lots of new things are going on out in the west. Some paddocks are gone. So are the old gum trees. And I'm sad because we used to pass by those old green old-fashioned countryside for all their idyllic beauty all gone in the name of progress. You would never imagine how far the city is growing as it's expanding north, south and west." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 30, 2020 on aerotropolis.
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"Books are the only wealth and treasure no one can steal from you. Hence in Iraq the Book Stores leave their stocks uncovered in open places because it is believed nobody would be interested to steal them away." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 30, 2020
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"The culture of appreciation has been devalued. It's all about I WANT ...." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 27, 2020
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There are two gifts we should give our children; one is roots, and the other is wings. ~Johann Wolfgang von GoetheI agree. So wherever they roam, they will always have a family to come home to." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 26, 2020
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"Traffic wouldn't be that bad if there's a regulated Traffic Law strictly imposed. Every one seems to be in charge of the road like it's their own private thoroughfare. There never was any discipline and respect amongst the people to the authorities. Chaos was everywhere. And road accident involving children was the order of the day." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 22, 2020, I witness at Iligan City (December 2019)
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"PARRAMATTA RIVER"
Quiet, silent movement
Gently blown by the breeze
Brownian theory speaks
Above the aquatic surface.
Rhodes by the bay
Looking far away
In one moment slip
Letting sadness go…
~Leah C. Dancel
January 15, 2020
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"IN THE DEAD OF SUMMER"
Nothing green.
Nothing verdant.
Nothing vibrant.
Rhodes.
Lifeless.
Dryness.
Drought.
Summer is dead.
~Leah C. Dancel
January 15, 2020
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"I've never seen one like this before as undomesticated marsupials are known to be wild when you get near them. The calamity has made them meek and mild and surprisingly they go near any humans for help by instinct. How lovely! They are generally camera friendly at a safe distance." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 12, 2020 on A mob of kangaroo with a NSW Police Officer (from the *photo taken earlier this week at Holiday Haven Lake Conjola courtesy by NSW POLICE FORCE)
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"2020 - Definitely someone in my family didn't make it.
Adieu my Brother Ben. Till the stars will shine again in my cosmos.
Thanks for a new lesson you left on earth." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 12, 2020
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"The recent tragedy within my dysfunctional family has me in contemplation: Our Father was far from perfect, at least before his last hour came, he was attended and cared for by his wife and those that remained around him with dignity and respect. Prior to his bid from this temporal world, he was being prayed over by the church brethren. Hatred wreak havoc and that which prevailed in the hearts of those that my brother hurt from his consequential reactions due to frustrations and desperations against his wife and family. I would never blame him." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 12, 2020
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"It took long years for the authorities to recognize this certain individual differences with children. Oftentimes they're left out and deprived and bullied and highly criticised. Most humans including those surrounding them have less capability to show compassion let alone patience in dealing with them. Most autistic children are actually sharp and talented. Its just a matter of exploring their world with love and understanding." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 10, 2020 on AUTISM
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"I knew he (my brother) was in his helpless state when I told him I was going back home to Australia. My anger was beyond contempt that I haven't properly addressed. I'm trying to step back... but for how long? The letter he (my brother) wrote, the scenario I saw, and the behavior of those people surrounding him was distinctly reproachful. The condemnation in words spoken without conscience while the sick old man was in his deathbed, the greediness of his wife to the last minute are all haunting me. While it was expected that he would go to a destined point of no return, every voices in my head heard long ago from my moaning siblings in distress, in dire needs of their help came back. The situation I saw, the condition of a dying man were all too much for my weak heart to bear. He was taken to the hospital only in the last minute to die when nothing could be salvaged. "Vengeance is mine!" So the Great Creator said. After some rantings, I've decided to back off and see what happens next when all these unthinkables will be put to rest." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 10, 2020 on Ben's demise.
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"I'm Asian by blood, and my restaurant is my home kitchen. My customers are my children, friends and visitors. They eat FREE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 9, 2020
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"I am very tired. Tired of people's drama. Their shits and craps and bullshits. As my friend would have it paraphrasing Abraham Hicks words that exactly fit the picture!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 6, 2020
Don't allow people to get to you. Let them deal with their own challenges and contrast because they've collected those in their life's journey.
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"He's finally laid to rest. ... Though my heart is broken, I am comforted at the thought that he is now at peace with the Lord. Thank you All for your prayers and love and support." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 6, 2020 on my brother Ben's demise.
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"I want to Thank You All for sending love, condolences and sympathies in this time of grief my siblings and I are going through." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 4, 2020 on the demise of my younger brother Ben.
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"I'm glad, though sad, you are back in our Maker's arms. His mercy never fails. Farewell my dear brother Ben. RIP. Your demise has truly traumatised me seeing the way you were mistreated by those around you who are fit to be called more than animals." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 2, 2020
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"I thought I would expect a bit of fanfare on board! But spending a New Year on the air was kind of Peace On Earth and Goodwill to Men. Very quiet and the service was truly extra special with congenial and attentive friendly air hostesses. By the time the midnight struck all passengers were very tired enough to snooze away till the bright morning sky awoke us... for breakfast." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 1, 2020 on Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport
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🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 END OF 2019 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
"It's been years our love for our brother has been displaced only time and space knew the reason why. Laban lang gyud Dong. We will pray for God's power to restore you in your former health. All you need is the Will to Live. The great lesson you've brought us in your dire situation is: blood is thicker than water. I stand by my pledge to come back to celebrate my 70th, God willing." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 25, 2019, on our ailing brother, Benjamin Casis Dancel in the hands of his wife and children.
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"A bold leader... is one indeed who leads without fear!" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 6, 2019
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"Once upon in my lifetime, there was a young boy who approached me at the train platform respectfully asking for a dollar. He was neat, decent and well-spoken. I asked him why he was there, shouldn't he ought to be at school? He said he was with friends. And he needed to go home. I asked him so many questions. He was a good lad to talk to. You can tell in spite of his average bearing, he was well-bred. I relented and gave him a dollar. And I regretted giving him a small amount when he deserved more. But I was already on the train back home to the city. The boy seemed fixated. He didn't leave the platform until I was gone. My heart wrenched in pain watching him alone and somewhat bewildered. What if he was my own child needing help from any stranger he met on the road and was refused?" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 31, 2019, a memory at Springwood
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PINK ROSES
Pulchritude of innocence
The allure of my morning best
Its only sense of duty I've known
Is to seduce butterflies and bees.
Leah C. Dancel
@Poetry and Verse
October 29, 2019
NB.Home garden inspiration.
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"When the mountains come down to meet the sea." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 24, 2019 wowing at all the awesome photos of Elena Zaragosa Escubio's taken during her recent tour in Hawaii.
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"Even if they dubbed me as the 'bestest mum' when in their favourable mood; there were times too that I met resistance from my girls. As they mature, they realised that whatever I did for them was right. I applied the unspoken rule of Parenting: loving, kind but firm. It was hard work specially for a single parent like me. I suppose it did!" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 24, 2019
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"I miss those early morning wakings up to get ready for a two kilometers walk to the farm where we gathered together in worship and fellowship. After which we shared meals with nice nutritious hot fresh veggie soups coming from the garden. What now? Modern times have changed our old-mindset values, even conservative churches turned into money-making machines but never ATM's for the poor brethren as they bleed them more and more. Materialism become the norm, the new order of earthly and wordly ways. Me? I turned into LIKE A WAYWARD LAMB somewhat in that sense away from any organised religion. I keep what I believe in my heart. I hold on to the Bible better than any man's teachings. For as long as MEN remain men, he will never be incorruptible. Happy Sabbath Lord." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 19, 2019
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"Does travel change you as a person? - Personally, yes, in a way by learning and gaining more insights on social perspectives at intellectual spectrum. My observations are set in motion how I view the world outside politics. It improves my understanding on humanity." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 19, 2019 on travels as read via BETTER READING
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"Words do have power. We can empower each other even with just a simple comforting word. After all, we are all the same. We all get through with problems, trials, challenges, storms ... and as the saying says 'behind the clouds lies a silver lining'; it's one of those inspiring quotes I learned from my mother when I was young." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 18, 2019
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"Well. You're a total stranger to me but I take your writings as my fountain of knowledge and that itself is as good as the most part of a beautiful counsel of your wisdom." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 16, 2019 on George Daniel Anos writings about Strangers.
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"into residenceship, the local council came to leave plants in my front yard so I could start my self-healing therapy through gardening. It has a huge front yard. With plants and flowers dominating the space, I saved up on mowing the lawn. The backyard is huge enough to build a Granny's Flat. If only we didn't leave and moved to a big smoke. 😢. But still, I'm happy where I am now." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 15, 2019
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"Finally the laid-back Kangaroo Country will soon be catching up with the world and is trying to keep up with the Jones." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 15, 2019 on Trackless Tram`
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As time deepens time
Healing wounds and smoothen hurts
Forgetting bad memories
Consigned to forgiveness
Life rises to a new height
Giving hopes a new meaning.
@Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2019
Conceptual Verse
October 15, 2019
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M ~*~ A ~*~ R ~*~ C ~*~ O
A wee bit old
He's daring and bold
To mind himself playing in the sand
While time passes by, like the moving sun.
His world of oysters is solitude
Though he is in a noisy crowd
Go mind your own
Let me play alone.
~Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2019
All rights reserved
October 14, 2019
SH, Australia
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"Sometimes we need to remind others who overstepped our boundary. They need to understand that there is such thing as personal space." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 10, 2019
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"It is fitting for the President to accept such a prestigious honorary degree (honoris causa) in respect to the country that embrace and respect his independent foreign policy. Plus the university itself that offered such highest honour is not a run-on-the-mill institution. Cheers!" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 8, 2-19 on PRRD's Doctorate in Foreign Diplomacy Honoris Causa (President Duterte is now called a doctor as the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conferred on him an honorary doctorate degree diploma).
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"There's always a beginning to start life with. To pass it with flying colours is par excellence per se." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 7, 2019
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"May your goodness and mercy dwell in me. In the wholeness of my being, let it prevail." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 5, 2019
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"Many will disappear, but there will always angels who come to the rescue." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 5, 2019 (Hard times will reveal true friends).
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"Men tend to be foolishly boyish... as what someone I knew said: my man maybe older than me, but as I found out, he is more of an idiot than I realised." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 3, 2019
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"gyp well-known schools for people who study SPACESHIP! Thanks to my temporary demented memory because I didn't write down that particular Prologue (intro); her personal details could be helpful to share, but in my heart she was an inspiration in the light of Clarissa Pinkola Estes' quote. I am basically like that according to her words." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 1, 2019 on housecleaning
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"Makes me wonder as when you live alone how and why can't you not be silent?" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 1, 2019
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"Our life is a book. It may not be published, but it's been read in a million times by those we know, we live with; by our friends, neighbours, community and society.... etc" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 27, 2019
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"Bakit ang pagsubok ng buhay ay di napaparam?
Bakit ang hapdi ng sugat ng kabiguan ay nangangalam?
Bakit ang mga pangarap at mithiin sa buhay ay nauunsyami!
Bakit kay ilap ng kapalaran sa mga taong tunay na umiibig?"
~Leah C. Dancel, September 26, 2019
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"Better is the hard rock for when the lightning strikes, it breaks. A stoic human heart? Never!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 24, 2019
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"The Philippines never stops being the top toyed as a string puppet sacrificed at the mercy of any invaders' hands especially by those who are wearing the lamb's clothing and the angel's robe." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 18, 2019
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"OVER TIME things will change. So does situations, circumstances in life, attitude, behaviour, weather, technology, people, etc. If not for the worse, for the better." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 18, 2019
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"My parents never made me feel they were proud of me. So I kept my achievements all to myself. They made me feel undervalued except when they needed me. My family as a whole: parents and siblings, actually." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 18, 2019
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"It must be the earthy nature of original ways that make things give away good outcome as we noticed, observed and concluded. We, who experienced real life, discern things that others couldn't." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 18, 2019
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"Though temptation of giving up is grievous, men are generally fitted with a survival kit: 'matira ang matibay.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 17, 2019
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"Some memories are not meant to be colourful." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 17, 2019, my nasty nostalgia of my home country visit in 2011 after 25 years of absence.
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"While others are kind, some are busy digging others' FAULTS." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 14, 2019
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"Sometimes in life we do get caught up between confusion that leads to indecision. Sometimes the wisdom we thought we have that factors our decision are plain mis-steps due to error of our own judgment. We overlooked the necessities that are just beneath our noses. Miscalculated notions and ideas can lead to wrong perceptions." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 12, 2019 on Road Less Traveled by Robert Frost
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"This world seems to be made for a wrong purpose by men largely in great contrast what the Great Creator intended it to be. Politics and Religion are ANATHEMAS to human race of all kinds. The only PANACEA is to bind these IDIOTIC JINGOISTS and burn them in stakes and roast them alive. Then bury their ashes in a brimstone of fire." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 10, 2019
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"Before the wise and the patient can do that (sic) alternative, HUMANITIES are downgraded to ashes themselves." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 10, 2019
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"I love being old. I love being called Lola. Being old gives me the benefit of enjoying a Senyorita lifestyle (once in a while) 😉. Being pampered sometimes. I don't understand why some women are afraid to get old or are afraid to admit they are old. A few I knew didn't want to be a grandmother because it makes them feel old." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 5, 2019
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"I go PASSIVE in a NO WIN WIN SITUATION - I OPT FOR FLIGHT over FIGHT... and I FEEL THERE IS NO NEED TO WASTE TIME over an OBVIOUS SITUATION." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 3, 2019
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"Mother, Mother, we all go through that jazz of space with our teenage kids. That stage of their lives is our litmus test as parents. We know the story as we'd been there before, though our time was more wrapped with reverence and fear for our parents. Guilt was the barometer. This era's barometer is peer pressure, the institution of psychology and materialistic society and hollywood's influence. Uncompromising love and friendship was my key, and though they revolted against the church within, that foundation I tell you actually helped shape them overall, even if they slipped up. In the end, you'll be proud of them, and they will be proud of you. After all, THERE's NO PLACE LIKE HOME. I love this piece! Join the wagon!" ~Leah C. Dancel, August 29, 2019 on raising teenagers by Che Bautista
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"I taught my children how to play chess and even encouraged them to join their School Chess Club. Nah... my eldest found it boring, so was my youngest. We just played it at home. It's good mental analytical game that teaches you to think carefully, study your opponent, and patience what to anticipate while waiting for the outcome." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 23, 2019
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"ONCE UPON A TIME, my first inspirational poem was printed out and commercialised.
It was circulated in the bookshops/novelty shops, and, even the post office carried them. I myself bought some copies of my own work and sent them out to my friends overseas. They're mostly my friends I knew in few poetic forums. In that published pocket poem card, my name was omitted and only a pronoun was altered. I googled to check its publisher/printer, but to no avail. I made a complaint to one of the outlets. And I also brought it out in the poetry forum where I was once an active member. Since then, I no longer see it in circulation." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 22, 2019
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"If that's the case, what makes of the birth certificate of a newborn? Will the doctor/nurse/midwife leave it blank until the child can choose what he/she wants to be? Anyare sa mga legislators now?" ~Leah C. Dancel, August 22, 2019 on children allowing them to choose their gender later in life re SEX: PENDING by Edwin Jamora
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"He hears your prayer even in the absence of words. He reads it in the tablet of your heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 22, 2019 on Prayer
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"Death in the family is one experience that made me somewhat stoic. I had no time to mourn, to grieve because I was the decision maker... and my mind, my faculty had to think what to do next to give them (parents) proper and decent burial. So far, everything went okay in spite of our mendicant situation and I (representing my family) was not denied help when we plead our cause." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 22, 2019 on stoic or frozen emotion in time of grief and sorrow caused by death
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"I don't live on anyone's standard and expectation. No keeping up with the Jones. My identity is exclusively mine. I have life that I live the way I want it …" ~Leah C. Dancel, August 20, 2019
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"Today is the day I say Thank You Dear Lord for this privileged life you've given me." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 17, 2019
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"Today is my day.
Overshadowed by grief
When my younger sibling
Decided to let go
Of her life
And passed away.
I have confidence that she slipped away in peace. Rest in peace my sister Ruth." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 17, 2019
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"Dreaming is a constant habit. It's up to you how to turn it into a profit." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 17, 2019
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"Just be firm but kind. Practice authority without being autocratic. Gain their respect not fear. Love and prayer is the answer." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 15, 2019 on what I learned about good parenting
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"He is my favourite company In my ALONENESS. He inspires me and loves me. I can feel his genuine affection and tenderness. Industriousness is his virtue of labour. He works for his great love of his family; a legacy for their future to take over when he's gone. His love is pure and true. I believe in him. And I trust him. He strengthens my confidence as I am to him. I love him very dearly. He finds his way in Yahweh, and I adore him more. Once he was lost. Like a wayward lamb that wanders out of the fold, he went back to Him in deep repentance. Since then, he became prayerful and grateful for all the blessings he receives from HIM. I appreciate his thoughtfulness. He is full of compassion towards those around him. He mellows in years with kindness. I thank my Lord that I found him. He brings me closer home to his heart. He is my SOULMATE. He is my Palangga, since the day he calls me his." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 13, 2019
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"It was indeed an astonishing sight to see the snow after so many years of missing it. From Raglan to the end before Lithgow, the roadside looked dashing with a blanket of whiteness. I was very lucky to be able to occupy the front seat of the bus to see the spectacular winter view of the mountain slopes." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 12, 2019 on my way home to Sydney from Orange.
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"Creative people are quiet. Because they need to focus, to concentrate on their work. That's why most writers prefer to write away from nuisances. Solitude is the partner of silence." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 10, 2019
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"The storm of life is part of a nature's landscape. It has its own purpose to test a man's strength, stamina and resilience. Just let your anchor holds in the arms of faith." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2019
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"Nature is the best healer. It's time proven. But man destroys its own healer because of greed and ignorance, deliberate or not." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2019
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"In my understanding, what makes the young restless is a wrong focus, without vision, without direction, poverty and hardships in life, lack of opportunities and sometimes family rivalry and social injustices and environmental upheavals." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2019
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"God's love and mercy prevails. He still dispenses justice amidst the turbulence of the season." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2019
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"Sweetheart, when you are anak of meatcan, you too strikes everywhere. Sa kadaghan nga mga kakuyaw akong nasagubang, milagro gyud nga nakaabot ko ani nga era, let alone nakagawas ko sa hawla." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 6, 2019 on MAM Maguindanao
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"When we pass this world for good, we can't carry memories with us." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 4, 2019
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"Sila man ang boss, until Filipinos changed their boss. Two headhorns are vying for that position, but one wouldn't relent and the other is as recalcitrant as a bull." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 4, 2019 on VButch re:cbcp
."
But spread its ethereal glow;
A scarf of love as in a rainbow
For us to remember
That God is in-charge there.
Our destiny He yet will map
In our hands one day He'll fold
As one soul according to His mould.
Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@2019
All rights reserved
August 3, 2019
Australia🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈
"I love being a grandma. The best job I've ever have! 😘😘😘. And getting "OLD?" None of it that bothers me." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 3, 2019
"Poetry is everything... life and death... love and break-up, marriage, parenting, children, babies, family... everything. You are a poetess without you knowing it by the way you think, you speak, ... Your emotions speak of it. Anger, smile, happiness... All.. Nature, abstract, concrete..." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 1, 2019
"I tried but I failed … and move on … Once my doctor said, "I see nothing in your heart though I heard murmurings. Has anyone ever listened to your heart?" Naumid ako. I wasn't sure if he was a doctor or a prophet." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 1, 2019 on HEART
"A mother is the first to wake up everytime her children move at anytime of day … and the last to go to bed when she is sure everybody is in their respective bed … regardless of how old they are." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 1, 2019
"I would say, based on the saying that "things happen for a reason." Dahil diyan, na challenge ang leadership ni Imee Marcos. She has had proven herself as a noteworthy leader digging all her local resources to lift the lives of her people and re-invented Ilocos as a model in self-sufficiency and sustainable region." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 30, 2019 (changing opinions and views with Efelda Dongsky)
"At some point in my life, I experienced cruelty. I worked hard forgetting them through prayerful forgiveness. Hence, I found peace. Most people who were cruel to me are gone for good. I can thank my late Father who counselled me not to bear grudges to those people who did me wrong. Love is my number one rule in raising my children. I chastised them with tender words. If they challenge my authority as a parent, they knew what I'd do." ~Leah C.Dancel July 30, 2019 on child abuse subject raised by Ricardo Perez
"Honey,
Come beloved!
"Let us see the sunrise
Bursting like the flaming passion
Of love."
~Leah C. Dancel
July 26, 2019
A lesson on Cinquain Poetry
"I'd rather have nature as my cure." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 24, 2019
"As we commune with HIM, in silence we pray." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 24, 2019
"Win or lose, there is always a lesson to be learned." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 July 2019 on Manny Pacquiao's WWB VICTORY
"Soldier on Young Lady ... just soldier and march onward.... You have started the journey. You're halfway there. Untie the suspender. Go and don't look back. Not yet. Until you reach to the top. Then you may look down... to see what's below and beneath that road you have tread on. No more time to dilly dally." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 21, 2019 on Mel
JOURNAL: INTROSPECTION
📒📖📝📒📖📝📒📖📝📒📖📝
My body clock was awake past hours after dawn, but my will to rise came much later. The golden glow of sunrise was already streaming through my kitchen window visible from my lounge bed where I lay.
The day augurs to be lovely. I'm praying for strength that I may have the energy flowing in my entire being so I can carry on some important duties I need to attend.
I seem to lose my enthusiasm since Sunday. I had few bad days which I tried to overcome with …
"The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart and the most powerful weapon is an instrument of peace." ~ Carlos Santayana
Now, what about today? How shall I make the most of it?
"I will greet this day with love in my heart. And how will I do this? Henceforth will I look on all things with love and I will be born again. I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars. I will welcome happiness for it enlarges my heart; yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due; yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge." ~ Og Mandino (1923 - )
In grateful and loving memory of my late mother, I say
Mamang, "thank you for teaching me to weather the storm while still holding the hope to dance in the rain."
Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@2019
July 18, 2019
Australia
✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻
"We were all naive and god-worshipped the news purveyors; where in our youthful times they used to be reliable sources of good news and did possess high standards of integrity. Not since 1986 as it was getting worse. Instead of being enlightened and informed, the citizens were being fed with lies and millions of doses of poison called twisted truth that makes you wonder where they came from and to whose authority they emanate." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 18, 2019
"A good education is a stepping stone. You get good education in many ways. It is best inculcated, cultured, nurtured and developed at home. Education is further enhanced by proper training, discipline, willingness to learn with a can do attitude to acquire experience. Thereon, success is attained by choice through a pattern of set personal goals." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 18, 2019 on Education
"Don't push your luck. Pride eats a man. He is no worst than a worm." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 15, 2019
"The best king to make is a peasant for his heart is among the people: the downtrodden, the less fortunate and the under-privileged." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 11, 2019
"A sincere smile will go a long mile in changing someone's life." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 11, 2019
"My mind is frozen that I cannot write. But my heart is still working that I can still feel love." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 8, 2019
"It's a privilege to be a Grandma. It's heaven when you hold your grandchildren in your arms. It's paradise when you cradle them in your arms as they snuggle with you all night! Nothing can fill your heart with happiness than LOVE sent from above." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 July 2019 on my newborn third grandchild, a second granddaughter to my eldest daughter
"In everything there are hard toils involved. By no means triump always comes with tears." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 8, 2019
"Culture is part of every man's existence regardless of where he lives. It's embedded in his birthright, a landmark of his very own fabric of nature." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 8, 2019
"To me simplicity is luxury. Life is longer to live because it is void of complexities." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 7, 2019
"The simplest thing I can do with my person is simply by being ME. Pretension is not necessary. I am brought up by imperfect parents whose human values were exemplary. I am passing that down to my children." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 7, 2019 on perfection faker
"I am caught between Love and Sad. I'm basically like a sun. Only I shine at night when I'm in bed asleep." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 7, 2019
"Rumi got the whole world in his hands, heart and mind that everything he saw, he felt, he lived - went through his never drying pen. His translators were superb in preserving his mighty thoughts and wisdom; his philosophies in life. He got everything covered to the end." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 6, 2019
"I agree, beyond agree... if my children didn't reach out to him, he wouldn't and never would. It was good that my children did! They made a peaceful closure with him, and now they move on with their lives and decided they have nothing to do with him as he did them. He reaped what he sowed. I would never blame my children. Right before their living spirits, he gave them a cold shoulder. I admire my children's behaviour when they faced him for the first and the last time." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 26, 2019 on Father should reach out to their children.
"It's her life. And LIFE is HER. It just happens that Donald is rich and that she is not American by birth. Think of those who married their mothers' age. ALL THESE SHITS THAT PEOPLE JAZZ. So what's the big deal?" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 26, 2019 on melania being 23 years younger than trump.
"Too much knowledge spoils the natural tendency of knowing a person in the absence of a microscope. I am interested in Human Behaviour but not in accordance to what the book would inundate me with pragmatic lectures and lexicons. Most Psychologists I encountered are arrogant with omni-nised catalogue of bullshits. And I knew one who fell prey into psychotic and neurotic disadvancement. No offence meant. RIP." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 24, 2019 on pschology.
"I think of how colourful the world is when you see beauty all around." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 24, 2019
"Salute Rado... Your light is shining. The stars were dimmed in the beginning of their conception; now slowly by slowly as they popped their heads one by one into the hemisphere, unravelled by the clouds, they rise and keep rising. The dimness of their light is now shining bright." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 23, 2019 on Rado Gatchalian's philosophy: The LIGHT is DIM BUT BRIGHT.
"My word! So much words to describe of that given moment. I already knew it was coming. And I'm sure the audience including the honoured guests knew it too. Our lawmaking body and the justice system is the most lawless perhaps in the entire world. Hope the new batch will do better and lift up the rotten and dilapidated framework of the system if they want to save this country where others are beginning to decay. The virus of corruption injected into each governing body of every nation by the creator of corruptness is fast spreading and growing like an uncontrollable, incurable cancer." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 23, 2019 on Sherry Zimmer
"I agree with this young fellow. He may appear a smart ass but his philosophy is logical. Once I told someone that "though I'm the mother of my children, and out from me they came, I really don't own them the moment they become adults. Why? Because they have their own minds to decide what to do with their lives. My role? A giver, a guide, a counsellor, a teacher, a friend. And I haven't even read of any Khalil Gibran's book, let alone learned any of his quotations." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 23, 2019 on Parents don't own their children
"A very healthy gorgeous baby girl has finally arrived. A blessing of joy to behold. Thanks everyone for your best wishes and prayers. Much appreciated with LOVE! May our Dear Lord bless this new baby in my life. My third grandchild of a "graceful lily interlinked with peace". ~Leah C. Dancel, June 21, 2019
"There was a bright sunshine this morning when I woke up. The rays looked like your beaming face radiant with a smile as you cradle a baby in your arms in her swaddling clothes peacefully asleep. Well, that was my vision of you. But when I went out, the sun was dimmed by the rain clouds... and when I came home I was followed by a humongous dark shadow of that clouds threatening to drop over my head. It's pretty chilly here too by 4 degrees early in the day. And I am still shivering with chills." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 20, 2019 - (Journal as I talked to my eldest daughter who is now in the hospital)…
"Anong sakit ang sinapit ng bayan natin
Saang banda ka man lumingon ang buhay ay walang katiyakan
Pag-unlad at pagbabago ang tangi lamang hangad
Ito'y pinaslang ng mga ganid sa yaman at kapangyarihan."
~Leah C. Dancel, June 20, 2019 (Flabbergast's Dalawang Kulay)
"Young as she is, she always keeps a journal and takes it with her wherever they go. She writes about their recent family expedition on the snow at Jindabyne. She values her personal space and privacy as she expresses all her thoughts down in her journal. And it doesn't matter if she calls this lake an ocean. It is nearby where they stayed." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 June, 2019 on SL's journal writing
"His mind wanders, his thought wonders
When he sees the snow high on that rocky slopes
First in his life, before his very eyes
How did it get there?
And why are they so white!"
~Leah C. Dancel, 18 June 2019 On Marco at Jindabyne Snowy Mountains Exploration
"A curious mind. Taking up close and personal with the roos up in the mountain. He was only a baby when the family took him to Wonboyn Lake where the Wallabies are regular habitues in my friend Chak V Walker's vicinity. They're always there for their breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes in the middle of the night. They don't knock doors and windows though." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 June 2019 on Marco at Jindabyne Snowy Mountains Exploration
"The heart is the seat of all human emotions. Sometimes we can't control if negative vibrations control it. Example: anger". ~Leah C. Dancel, June 14, 2019
"Been fighting very hard to overcome the rift I was swimming against. I spent the whole day doing some readings in lead up to writing an article. It is written in my nom de plume but you will know it's me." ~Leah C. Dancel, a note to Jollee, June 13, 2019
"You really think life with (this) people are better off than anyone. We are all the same: we enjoy life, we suffer, we feel happy, we feel sorrow. We have blessings, we have curses too. Life has so many forms and shapes, colours and dons with so many descriptions the way it is being lived by; under a canopy of different circumstances, situations and eventualities. Without sounding religious, we humans are not meant to suffer a miserable life. It has something to do with our choices, how we approach life, and to apply the principle of good living." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2019 on PEOPLE LIVING THEIR LIFE
"My children were ignored, neglected and deprived by their father. When they're old enough (unmarried) they decided to see him and see for themselves what he is like: Cold! My eldest was told they could be friends with no desire to mend his shortcomings to them. My youngest with the help of her elder sister went on her way to see him for the last time to make a closure of their irrelationship. Then they both decided they will never have anything to do with him. In spite of their inner hurtings, they grew up to be well-adjusted persons themselves. They move on. Both were matured beyond their years! Now, I'm a blessed Grandma." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12 on fathers neglecting their children
"Most or many New nursing mothers do experience (this) stressful situations aggravated by non-considerate people. The plane is not a hotel for resting. It's every passersby temporary dwelling on the air at everyone's travel disposal, convenience or not. A baby is a passenger. His fragile body is nowhere to be compared like that of any adult and has no way of knowing he is causing discomfort to other passengers. Besides, these bloody inconsiderate passengers were once babies. Perhaps they need to be reminded by that they too had caused inconvenience to many people in their travelling time. Such a world loaded with the presence of too many bullshits we live in whether you are in land, air and sea. Not even a church that preaches love is exempted." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2019 on Travelling on a Jetplane with a baby.
"I'd travelled alone with 2 (2 and 1 year old) children from Australia to Germany. Besides not being able to go to the bathroom for the whole duration of the flight, I was just blessed to have generally quiet babies except with my eldest who was overloaded with curiosities. But everyone was truly helpful. Their smiles of assurance gave me a relief. If I was on a plane with that scenario (of a helpless, distraught mother with a crying baby) first thing I gonna do is help established friendship with the mother through eye contact. Give her a smile and a re-assuring nod. That will ease her nerves and eventually the crying baby will pick that up. No words necessary. If she gets closer to me, I will offer her a relief by taking the baby to soothe the little angel. It will work unless the baby is colicky. The plane should have additional facility and amenity for this situation." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2019 on travelling with babies
"Finding inspiration from this verse of 1 Peter 1:18 I read, 'Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God,' gives myself a constant reminder that whatever step and decision WE make in life is affected by the way we think, we act, we speak." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 May 2019
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"Fourteen hours running with ten stops within the New South Wales to the border and two more stops within the territory of our destination before this dolphin nosed train terminated in Roma Street. It was a fresh dawning of life's reality that age and travel knows no bounds where opportunity exists, enhanced by physical capability and mobility.
A graveyard journey is more relaxing than daytime. It gives you time alone to contemplate, to digest the silence of the night forgetting the world's travails and the vagaries of life, to embrace new experience, to welcome unexpected adventure as when and "IF HEAVEN DROPS A DATE, OPEN YOUR MOUTH" according to an Old Proverbial Wisdom.
All the way through, the bright moon shone that serves our guide. Nothing much was seen from my window seat except the deserted mountains, and, towns were covered by trees and bushes. There were few long steel bridges that connect lands where waters below were running deep and quiet in spite of the long drought we passed by. Amidst the stillness of the night, came the intrusive gentle roar of this giant blue and yellow stripey land engined dolphin and curvy turns made some groovy movements heaving a rough ride.
Gladly, soon as the Food Kiosk had done its business and the staff called it a day, all lights were turned off and everyone fell asleep (so I thought), but myself immersing my soul in watching the mystifying beauty of the moon brightly beaming at my window seat. In that long reveille poetic mode, it was ironic that no words of prosaic insanity could form on my mind until sleep itself intruded my tired being.
Time went fast … we arrived our destination at last. Four-thirty wee hours in the morning...." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 20, 2019, Journey to Queensland by XPT
"Two ladies, Rose Madden and I, went on an early excursion to Katoomba to see the Blue Mountains. Had our breakfast there, and Christian Valdez followed, who also enjoyed a big truckie plateful brekky. From there our journey began. It was windy and cold. I need to hang on to my hat or it would be blown away to nowhere. There's no Lyre bird in sight to whom I could plea to bring it back to me. I cherish this red hat as it was given to me by my daughter's Mother-in-Law. She's very generous and extra kind to me. So am I to her. Back in 2012, we both celebrated our joint Mother's Day right in this place called the Blue Mountains; the mountains made famous and named after its enchanting blue haze. It's not just mythical, but scientifically significant due to the composition which make up the colourful bluey hue of the mist as seen from afar." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 18, 2019
"It is truly sad losing a mother. I lost mine six-months past her 60th. 😭😭😭. Worst, through a vehicular accident. Few weeks before that happened, she told me "I miss you Inday!" I was taken aback because she never said anything like that to me. When she died, her words finally sank in into my subconscious mind. Her death anniversary is forthcoming - May 16. If she is alive today and she is here with me, she would love Australia with all her heart and endless gratitude. For the country alone, the beauty and wonders of nature, the garden, flowers and native plants and animals, the sea, the shore, the travels, the food (cheese and all that!). She's a very appreciative (except my academic endeavours) and grateful. Very warm, hospitable, friendly, industrious, talented; in her own unassuming ways, not to mention her intelligence. Happy Mother's Day Mamang. You're always remembered. Always will be." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11, 2019
"When I did housesitting for my friend outside Eden, the regular visitors I kept snapping photos with were the wallabies. Morning, noon and nighttime, they were always around in the front yard. They loved being photographed with. Also birds, but not as often as the wallabies." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2019
"In my personal experience, the remedy is physical/hard work like gardening, digging the grounds to get rid of the last roots of wild weeds without using chemicals... simply keeping my body busy and eventually my mind shifted from over thinking to talking to what I was doing, ... forgetting the time, ... As I went on, I discovered and learned how to empty my mind of worries, with thoughts that permeated my mind, and, I found out, slowly and gradually, I was into my pristine meditative self. The overthinking was replaced with appreciation, admiration and adoration of every single element I kept my hands busy with. And voila! I had the best blooming garden in my entire life. Sadly, that garden was left behind when we decided to leave the place that caused me and my children misery. On leaving, I left my place and everything behind without remorse... and faced another challenge. In all those mental and inner turmoils, I didn't abandon my faith in the sense that HE is the one I kept talking too on /my mind instead of letting the world overcome my thoughts. Life was overwhelming as I struggled hard, but as I leaned on His PROMISE that HE WILL NOT ABANDON US, all screws of hardships loosen up and from there, I picked up and managed to keep going. Everything was MENTAL. The CONTROL is yours to operate." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2019 on OVERTHINKING
"I treasure this mantel clock which is a gift from Ret. Rear Admiral Max Reid. A very lovely gentleman of the RAN whom I was privileged to work for/with. I missed his Coffee/Tea servings, our intellectual conversation, his critiquing of my poetry, his poetic narratives, his driving me to the wharf to catch a Ferry home after work. Such experience you would never get from any Filipino of his calibre. I hope you stay healthy, strong and well Sir. You are fondly remembered. I wish I remember your lovely daughter's name." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 8, 2019
"I was in tears too when after years of being crucified in prison, she was exonerated from that wrongful verdict she had to endure... losing her dignity as a person, a human being, a woman, let alone a wife and a mother." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 25, 2019 on Lindy Chamberlain agonies in prison over her baby daughter Azaria's death by Dingo in NT as interviewed by Anh Do (In a highly emotional TV interview, Lindy Chamberlain recalled her agony over her wrongful murder conviction after her baby daughter was snatched by a dingo - and revealed her two sons' devastating reaction when they were told she was being jailed. Speaking on ABC show Anh’s Brush With Fame, Lindy, now 71, has recalled the moment she realised her son Reagan, then four, had been awake when the dingo snatched his sister and even felt it drag her away.)
"Coffee and Cream with honey in between. Sip it slowly, gently to the mouth of its brim. Lovingly close your eyelids and smile, let alone with a gracious grin." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 25, 2019
"The very people who helped me when I needed help most.. were the Sisters of Charity. I'm not a Catholic, and I never swap my beliefs with theirs, but we had a wonderful give and take humane relationship. I never said No to every help, however small, they asked me to do. There were times, I went with them doing a missionary work. They were a happy bunch of servants of God." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 21, 2019 on Mother Teresa - a sinner or saint
"What a lovely wedding tradition where families and communities gather together, united in their noble intentions... helping and supporting each other! Thank you for this educational piece. Culture is part of human's identity. So is beliefs and practice. I'm in awe and so impressed! If only the whole world can abide with strict morality, our society can never go wrong." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 20, 2019 on watching A TURKMEN WEDDING
"What a lovely capture! I feel enchanted by the early morning dew wherever they fall and anything they touch. The most solemn and vibrant description I can compare this photo with is the one line of the hymn I COME TO THE GARDEN ALONE while the dew is still on the roses... as the story goes .. it was on this scenarion watching the dew lapping at the petals where I heard God's voice ringing on my ears..." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 18, 2019 on Romeo Balicongan's dewy Chinese Bamboo photo.
"In my drawing mode. Reminiscent of my mother's old-fashioned sketches. She was a Dressmaker in her time and she designed clothes too. It was just unfortunate that her gifts and skills were not given much exposure to find the right market. She's akin to a poet whose works were kept in the closet unpublished. This design is similar to one of my own maternity dress I wore when I was released from the hospital after giving birth to Lily. I passed that dress to an expat..." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 18, 2019 on sketching Lily's Coat Style Maternity Dress to be made to order in my country.
"He is moving the cogs and gears of his Power now. He could no longer afford to waste anymore time." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 18, 2019 on finally speaking up for some untouchable issues way back home by PRRD
"Try flying over Auckland NZ to Taupo, the clouds there are as dark as the monsters and as high as Mt. Everest. Makes you feel like the plane is climbing that peak on foot. It was spectacular as much as it was scary." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 14, 2019 on my memory of FOT2010
"There was a guy I met at a Taxi Rank around my area. He saw me carrying a heavy load of grocery bags. He was pushing a trolly full of his own shopping while I was struggling with mine by hands. He offered me to get on a cab, asked the driver to drop me off first. He was a very friendly and chatty fellow. And yes! He is a Down Syndrome Human with a compassionate heart. I wish I'll see him again. I would love to give him a treat to thank him for his kind gesture accorded to a stranger. People with this unique genes have very special quality traits. So far that I knew of." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 14, 2019 on Down Syndrome
"Reminds me of someone who did everything in her power to help her husband finds success in his studies. When he became a doctor, someone came along and turn their marriage asunder. But this man in this story is gallant enough to admit that he is wrong." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 14, 2019 on WIFE TEACHES HIM A LESSON
"As we get older, I feel I'm lost between living my own and living for the others. While all the time, I wish I can just be an invisible shadow." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 14, 2019
"Through the years, I have conditioned myself and I accepted with a grateful heart that I will be ALONE in my life. I'm used to it now." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 11, 2019 on ALONENESS
"Some poets are bewitched by the beauty of the moon.
Some are enchanted by its charming view
But oh Boy! Can I just sail in your unchartered heart?
My moon tonight is so elusive.
It's too far for me to reach.
May the universe cast a spell in your dream
And in your sleep, you'll see a radiant star beaming."
~Leah C. Dancel
April 11, 2019
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
"Jasmine is sweet and aromatic. When its scent wafts on a moonlight night, the garden becomes a bed in paradise. This statement is beyond poetic metaphor." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 10, 2019
"Interesting! In the olden days, they used the sundial to check the time. The moon to check the month. When you're lost in the forest, all you have to do is find the waterway down to the sea. Then there was the smoke to signal you needed help in distress while you're in the middle of somewhere. The compass came later. All these primitive means of survival have surpassed throughout all eras." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 8, 2019 on google by Nas Daily
"It really is unthinkable how some rich countries still have dark closets with all the energy they possess to light the whole world, but leaving some of their corners dimmed with poverty. I saw this situation in 'Jumerica" to my horror' in 2013 on the way to Reno, Nevada in May 2013." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 7, 2019
"If there is still part of the roots that is alive, there is hope that the plant can be revived and survive. It only takes a matter of patience and constant care. This philosophy or metaphor is not applicable to human relationship, not even 25%." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 7, 2019
"Here's what I learned from the Maranaos in Lanao del Sur about traveling: The road, the path, the waterways, the air we travel - none is smooth till the end of your journey. When you feel turbulence of any kind, a bump, a pocket of near disaster - try not to let your mind center on that discomfort. Try to treat it like it's normal, a kind of ordinary thing. I looked at them all in the eyes. I was the only non-muslim among the passengers of adults, majority were men. They noticed my fear. Their words were the best balm that assuaged my wrecked nerves, my hacking fears. Then, I was in high school studying in Marawi City. On weekends, I went home to see my parents and family in Lumbatan which is located right across Marawi City by Lake Lanao." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 7, 2019 on duoipedia's fear of travel
"I always hear good reports of this kind man given that he's one rich guy living in the world of Hollywood. Just a rare exemplary man of the century. Bless him." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 6, 2019 on Keanu Reeves, A humble man)
"I can only empathise. Been there myself. Sadly, only people with money can get out of a situation (country) like that to be able to seek a greener pasture. Lucky in our time, our family was allowed to cultivate someone's land with nothing to pay. In return, my dear old mother was a born farmer; she cultivated the land we occupied, and filled it with fruit trees, coconut, pineapples, vegetables and flowers. We also raised ducks and chickens just for family consumption. Lazy neighbours helped in enjoying the fruits of our hard labour without lifting a finger. It's called Stealing especially when nightdreams fell. The owner of the land was more than happy with what my mother did. Of course with our help. How I wish my mother is still alive to enjoy more of life, better than she had." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 6, 2019, on SELLING COFFEE ON MY GRADUATION ROBE - a Story of Iraqui from South Baghad who sells coffee on the street to support his family because he couldn't get a job after he finished a degree - Hussein Mashary graduated in Political Science and planned to work as a diplomat one day. But things turned out differently...)
"Stories are made up of two sides: happy and sad. Mine was sad. In the end, I am happy. Being on my own with no one making my life more miserable than it was. Great spirits for these women. I salute them!" ~Leah April 6, 2019 on Greek Women
"Nationality, race, religion, beliefs, and traditions - all have nothing to do about it, but a CULTURE RICH IN HUMANITY!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 6, 2019 on WE HAVE SO MUCH IN COMMON, WE JUST DON'T ALWAYS NOTICE IT (A Denmark TV2)
"In my book, though I'm not rich, I don't mind paying the exuberance if it means "good, excellent and honest to goodness friendly service" for a treat and experience of a lifetime. Oftentimes, I observed waiters working in hospitality industry are just being taken for granted. For all we know, they even earned more than we do." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 6, 2019
"Happy Birthday my big Girl!" ~Mum Leah, April 3, 2019
"My First born when I was - 4 months into my 39th birthday. Dubbed by neighbours as "Little Person" at one year old. At two, she wanted to become a doctor. When she was in Year 3, she decided to become a Potter (Ceramics - and I told her, why go backward?. Then when she was on her last league in the Primary (Elementary in our term), she went higher on her dream to becoming a lawyer so she can sue her father who abandoned her and her little sister. Somewhere along the line, I read in her essay that the reason she wanted to become a lawyer was because I (her mother) said so. hahaha. I told her, "Gapataka ka lang". When she was in First Year High School, she wrote a fantasy story that is akin to Harry Potter (I forgot the title) that made her won a Golden Seal Award in English from the Principal. She's a School Debater and a Leader." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 April 2019
"At the outback in Australia, you can find wallabies or kangaroos frequenting yards of homeowners. They are wild, untamed marsupials who do nothing but foray, looking for vegetations to eat. They are herbavores. Just leave them alone, you can be in the same place with them, but keep yourself safe from a distance. They love cameras and more often that not, you can tell them to be still while you photoshoot them. They will give you a curious look and for a while will go about their business. I bet, it's the same with bears except that they are more of homebodies unlike the kangaroos." ~Leah C. Dancel, On Bears feeling at home in people's home, April 3, 2019
"A free spirited young lady. Her college days were full of challenging moments. As a parent, I tried to be very supportive in every step she went through both the good and the bad days. She appreciated those times when someone was behind her pushing her not to give up. She didn't." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 3, 2019 on my big girl
"Well done Waleed! I am teary eyed and most touched by the genuine apolitical-maternal approach of NZ PM Jacinda Ardern in handling the crisis her country had to face and in her honest admittance that a global problem like what happened in her country was not the first in the world. She's calm and collected. She united the people in the face of adversity by demonstrating love and support. Her advocacy of kindness and tolerance surely surfaced. Her gratitude to everyone who gave their support is beyond measure. Peace is attainable when everyone will give it a place in their hearts, in their lives." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2019 on The Project - Waleed Interview with NZ PM Jacinda Ardern
"Delusion of grandeur" - that's the net they throw on her, and she's trapped! Simply because she is a willing sacrificial lamb. You are right saying, "she alteady made her bed in history", one that is indelible. If only she doesn't fall into the glittering "fool's gold". That's her Waterloo. Who can really tell?" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 25, 2019 on LGR as Oppo's last hope in getting back to power
"When you wake up to read something congenial that is a harbinger of harmony, no matter how blue your soul feels, you are inclined to be cheery!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 21, 2019 on Clarisa Guinto Romanca's cheerful post
"Your SENSE AND SENSIBILITY is second to none. That's why because your truth is as sharp as the two blades of a sharpened SWORD." ~Leah C. Dancel, On Victor Casquejo's blocked account for 30 days, March 20, 2019
"I must be well that I'm thirsty for LAUGHTER." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 20, 2019
"When your mind is filled with pleasant thoughts, beautiful words are expressed in poetic one liners at random." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 13, 2019
"We all face trials in life. Storms can be overwhelming. Strength is all we need to hang on that we will not be swayed by the torrents of despair and hopelessness. This hymnal music WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD taught by our Mother in my early years in life proves to be an inspiration." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 12, 2019
"My PE Teacher/Professor in the first university I attended was feisty and with a voluminous body form. But oh boy! When she danced, how agile and graceful she could be! Dancing is not for a bamboo stick alone. Logs and thick slabs of woods can do it too. Dance is a form of exercise. So if you can do it, flaunt it! Just what Amanda LeCount did!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 12, 2019
"True self is the best make up. No agents of concealment or post surgical enhancers can make you as the True You!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 5, 2019
"I wish I had his courage and guts in my youth. I was a slave of parental curse, a bullshit tradition that when you go against your parents because of your ambition, dream or goal, you will not be blessed! What a load of crap! Anyway, .... so much about that... my children are free to follow their own dreams.... I'm behind them to give them my unconditional love and support. The fact that they got away from drugs, sex and alcohol and live a life good enough to make them well, is a success enough for me to claim success as a parent. Thank you Mr. Schwarzenneger! You are so down to earth and genuinely wonderful! Your motivation is a great inspiration!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 5, 2019 on listening to Arnold Schwarzenneger's straightforward speech on What is the Secret of Success posted by Goalcast FB Meme.
"True beauty is found within. An ugly face is beautified by our true gentle spirit that springs compassion, kindness, forgiveness, caring, smiling, friendliness etc. You can name all the beautiful virtues and values you hold and possess. As you look yourself in the mirror, you will be surprised of what you see. No amount of commercial enhancement can alter that. That's the real Elixir of Youth." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 3, 2019; comment on The Most Beautiful Woman on Earth - Lupita Nyong'o of Kenya
"I heard about the Potato Famine in Ireland. It was even told to me by my late mother. Interestingly years later, I bumped into a novel (can't remember the book) how potato was discovered and that farmers thought they were weeds or pests. When they realised they bear root crops and didn't know how to get rid of them and what to do with them, they brought it to the attention of the king. In those times, people were afflicted by a skin disease called scurvy or whatever it was. So to solve the problem, the king ordered that the potato crops must be fed to the people. People then started eating this root crop as a staple food, and long after they noticed that their skin condition had improved and the disease was healed for unknown reason. By eating the root crops they began to look healthy and strong. Was this a myth or a legend? But to me personally, there seems to be an element of truth in that story." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 March 2019
"Anything can happen and complacency and being non or lack of vigilance will destroy us." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 2, 2019
"There's no limit to an artist's imagination. He's an earthly creator what nature endows." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 1, 2019
"Probably these spirits you've spoken about just happened to be in the same wing as you? Then perchance we all met by the gravity of destiny or fate?" - my rhetoric to Estelle Cortes' " I am a magnet for broken wings, broken people, untamed spirits and weary souls..." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 1, 2019
"It's that time when seasons get confusing between the North and South Poles. Each season has its own peculiar character and spectacles. It's may be too late to add, but in our case in Australia, the reverse of the season is true being we are geographically located down in the South Pole. While the Northerners are moving towards Spring, we are heading towards the Fall or Autumn. Soon we will be embracing the cold season." ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 February 2019
"Appreciating life for its many blessings come in different forms even if the first thing you see in the morning, the minute you wake up, is a glorious sunrise from the kitchen window." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 25, 2019
["When you are a young person, you are like a young creek, and you meet many rocks, many obstacles and difficulties on your way. You hurry to get past these obstacles and get to the ocean. But as the creek moves down through the fields, it becomes larger and calmer and it can enjoy the reflection of the sky. It's wonderful. You will arrive at the sea anyway so enjoy the journey. Enjoy the sunshine, the sunset, the moon, the birds, the trees, and the many beauties along the way. Taste every moment of your daily life.' ~Thich Nhat Hanh]
🌞Comment: I love his (TNH) analogy - whatever metaphor is contained therein and between the lines. Sometimes the creek is caught by the summer drought and gets dry. That's when at some point in our life, we get stuck and feel stagnant. There's nowhere to go. No drops to flow." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 24, 2019
"The classic fashion is back. And I love her in red dress." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 24, 2019 on The Duke and Duchess of Sussex four day Royal Visit to Morocco arriving into Casablanca.)
"Some people know other people's life better than their own. I guess we all need a mirror." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 24, 2019
"Because we're getting old; now we have time to sit back, look back, and have the luxury to appreciate life that we have had less time or had no time to do in the past." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 23, 2019
"I see beauty in every person's heart, mind and soul. It's reflected in their writings. People of like-mind can discern that." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 22, 2019
"Age is an inevitable matter as we get older. Our views change from wordly to heavenly." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2019
"Envy is a disease cursed in the earliest part of human civilisation." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2019
"It was a very tough time for the athletes who underwent rigid training. Some complaint a lot, but here Down Under sports people toughened their muscles and stiffened their emotionsEnvy is a disease cursed in the earliest part of human civilisation. Feb 20 in the rigidity of their training routines just to get there. And there they did get by hurdling medals of their pride bringing high honours for the country outside politics." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2019
"This Persian poet through centuries has made his followers learn to ruminate the depth of his thoughts even in the simplest form of expression." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2019
"We need the rain more than the moon in our endless state of drought." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2019
"The graceful blessings of life came to me. It's beautiful. It's joyful. It's peaceful. After such a long journey over a little halfway to my century." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 19, 2019
"No regrets will come before but late
Life's pathway may hold our fate
Time passes time and time again
We can never get back to where it all begins."
~@Leah C. Dancel
February 19, 2019
"Lemons are indeed sour. Its acidity brings flavour to dishes and sweet desserts. Life is akin to lemon. It augurs challenges and trials. Once you pass the tests of time, you become a victor. Then that itself is sweetness. You don't even have to make your own lemonade. Someone will make it for you to savour. Sip and enjoy. Perhaps not now, not too soon, but later in the days you won't expect it. Then you can sit back and sigh with relief. Open your mouth and say .... ahhhhhhhhh!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 19, 2019
"Even Nature learns from Men." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 19, 2019 on that weird Lemon (rude) shape and form.
"Pine trees give off beautiful aroma at night time. Hope when the mountains are fully covered by these trees, the wild deers will inhabit the hills." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 18, 2019 on Mt. Cordillera Native Youths' Tree Planting
"It has always been my desire to grow old gracefully and happy in abounding peace." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 18, 2019
"That moment when we unleash our sentimentality that grips our heart. I did that in 2005. I flew thousands of miles away from home to release those pent up emotions I kept for years. Tears were freely flowing coming from the oasis of misery." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 16, 2019, a commentary to "A Maudlin Poem of Regret"
"I didn't dream, the dream came to me.
I didn't desire, someone desired it for me.
We blogged all our way.
We met.
And fate would have known it.
Guess what?
We're related by consanguinity
One way or another."
~Leah C. Dancel,February 16, 2019, a memory at Airforce One in Simi Valley, Ca with Marie and Manong Vic Vasquez
"Love itself is a course of nature...
It is subjected to all forces of elements: wind, hail, rain, storm, and fire …
The ones who stand the test of time are the victors.…
For the faint-hearted, it's doomed to failure."
~Leah C. Dancel, February 14, 2019
"Consider the power of the few handful of people of Iceland (if I'm not mistaken) when they overthrew the most powerful purse string and portfolio holders of their economy. They had enough! Their own leader in their country was not even mentioned if he was behind that ouster or was it the other way around. The very reason PRRD still holds reservations because he feels the pulse of the people's lukewarmness as in Ningas Cogon attitude that prevails amongst us. There seems to be no cohesion in the advocacy of change people wanted. Where is that tie that binds us? Divided, distracted, ... you can finish the rest for me. Even the very fabric of the Law Enforcers are having their own rank and file schism. Who will protect the King in this Game of Chess? The pawns are scattered and displaced. The Queen is nowhere near him. The bishops are back sliders, the pillars are torn down... the horses disengaged, if not disintegrated..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 🤧🤧🤧 13 February 2019 on PRRD Lone Battle Against the Enemies of the Land a comment to BEYOND EDSA by Abe Purugganan via Yesu Ben
"I always enjoy flying when I get the opportunity. I make the most of that awesome feeling being up there in the highest scale above the hemisphere. My mind plays words of such wonders I see beyond and over the horizon... the magnificence of the creation that transcends beauty! I then become poetic!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 12, 2019 on watching a video How do airplanes actually fly!
"Each journey has a colour. You chose the best!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 12, 2019
"LEADERSHIP is a noble quality. And a LEADER is designated to live in the loneliest space and place on earth. Like a Soldier, he shoulders the onus of his responsibilty in taking care of his subjects. He keeps moving forward. He soldiers on. Marching on … his own orders." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 11, 2019
"Many of us want change. It is coming in a slow motion. No change happens overnight. Others drag it down for as long as they can. But change this time is pitting against time. It numbs the hope of the many. Their patience is thinning and dangerously becoming brittle." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 10, 2019
"Distance is only a measurement; a calibrated gap between two ends. It doesn't impede affection or go between two people in love." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 10, 2019
"Go slow and steady and you'll get there, said me to meself... whenever I go sluggard. Gone are the days I had to rush, I had to keep the schedules, I had to ... I had to ... good hair day, bad hair day, if I want to stop, all I do is drop everything and hey, this time it's all about ME!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 8, 2019 on give yourself a pat in the back
"My children basically grew up being abandoned by their father. I groomed them, raised them having an open mind, healthy beings, and, positive outlooks. When the right time came they decided to face their demon, the father who abandoned them their since their childhood, 3-4 years old respectively; they no longer have memories of him. That abandonment was cemented on the day they went out their way to come face to face with him and be told they could be friends much to their disappointment. He showed them no emotion, and No, for those years he made himself unavailable to them, and them longing for a father deep inside their hearts only to be told the words he spoke to them on their meeting, they then decided that was the end of the line. That closure was made final: they have nothing to do with him inasmuch as he has nothing to do with them since the beginning." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 7, 2019 comment on father's abandonment.
"Life is like a book. It has chapters and pages. Some leaves are torn. Others are like dog ears. But the ending, you can choose its outcome. Peace is sweet heaven." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 6, 2019
"I prefer the dried chickpeas beans whole when I cook chicken soup. I love it green and fresh too, yes for a simple vegan dish. We got them in our home garden. My son-in-law (a Palestinian) introduced Hommus in my diet. We have your food and we prepare it like a Feast. Hommus is a healthy food." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 6, 2019
"How come Pollies are only visible when Election Time is nearing. They make themselves transparent. They even care to send you TLC sweet letters to sweeten your coffee palate. They are like Ants that come out from their molehills when rainy season is coming." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 6, 2019
"Blaming others is a blatant scapegoat." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 6, 2019
"A debonaire IP in blue, chilling under a shadowy inky blue sky, smiling in confidence looking so sure that his future will be brighter. The bluish sea behind him listens carefully hushed by its own waves rushing ashore." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 5, 2019 on writing adjectives
"Some years ago, the wife of a church minister told me, "behave yourself." It was her way of telling me "look after yourself" with undercurrent sarcasm. Australians have a way with words. And I seemly adapted that. Hence I can tell of differing opinions from others who literally took every letter of my words in every manner I expressed myself.… Communication has so many avenues in which each individual processes their line of thoughts and opinions on something we say. Some are open minded, others are judgmental, biased, narrow minded and sensitive; while others are nonchalant.
Then that I find very interesting based on how each behavioral and mental instinct reacts and interacts. I love the intellectual propensity of the broadminded people. …Anyway, back to the minister's wife, I replied her in jest: if I didn't behave myself, being on my own for 15 years, what does that tell you? Then on, she kept her mouth shut!
See that little tongue?" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2019
"It's very hard when people only love you for your youthful appearance and get shocked when they see your future self. Time changes everything. Your looks, your status in life, your health, your possessions, and LIFE in general. Take it or leave it. Even the Stars and the Moon have time to lose their glitters and wane into oblivion. That's what happens when you are in the LIMELIGHT." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2019 on Celine Dion
"Life is a mirror. People see the image of your actions." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2019
"Keeping our heart young is the key to live longer." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2019
"Even the Stars and the Moon have time to lose their glitters and wane into oblivion. " ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2019
"I used to write. I love writing. My journal suffers. It's barely tainted with ink. The fluidity of my thoughts is drying." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 3, 2019
"The caves hide the most beautiful sights and wonders you would never imagine they're there." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 1, 2019
"Life is not all about Lollipops and Roses. Lemons can be inspirational too!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 1, 2019 on Grab Life by the Tail, authored by Donna Harvey Hall
"Discrimination has nothing to do with the race, but attitude of the people." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 1, 2019
"The world renown beautiful Sunset of Manila Bay has been revived to its iconic place after being rehabilitated. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers who came to clean-up the bay. Less than a week after it has been restored to its former glory, the undisciplined pigs came and started building their new pigsty." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 31, 2019
💐💐💐
"I go with the flow
Not with the rip
Or current that will lead me astray.
I go with the flow
Steady and slow
Where I safely reach my destiny."
~@Leah C. Dancel, 30 January 2019
💐💐💐
"When you feel weary of darkness
When you fall, blinded by darkness
When you can't see the mystery
That darkness wraps; and you feel
Something is amissed
Something is not right
Until you reach your destiny.
Somewhere something is glowing
Somewhere something is shining
It's love that shines forth
Its ardour rises to passion
It leaves you breathless
It makes you feel amazed
As darkness fades away."
@Leah C. Dancel
January 28, 2019
"Outside social media, I tend to believe that the people are now forming a cordon of trust to follow the man who leads them. The example they set recently is their voluntary cleaning of the Manila Bay. Hope it will continue to manifest in other areas that need purging its political filth." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 28, 2019
"If only we can encourage everyone to write. Writing can be intellectually intimidating, let alone overwhelming. I started writing for myself. That is selfishness of course. Then each time I re-read my writing, I see lots of errors. But I can edit them. Then my greatest enemy is self-doubt. If not, the doubt itself. I just keep going, albeit." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 27, 2019
"My brain has been stalled by the extreme heat of summer." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 23, 2019
"If only everything around the world is evil free, then that would make us all feel wonderful!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 21, 2019
"Sometimes I can't help to wonder if all the teachings combined by/from different philosophers/authors/motivators are not in vain. The more Peace is preached, the more conflicts, wars and troubles we hear, and see around us, and the world at large. The UN is infiltrated with non-peaceful aliens and in alliance with HR whose primordial duty is to protect the criminals. The Bible said: "they talk peace and peace they know not." So something is going amiss." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 19, 2019
"People walked away from me because I asked them to get lost without words. Then my world brightens. There's light around me and peace within my heart. My life is beautiful without them." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 19, 2019
"A child raised in a cocoon of over-protectiveness will find it most difficult to adjust and adapt himself in an environment alien to his own. We have to help them be aware that the world at large is different as they step out from their cage so they will learn how to develop their skills and strategy in coping themselves in anything strange outside their normal upbringing." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 19, 2019
"Life is all about gain or loss; acceptance or rejection; giving or greedy; blessing or curse. If you get through them all with your head still above the water, you know why it is called "survival of the fittest." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 January 2019
"Peace is gained through forgiveness. And peace is happiness." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 17, 2019
"Laughter is the best brand of fashion I can wear, if possible, every single day." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 17, 2019
"Nakakalungkot kung pakakaisipin ang mga paghihirap na dinanas ng mga ninuno natin sa kamay ng mga dayuhan; magpahanggang ngayon. Mangmang man o may pinag-aralan - halos lahat ay patuloy ang pagpa-alipin sa mga kasinungalingang ipina-ilalim sa krus ng mga walang turing na mandaraya. Kailan pa ba imumulat ng mga tao ang kanilang mga mata. Shame and guilt, but theirs, ang binakuna nila sa mga Pilipino kahit bago pa sila isinilang. Nagpapa-uto pa rin. Nagpapaloko pa rin. Di ba sinabi ni Rizal: "Sa bayang walang magpapa-alipin ay walang mag aalipin." Mismo mga kalahi ang siyang umaalipin sa kapwa ni kalipi." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 13, 2019
"Change takes a long process to eventuate. A long, hard and deep overhaul is much needed. Discipline is paramount and that what is lacking; which is a big IMPEDIMENT to the change PRRD wanted to happen." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 13, 2019, On Federalism
"It's just a happenstance that she grew up the way she did, being in a melting pot and caught in the crossroad of diverse cultures to which she is keen and adaptable with an open-mind. However, as she gets older, she found her heart in the Philippines, the home turf of her mother; when she could possibly choose to be a Scottish. A very well spoken young lady with brains on her head indeed! Very admirable traits she got!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 9, 2019 on Edwin Jamora's video post of Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray
"I'm from Mindanao: Iligan, Marawi - born in Cagayan. I may have been away for three decades, but it is my dream to see Mindanao prospers like any other progressive places where wealth is neatly hidden in its natural habitat. Without peace, my dream will not come true." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 6, 2019
"My girls, whom I raised alone, and I had our first 2019 get-together yesterday in the Blue Mountains along with my two little grandchildren, in conjunction with JP's 36th birthday. It was his best birthday according to him. We could never underestimate how a small gathering can mean a lot and make a difference to someone's life. He and my eldest daughter are expecting their first child in wintertime Down Under. I'm blessed to have good rapport with my children-in-law." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 5, 2019
"May God's bounty forever be yours and your loved ones." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 1, 2019
END OF 2018
"The sun comes shining through, with me , as I rise each morning." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 29, 2018
"Earlier tonight as I was in bed ... sleep has been elusive. I was thinking of my mother, my father. I was thinking of the old downtrodden days. I was wishing in between tears, I was wishing … that I wish my parents were still alive. They would have been with me; enjoying and appreciating many beautiful things I knew they would love like nature. They would be admiring different beautiful flowers, the Opera House, the harbour... and many more. My mother loves food. She has an enviable appetite without stretching wide her weight. In her 60's she has a lovely curve. But she never was vain. She was very plain and simple that hides the immeasurable depth of her secret wisdom. No one knows until they speak to her. Mahiya ang professional sa iyaha. Very talented and gifted. A good cook. A delightful conversationalist, and how I wish my children meet her, know her. Not just her, but our father too. We are wrong people set to exist in the wrong time..." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 29, 2018
"When parents are only parents in name. When children are seen, not heard. When a house is not a home. When a family splinters, disintegrates and become dysfunctional ... When love is lacking in the center of the lives of the people... and that love is GOD... surely makes a community, society, and country miserable, chaotic and in constant turmoil." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 27, 2018 on peaceful parents
"The bracket of old age is going higher and higher, but I don't mind. I can still walk long hours, and run in seconds. I can still climb mountains, hills and peaks and jump on boulders to boulders. I can even skip a rope, also meals. I can cross rivers except when there's big and foul-mouthed crocodiles hiding under the water. I can still wash clothes by my hands, but I don't iron them. My mind is still functional. And my heart is young. I am a Middle Earth.... which means I'm not disposable yet." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 27, 2018 on how old is old.
"Nature is never complete without plants and flowers, let alone a garden." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 26, 2018
"Hairs naturally fall to be replaced by new shoots of hair growth. They are constantly pushed out without us knowing. The technique is in the management. One fellow FB friend said, "women are like cats, you see their hairs everywhere." When I comb my hair, my left hand is always on the receiving end to catch the falling hair pushed out by the comb. I followed my mother's style so as not to let them mess up the floor and fly everywhere. I comb very gently from the tail end and up, instead of up then down. Yes, tying them makes the hair bad, but I have no option. I rarely let my hair down. There are times I would think shall I get a new haircut? Other than that, it's really very expensive and I love to see my natural wavy hair each time I look myself in the mirror. At home, I just push them back, combed with my hand, and cover with bandana or kitchen cap especially when I'm cooking. In spite of taking caution with my hair management, conditioning it with coconut oil, I still find it amazing how hair can still stuck on the carpet floor each time I vacuum. So just enjoy the crown on your head." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 26, 2018 on SUKLAY by Rolaiza M Singayao
"I got the chance to surreptitiously take a photo of my grandchild at a close range. Like her Auntie and her Mother, she is matured beyond her years. A very cautious, sensible and loving sister to her little brother; and, yes, she listens to her mother and father. I saw her since birth, spent time with her on our alone-moment bonding, witnessed first hand her first step, our book reading and story telling time. Her growing years are pretty much productive. Her zest for life is profound. She's an amazing school student, active, athletic and a leader. I'm very proud of her. She calls me Lola. Always polite. Always respectful. Always considerate and understanding." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 26, 2018, On my first granddaughter at Taronga Zoo
"Every garden is a dream ..." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 26, 2018
"Their deliberate and rebellious action is a blatant assault to FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY that the government of the people is trying to espouse. I don't think this is the doing of anyone who supports the President. If there was, then shame on them." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 27, 2018 on messing up Luneta Rizal Park on December 25, 2018
"I don't necessarily believe in spanking. I believe in communication whereby we tell the child that irresponsible action can do us harm. The reason, we as adults must set fine example to our children. Crying is okay when a child doesn't feel well. The difference is, there is a crying tantrum that children cunningly employ to get what they want. No matter how good you raise them, and how good they generally behaved, there will always come a time when they display their brand of "moment" that is embarrassing. They also test you big time. So, in my case, I'll employ "spare the rod and spoil the child not." I spank my children, yes. How? And where? That's where a parent should exercise control over her/his emotion in case anger sets in. How? Give the child a once "hit hard" in the bottom - pak! Let them feel it. Where? In the privacy of your home. Door must be closed where no intruders can see that you punish your children. Let them cry, go away to give them time to introspect. It hurts you of course. When crying subsides, look them eye to eye, talk to them straightforwardly, explain why you did it. I give my children warning - only 3 warnings. If they overpass the 3, the moment of truth must be carried without compromise, without bribe. Maintain eye contact but your voice must be firm but without anger. It will calm the child, and make sure he understands the whys. Culminate it with a hug and a kiss and let love be the wrapping conclusion. By the way, I'm a single parent. When my children left me to find their nest, my eldest left me a letter, appreciating and apologising ... this what gripped my heart . She said: "you're as tough as a warrior, and as loving as a lion." Today, she's an expectant Mother at 29 years old. The younger one has given me two grandchildren. She's a naturally wonderful mother." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 23, 2018 on Dr Phil (A man who believes in spanking says he offered to "take care" of a stranger's crying child. December 21, 2018)
"In 2011, two weeks after I came back to Australia from the Philippines, my hometown was drowned in flood coming from the mountains. It was a slow, dragging non-stop rain that could not find a gutter to which it could flow and drained down to the sea. Reason being, the pathway of the swelling water of the river overflowed caused by the blockage from forest logs, the irresponsible unlawful logging operators left in the denuded areas. The water escaped to the lowlands where the community lives in a vulnerable spot. In the middle of the night, in their deep slumber, hundreds of people were floating in their dreams dead in cold mud that were found among the debris of their shattered homes. Yes, the lumberjacks, the greedy operators and the corrupt government officials were answerable to that unfateful night befallen to the sleeping community. Deforestation? Yes! Climate change? Yes! Who controls the Weather? That we should know who." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 20, 2018 on Deforestation by Maximu Tumbali
"It's the down to earth attitude that made Miss Australia 2004 won the Miss Universe title. Compared to Catriona Gray who was fully prepared, Jennifer Hawkins was actually inexperienced about this beauty pageant stuff. Remember her ladder was only through being a Cheer Leader. Beauty contest in Australia in my understanding is based on fund raising; not really a "strictly ballroom" by metaphors. In fact nobody gave her a shit when she left the country to compete in the Miss Universe Contest. She was all on her own. I didn't remember any single media buzzing or fussing on her. Australians are not typified as material girl, so they don't really care - in my opinion. Of course, they were all proud of her when she won. From a nobody, she became a Somebody for all her merits and hard work." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 20, 2018 on Miss Universe bruohaha
"I love her. I'm touched by her own brand of WOMAN POWER - a NEW POWER she brought with her to the CENTRE STAGE of the MISS UNIVERSE Pageantry! She has proven to the world that language and poverty is not a barrier for her to exert influence in empowering WOMEN across the universe. Her own life replicate that epitome of a true and genuine model. Her humanity and humility excelled in that field of endeavour." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 18, 2018 on Miss Vietnam- Miss Universe 2018 Top 5.
"Wow Cris! Magnifique! If you allow me I have a few blog to where I can spread this across. Don't you have a blog? I can see you are a prolific writer. There's a couple of thing I'd like to edit. Nothing grievous. Just a typo. I like your style. Free verse is really effortless on your part to do. Your thoughts just flow..." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 18, 2018 on Crispulo Bacud Tappa's article
"I was pretty much like you in my younger days. But due to limited availability of intelligent adults, we were always encouraged to read good reading materials. English Magazines in our time were written by qualitative and competetive writers. No wishy-washy and junkie journalists in those days. Even dialectal magazines were of high standards." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2018, On reply to Kathleen Valleser
"When momentum strikes indeed. Fluid thoughts in progressive minds dwell. They just flow ... and flourish." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 17, 2018
"Years ago, for the first time in my life, I dreamed of snow in the middle of Australian Summer. A year after that I traveled to The Land Of Beauty and Splendour draped with Stars Spangled Banner. It was their Summer over there. I didn't get to see the White House due to searing Heatwave! I missed out a lot of the opportunities in joining the local tour amidst the insistence of the Filipino Community led by Rachelle, the granddaughter of ex-Senator Tanada, if I remember her name right." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 15, 2018
"Happy Birthday my little one. Lola is blessing you with much love and more love to her sweetest darling Lola's boy." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 15, 2018, also the anniversary of Sydney Siege at Lindt Cafe, Martin Place.
"The older we get, our vulnerability makes us prone to anything we can't bargain should time calls us there. In my case, I just hope I'm ready to face Eternity. God is our protector." ~Leah C. Dancel,December 13, 2018
"Sometime in life, there are parts in us that we need to leave behind. Else, we remain stagnant and we won't grow." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 9, 2018
"More than in many ways you have affected, influenced, moved and inspired me for everything you have shared on FB. I must admit too, how much I miss (MSU-Main Marawi City) Marawi where happy and sad memories were left behind.
Your friendship is the bridge that reconnect me to that cold, rainy and evergreen highland where beauty sleeps at night in peace." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 8, 2018 to Dr. Rolaiza Mimi Singayao who works in Qatar
"Parents who act SUPERIORS to their children will reap rebels." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 7, 2018
"Today is my 31st years celebrating Gratitude and Thankfulness to God and Australia! I was lucky to be able to take part of its Bicentennial Year! After which along came my two awesome and wonderful daughters just about when the sunset of my life was about to fall. At the twilight of my years, two grandchildren followed and one more is on the way!" ~Leah C. Dancel, December 2, 2018
"The sea rocks are as big as hills and mountains with vacuoles in them. The surge of waves coming from the open sea is pushed into these cavities by the southerly wind that got open holes visible from the top, and once they (surges) hit the wall of each cavity, the water blows a spectacular mist through the hole! What a thrilling scenery it makes! The powerful crashing of waves against the rocks create that nouse from the sea!" ~Leah C. Dancel, December 2, 2018 on Kiama's Blowhole
"And what of this glorious sunrise covered in mellowness of the sacred time? Doesn't it perk your poetic spirit? The throne of glory is just across that lingering horizon enticing its charms and beauty... hoping it will last... in my memory... when I'm gone from this place." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 2, 2018, East Beach, Kiama on Morning Sunrise
"Our life is undeniably and constantly changing. Whether we like it or not, we all get old, we all suffer what our elders suffer, no matter what. Some get proper care to their last breath preserving their human dignity. Some are deprived and neglected. Some die unforgiven and forgotten." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 27, 2018
"In the face of aridity, there flows the flood of sorrow, running in silence, chasing comfort on pillows." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 26, 2018
"It is true that some Chinese are arrogant and some are even ruthless. But we, humans, are all the same in attitude, behaviour and character regardless of creed and race. I have my own unforgettable experience with older and traditional Chinese women that made others silently and openly envious of me. I have that beautiful part of a memory." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 26, 2018
"How many parents would take time to really sit down and teach their children lessons? I had my fair share from my late mother when I was a child. She did it very diplomatically without shaming me and that still deeply imprinted in my memory, let alone in my soul. So when my parenting time turn came, I did the same to my children chastising them in a way they will understand and learn. I earned respect and love from them." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 23, 2018
"The sweetest life to live is when we have Peace in our heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 23, 2018
"Bamboo as a general rule is a national treasure next to Narra tree. Everything is useful. From the shoots to the trunks and to the leaves." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 22, 2018
"I can only look back how my country went downhill by the inception and adoption of "kumpare system" in running the government through personal network of influence … where opportunities and privileges were only for those who held the ladle much less with those who were near the cooking pot." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 November 2018
"I was talking to a guy with a deep pleasant voice who spoke in articulate English on the phone. I couldn't help asking if he was Irish or Scottish other than being American. He laughed and said that he's a Filipino. While that thug working in a Call Centre in the Philippines was downright impudent to an English client per video that I shared yesterday, the guy I was having a conversation with was very courteous and helpful. He must be in his 40-50's. Most of the Customer Service Staff or Attendant I talk to were very nice. I have never encountered a rude one yet." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 13, 2018
"No one can politically analyze the enigma of the President way better than Adam Garrie. After all he is equipped with foreknowledge he gathered while doing his close observations about this man. His accuracy cannot be defaulted." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 11, 2018
"Don't keep your tears inside
Let them flow from your eyes
We all get hurt some time in life.
Make the wind your friend
And tell him all your woes
He'll help you trouble free.
~Leah C. Dancel,
A lonely bard in Hermitland, 11 November 2018
"In his duty and service to the country, he never forgets his humble beginning - despite his success." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 10, 2018 on Manny Pacquiao at Oxford University, England
"The honour itself by being asked to speak in that podium is beyond distinction. Manny can do better with the help of a tutor in public speaking. Meanwhile, Manny is true to himself (to the word of William Shakespeare)" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 10, 2018 on Senator Manny Pacquiao as a guest speaker at Oxford University, England
"Welcome sunshine!
What a shame I miss you
When you rise up in my morning dream"
Leah C. Dancel, 8 November 2018
"Manny may not have written his speech, but what he spoke on the podium was certainly not a laced-decorated speech. He talked about his LIFE! How he connects himself to the poor masses because he'd been there. He saw himself in them; their struggles, sufferings, determination, hopelessness and more. Hence, his educational background gained from the OPEN UNIVERSITY OF LIFE becomes an advantage for him TO BE AN EFFECTIVE LAWMAKER." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 7, 2018
"This world, this imperfect world is damned by many of them, the so called "self-righteous". They quickly judge and harshly. But you know? The once richest man in Australia (RIP) was himself a victim of some judgments. His being the owner of a Media Empire didn't shield him from destructive critiques to which he took it with stoicism. When he died, that's when ALL HIS GOOD DEEDS were revealed. Just as all the quiet charity deeds of George Michael. I loved his music Careless Whisper." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 6, 2018
"There is only one MAN who stands in the multitude of 7 thousand islands inhabitants.... he must be the ANOINTED ONE to lead the throng of fearful, uncourageous, submissive to the deceptions and subservient to the oppressive regimes since the inception of colonisation of the country all in the name of God whose name is taken in vain." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 6, 2018 on PRRD
"Garden beds are ideal for yards with dying grounds. This is what I've been suggesting to my daughter as I was looking at their dull place. Plants make the surrounding alive with the presence of nature's spirits and beauty." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 4, 2018
"To me, all beautifying agents are found in nature. Foremost it is found within you. The usage? It's all up to you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 3, 2018
"I always hold on to the premise that "Education starts at home." For the school to give a back-up re-enforces that what parents teach at home is right. I'm keeping my ears on the ground with our little girl as to what she will be up to when she reaches Year 5 up. So far, all good." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 2, 2018
"The para-militarisation of any anomalous bureaucratic offices such as COMELEC and the shovelling out of its equal partner Smartmatic, will be of good advantage to the country ridden and rife with cancer of corruption and scandals. The taking over of the Military to manage the BOC sets a precedent that mounting problems hurdled by the current government under PRRD will soon be eradicated; one step at a time." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 November 2018
"Happy Birthday Mamang!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 November 2018
"Elitism will forever be with us invisibly seen right in every cause we are fighting for. Elitists who are in the midst of this cause in the guise of a patriotic spirit will not diminish the angst and pangs of the people, impoverished by their own subtle self-serving interests." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 1, 2018
"I'm amused how people react: There's the intelligent ones with common sense who laugh things away. Then there's the not too sure class who just LIKE out of respect. There's a few who are surprised enough to believe, there's a couple who take it seriously by marking a heart... Let's just loosen up a bit and enjoy the ride." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 1, 2018 on emoji
"I have stuff to show with a story to tell." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 1, 2018
"It was in 2011, just a week after I arrived back in Australia that Typhoon Sendong hit my hometown, Iligan City. The devastation was heartbreaking with some people died in their sleep mud all over them, around them. I didn't hear much if the government help that place, but surely a blame game as always was the order of the day. People asked "where are the Calamity Funds?" … Finger pointing begun. However, nothing has prepared me to see the horrendous destructions Typhoon Yolanda brought upon Leyte and its neighbouring places as I watched the news from my loungeroom screen. It made its landfall on the 8th of November 2013. The enormity of the damage was beyond repair. And when the world rushed in to send aid, I was speechless … and prayed that may those aid help the victim; rebuild and reconstruct the broken city. Nah, what was appalling? The government at that time did not act swiftly and what's more, they did not allocate help to the victims. As what I heard, much was politicised because of the hatred of the A to the M through the R. Some voluntary help from the private sectors and other local governments were even blocked to enter Leyte. That was what had come to the fore. The people? We knew who were there for them. The donations? We also knew where they're gone. Greed, greed, greed … is beyond the grave of the corrupt. I'll end this with a quote: 'Evil began with money, and ends with money.' ~HRM Salvacion Legaspi Y Espiritu Santo (Divine Feminine)" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 31, 2018
"Generosity is a virtue … when given to genuine recipients in need." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 30, 2018
"I'm sad because not only she is beyond stupid, she's the worst living puppet I've known in Philippine Politics. At least, you can teach a parrot how to be diplomatic. Her?" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 29, 2018 on FVP-LGR
"I'm a baby boomer generation. To what you say was the thing I saw in my innocent youth, and I agree with you. The marriages I observed in those days made me an idealist how a wife, husband and a family should be. It formed a wishful thinking in my mind and heart or call it a dream that when I grew up all I wanted to be is a loving wife to my husband and a doting mother to my children. I did that even my marriage happened at a late stage. Sadly, my ideal family dream was cut short in an abusive relationship. I was left with two beautiful children whom I raised in a loving environment in spite of hard work compounded with many challenges. If I were to go back and be married, I will opt the same pattern of Ideal marriage. The social order in those days was more of congenial and harmonious in the community we lived then. That is why 1950-1960 are referred to as Golden Oldies." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 October 2018 on WOMEN of 1950s-1960s
"… but when he is limited to only a few people he could really trust, it's been rough going for his governance to really take off." ~ this is where the country get stuck! But Duterte is a warrior. However, his supporters are slowly splintered, divided, scattered and some unknowingly are already siphoned by the ideology of the opponent through surreptitious sway in subtle disguise of being dissatisfied of the less miraculous desire of change they want to happen. Some seeing that nothing is moving or happening or impossible to happen as other elements (purporting to be pro Du30) are blocking their agenda so that doubts and votes of no confidence are sown right there. Assertiveness is a weapon. Reason and logic too. And strategic moves are even better. Hanggang sa pa meeting-meeting lang ba? Compounded by miscommunication or lack of communication. Kulang sa coordination. Mahulog sa "each on its own …" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 28, 2018
"I would love to go to a deserted place where I can be alone in a paradise of peace surrounded by nature: to soak myself in the serenity of the moment; go into introspection, meditation; bush walking, jumping on rocky platforms in the river, go for a riverwalk; stroll along by the seashore, chase and dance with the waves, dreaming castles in the sand; climb hills, mountains and trees, talk to the plants and flowers; play, sing with the birds and noisy crickets, recite poetry, clear my head and open my heart to all possibilities (good ones), ... and write what my heart is telling me to write." |Leah C. Dancel, 27 October 2018
"It's all in synch as it appears. Tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption... It looks like Nature will wipe out the wicked before the WICKEDS will WIPE OUT them to SUIT their AGENDA. Nature, weather and climate are CONTROLLED by GOD. That is the premise of my personal belief based on my understanding from the holy book." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 26, 2018
"When the hammer hits the nail on its head, the nail is buried." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 26, 2018
"Like what PRRD said that we should learn to be assertive for our rights instead of being submissive to the wrong principles. It is Catholicism that is the cancer of all the ails and curses we all suffer by keeping us from the dark and darts of their manipulative lies. It's not too late yet. There is still hope." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 October 2018
"The government that cares help improve the well-being of its citizens; rather than going about interfering with their family domestic affairs which plagued most Australian homes in the past. I defied it, being a Single Parent. It is my moral duty to discipline, protect and bring up my children in a loving family atmosphere no government can provide, the way a parent should." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 October 2018
"No one else will protect my children, but me with the help from above." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 24, 2018
"I'm looking forward to do another not so distant travel which I like; to being able to get out of the city and soak in the fresh blowing breeze of the mountain air. I'm still enjoying life in the company of my beloved grandchildren. They are very lovely to see and be with. It's good to be productive spending my time with them." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 24, 2018
"I can give my best to most things, but there are certain things that I am trapped with my own limits." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 24, 2018 on Calligraphy
"When husband and wife listen to each other and that none of them is SELFISH... it is certain that their marriage will last to the end. Today, what is thrown away ... is thrown away. Broken ego is irreparable." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 October 2018, On long lasting marriage
"Peace is all I want, I wish, I dream." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 21, 2018
"Politics is all about personality, character, connection, influence, and, principles which are often times wrong, compromising, inhumane, insensitive, brutal and self-serving." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 21, 2018
"I would never let those who betrayed, and hurt me ever come back to me. Peace is all I want, I wish, I dream." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 21, 2018
"When everything feels like an uphill struggle; Just think of the view from the top." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2018
"Sometimes we turned down invitations not knowing that they could be doors of new opportunity. My late parents knocked it down for INFINITI on my behalf, and I had no bones defying their decisions being so young. I didn't know about ASSERTIVENESS then." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2018 on lost opportunities
"Life is in the real world. Economy thrives there. As always, the saying goes: it's business as usual. That's why the BUSINESS WORLD just do what they "gotta do". Mainstreams will stay as they are, but no longer as influencers they used to be. We can only thank that through internet connectivity, people brainstorming facts and fictions on social media as to the like of FB are indeed the prime movers of the good cause of PRRD. The shakers? They may continue to rattle till thy kingdom come. Change is the only thing that is permanent. With some bleaks leaking through the cracks, the sun keeps shining behind the silver linings. People you are doing a great job. My only plea is, get out and do voluntary outreach program to help PRRD through active forums making the less educated citizens understand the importance and benefits of FEDERALISM. They are the most vulnerable ones easily bribed and persuaded by the enemies who do not want change." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2018
"It is always the beautiful that attracts. But only the ordinary that captivates." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 October 2018
"I was pretty much like you in my younger days. But due to limited availability of intelligent adults, we were always encouraged to read good reading materials. English Magazines in our time were written by qualitative and competetive writers. No wishy-washy and junkie journalists in those days. Even dialectal magazines were of high standards." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2018, On reply to Kathleen Valleser
"I got a crush on my college professor. He was truly gorgeous and free. But I was too young then and didn't know how to flirt, let alone understand what it was about. One day, when I was out of school and working in a pharmacy, he came by chance with a fellow professor. Out of the blue and without malice, and naive as I was, I innocently blurted a question; "Sir, are you still single?" To which he blushed and smiled. Then his companion answered for him "why? are you interested?" with a knowing wink. Oh what a tease! And I blushed. Lucky none of my workmates overheard us. That was fun memory. I still remember his name. Thomas Goodrich. Yes! He is American. My English professor at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, circa 1969." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 17, 2018
"As the saying goes: United we stand. Divided we fall. People need leaders. Leaders need followers. Lead justly and humbly, you will have faithful and loyal subjects who will give their all to make a unit, organisation or company you lead successful. I think I have in mind the little Kingdom of Bhutan set as a prime example." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 12, 2018 on Leadership
"I love taking big ocean liners when I was a student in Cebu, travelling from Iligan to Cebu; Cebu to Manila. I love going right to the top deck doing my own meditative survey, then have a quiet space somewhere in the nook to write and write and write about anything. Those writings are nowhere to be found. But the experience stays in my memory as vivid as day." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 October 2018
"I am a Grandma. And I will always love my children and their children for all eternity. My heart is full to the brim loving my family. They are all I have. And I won't expect much from them. Loving me back by them is God's way of telling that He cares for me. In two years time I will be a Septuagint." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 9, 2018 on being a grandparent
"Two days of slow steady rain and cold, and, today it is still gloomy - with quietude I love the most... I go for a nice cuppa for a company. While sipping, I'm thinking how happy our farmers (in the areas hit by drought) are, having received some pouring rain like manna from heaven. I'm still praying for those areas that didn't get any yet." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2018
"There was a cat in the neighbourhood who never gave up on winning me; until one day she slayed a mouse and presented to me while I was out in the backyard hanging clothes on the line - with a convincing look that she would make herself handy and useful. I said, alright.... and before I finished my sentence she dropped the dead mouse at my feet and quickly jumped off to the back verandah door ... waiting for her reward. Since then, she never left us. She melted our hearts: my little girls and I... and we spoilt her rotten, but she did prove to be a good cat lady." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2018 down memory lane in Orange NSW
"My Granddaughter gave me a Thank You gift of a fancy potted plant. She made the decors herself. She reminded me to always give this plant a generous spray everyday. I give it a special place in my kitchen window where it can catch the much needed morning sunshine. I hope it will grow beautifully and will bloom soon." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2018
"It's raining when we left Kiama. Then we stopped at Shellharbour Village Green Poppy Cafe. It rained when we left. As we turned off to Picton Road towards the Hume Highway, the rain stopped. We passed by Mount Kiera and Mount Ousley in Wollongong" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 26, 2018 with a Family of two kids
"The best art canvass is a woman's face. Figure those palettes of colours she paints on her face. Consider the colour harmony, the contours, brushes, puffs, ... The art work is just magical depending on the eye of the beholder." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 25, 2018 while watching women doing their make-up inside a running train under the watchful amusing look from men; some with questioning look, wrinkled brow and frowning face.
"Farewell my dear brother Sam. May your soul rest in peace. Till we meet again at Jesus feet. Thank you Astra for sending his burial photos. Grateful to everyone's help in laying him to rest. To his children: my children and I convey our heartfelt Condolence." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 September 2018
"Believe me, this was the old time scenery so precious that I treasured in my memory. I was only very young at a tender age when "Harana" was considered a trend among those young men resplendent in their neatly crisp starched-ironed attire with "pomade" grooming clutching their guitars as they journeyed onto their romantic rendezvous strumming and crooning timeless songs below the window of their female heartthrob and heartbeats. Your very own rendition speaking of your singing voice in the accompaniment of your melodious guitar is a perfect epitome of that harmonious company. Pleasant, sweet and dreamy to listen to. I explained this tradition to my growing children and to some Australians how courtship was practised in our country that many has led to a lifetime marriage. I know because for sometime, I'd been personally in touch with the offsprings of the people in my youth. Thanks to FB. Thank you for the beautiful songs reminiscence of my childhood days." ~Leah C. Dancel 5 September 2018, on ELA Kundiman's versions at YOUTUBE.
"Strong leaders are not afraid to push boundaries". What a historic compliment for our PRESIDENT!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 4, 2018 on PRRD's visit to Israel
"Wish you a glorious, eventful, and safe journey to our beloved homeland and back. May you have fond memories of shared joys, fun and laughters with families and friends. Praying for God's protection over you. You know who you are." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 3, 2018
"I have read through the website of the outback vision protocol which explained that our vision affected by glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration or disease can reversed by eating food rich in luthein and zeaxanthin. Most of our local produced including that of the backyard garden do have these nutrients. It's up to us to make the most of it. Seriously, everything about our health redounds to our dietary habit and our lifestyle. If I can get away from having operative surgery, I would be most grateful." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 3, 2018
"The tree may not be able to bark back to a pack of wolves, but it can give them lots of lashings and endless whips till they perish to oblivion. It can even be used to make their beds for eternity which they lay 15 feet below the ground." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 3, 2018 (Philippine Politics re:Amnesty revocation)
"Humility has many forms and ways which we are taught to learn our lessons from experience. A virtue which my family back home has none." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 19, 2018
"What God created for His divine purpose, man destroys. What man destroyed, destroy mankind." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 14, 2018
"My case of family break-up over opposing views has got more to do with human pride. I bent, even if I am older than them, but was not accepted, so I keep my own peace. Simple." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 14, 2018
"In bed with a fever, I can't help thinking the recent happenings in my country of birth being inundated with relentless rains, storms and typhoons. In concomitant to that natural disaster along came the incredible unsightly flotsam and jetsam that awashed the shorelines, worst the avenues of once sophisticated Manila. Not only there, but its internal linings as well where rivers and water runs... How could the Philippines turn out this way? We are nothing worst than a fourth country classified with undisciplined and nonchalant citizenry coupled by bad governance in the past 30 years before PRRD. Poor Digong! He got to swallow the pill of blames from every quarter possible who desires nothing but kick him out from the unteachable territories.//Maybe it's time we should emulate how AUSTRALIA did it their way. No one waits for the government to do it for them. If IAN KIERNAN did not step up and step in to initiate what he started in 1987 on his return from a yacht race where he noticed how the oceans were befouled with rubbish, maybe AUSTRALIA would be in the same predicament as in any other place, of any country in the world besieged with this problem." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 August 2018
"Lemmy, the cat, can be trusted with anything I tell her. She won't ever tell anyone what is being confided in her. Not even the wall she rubs herself on. Not even the floor she rolls on. Not even the roof she stares on." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 11, 2018 on When Your Cat is Your Best Confidant
"Was there ever a point in your life where you don't like and/or even hate your name? I did! Until one day I met an Israelite who assuaged me that my name actually is very popular in his country. And that it is soft and gracious and beautiful. I thought he must be a DIPLOMAT in disguised." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2018
"When I was inside the Post Office yesterday, I saw this dear Old Auntie, maybe about my age, pulling out some pre-paid letter envelopes from the shelf. When she came near me, I smiled and said, oh you're writing too? And she mumbled that it's her only way to get in touch with her loved ones who live across the miles." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2018
"The kindness of a stranger was far too good to turn down....It came unexpectedly. Angels do still exist." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 8, 2018
"Intelligence can be acquired. Attitude can be changed from wrong to right if a person is determined to succeed." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 8, 2018
"I always believe what the old school says that "education begins at home." It has nothing to do with expensive material resources but just the everyday thing we live that our children can learn from. They can learn from us: the way we talk and speak to them, they way we care for them, the way we do things at home, the way we interact with people, the way we care for each other... within and outside the family, relatives, neighbours, friends and strangers including." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 8, 2018
"I agree about LEARNING IS FUN. That is why the children today starting from Day Care Child Little Schools are engaged into both visual and real facts of basic learning. And it should be encouraged and enforced at home for continuity of their learning processes in the form of play and interactions within the family." ~Leah C. Dancel,
August 8, 2018 on Early Childhood Education
"We believe in the falsity of things and doubt in the truth." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 3, 2018
"I'm sure you're now in your quiet night slumbering in your dreams. I realised the calendar schedule I've proposed is too soon and quite close to your flight back home to the Philippines. And that you need ample time to prepare before that time. While I remain thankful and grateful for the unexpected invitation to my surprise, I consider the following things: First, I want you to feel relaxed before you go home so you can enjoy your plane trip and think better about your priorities in regards to your homecoming. You can't do that when I'm around because you will be attending to me as your visitor and your mind might wander off away from things you are supposed to attend to. Second, if I go there next month, it is still your summer. I have been wanting to experience your winter. You said you're going back to the States in Christmas time." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 July 2018 a letter to ELA.
"Death knocks at your door, at any time. We cannot know. We cannot tell." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 28, 2018
"On growing up: one time when my girls were suddenly quiet I found out, they're hiding behind the bedroom door with my eldest cutting her little sister's hair. The outcome wasn't too bad. The little sister still looked delightful with her new haircut. They copied me because I was the one who cut their hair. It was too expensive to send them to a hair cutter." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 28, 2018
"In the absence of NEURONS, MORONS are what we have..." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 28, 2018
"They always kill the good man. Others are spared for a sublime purpose." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 27, 2018
"Pride is swelling in our hearts that the principled leader of my country where I came from, is from our very own island, Mindanao, whom the Imperial Manila snubbed for years and years; strapping its resources, sucking its saps at the price of merely tapping the backs of its equally corrupt, fellow politicians." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 27, 2018
"A couple who prays and sings together love forever." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 26, 2018
"One day, together, they (Sara D-C, Gloria MA and Imee M) will rule the nation. They'll make a new chapter, LET ALONE, re-create and rewrite THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 26, 2018
"It needs someone with IRON FISTS to lead and restore broken matters to order." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 26, 2018
"He's wearing his badge of compassion in the right sleeve." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 25, 2018 on PRRD
"A leader has the loneliest place to live... it's true." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 25, 2018
"Some rain drops in the wrong places. Some places are denied of that much needed rain thereof. Yes, that's how bad drought hits AUSTRALIA... time and time, after time ... again and again and again. It's heartbreaking to see farm animals dying in a parched paddocks. I say this because I witnessed it at the outback sometime in wintertime of 2015." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 24, 2018
"PRRD is bold in risking his life and presidency in fighting the oligarchs. He knew what his battle would entail. All I could say, his presidency comes as a precedence due to the power of Divine Intervention. That's a miracle per se. He's a David with a slingshot against the power of Goliath." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 24, 2018
"The sort of attitude, behaviour and character the BIBLE unlocked (gossiping, whinging, enviousness, stealing, lying, corruptness, etc). The modern Living humans who are as flawed as them are just a MIRROR IMAGE of them." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 23, 2018
"The earth, after all, was pure paradise before humans subdued it." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 22, 2018
"Wolves are portrayed as devils. Angels are portrayed as harmless. Consider this: there is an angel called DEATH." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 21, 2018
"My mother was educated by American teachers in her time. She had a very good command of English. Yet she was only Year 6. What I admired in her most was her ability to read and sing complicated musical notes without musical instruments.' ~Leah C. Dancel, July 19, 2018
"My love of poetry was influenced by my mother. She taught me to appreciate it along with many other forms of art like music, painting, writing, that extend beyond the norms of daily grind like cooking, and gardening. She was a very gifted and talented woman. Regretfully, I didn't get many of her abilities. But I have managed to learn to appreciate my own limitations and just feeling contented about it." ~Leah c. Dancel, July 19, 2018
"My sense of identity is bit of a shamble. My parents were born from two different provinces with each own ethnicity and language. They married outside their home births and nested in different places somewhere in the southern island. I was born in a place where I can't even call it my own, let alone home. No one knew me there. And I never grew up there except on few childhood years. I speak a few dialects. Having spent most of my adolescent years in Lanao made me identify myself there. It's quite confusing and a mixed-up. Lost identity? ~Leah C. Dancel, July 18, 2018
"Family is the core of the society. Everything begins there. How our parents brought us up; how our intellects were instilled, our characters were moulded , our spirituality nurtured, our interactions within were developed.... that's how our individual person become once exposed to a new environment called Society." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 12, 2018
"Nothing can substitute an old school wisdom. But the millenials frown the "unscientific" knowledge of the olds that saved more lives than the modern commercial medicines." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 July 2018
"Our thoughts are unspoken words. Once, they're out, they can be measured against us. Anything we preponderate or things we pre-meditate will either conceive and produce a good or unfavourable outcome." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 8, 2018
"The Blossom of Time indeed.... I pray to get inspiration from your daughter's beauty to write a poem based on your suggested title itself. Not only that, it's that pulchritude that springs within like eternal." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 3, 2018 on Jollee Baeyen daughter's Roxanne winning the Crown Miss Silka in Baguio City
"I wish I could speak The language of your heart and mind that I don't need to ask Dr. Google." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 July 2018
"He is One respectful leader who doesn't shove his religion down your throat, but you can't disagree with his thoughts." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 2, 2018 on Dalai Lama
"Before you close your eyelids at bedtime....
And the minute you open your eyes as you wake up...
In between those moments ... morning till night"
~Leah C. Dancel, June 30, 2018
Photo: Grabbed from YouTube
"Masafumi Nagasaki's docastaway story is a beautiful story of survival: living, loving and protecting Nature. His wisdom transcends time. We need more people IIke him to protect what God has purposed in His creation. I got mixed feelings as I listened to him spoke." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 29, 2018 on Masafumi Nagasaki living in the island for 30 years.
"If just for one day I could be invisible or fly, I'd choose to... be a Magic Snow Queen, so I could make everyone on FB hibernate... and deliver them from STRESS of any kind. " ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 June 2018
"When my little sweet boy of 3 came to visit Grandma in her little home, he gave his all .... hugs and kisses that all he knows what to please his old granny. Isn't Grandma-hood the most rewarding job on earth?" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 21, 2018
"I'm glad that there are people in my country who still care so much in maintaining the ecology. What more God's bounty they can enjoy without destroying His creation." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 21, 2018
"I enjoy peace and quiet. The only noise I experience is when I log in to my FB." ~LC Dancel, June 20, 2018
"Some paths we are treading are rugged and steep that may even lead us to the cliffs and ravines. The next thing you know, it even lead others to a point of no return. That's a painful one." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 19, 2018
"VIVID SYDNEY is getting better and better each year. It was perfectly organised. The transport system and the flow of spectators were orderly. The Police Officers were everywhere to keep the safety of the people and oversee Peace and Order. The weather is as twice as harmonious to a balmy night and to a well-disciplined crowd. I'm very proud of the entire Event Management. I give it 10/10. Well done Sydney. You did it again!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 June 2018
"Only people who walked the same path the oppressed had trodden can emphatise with the downtrodden." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 14, 2018
"There's more FREEDOM and HAPPINESS in being SINGLE. Just re-align your perspectives and priorities in life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 June 2018, on broken-heartedness.
"I was game on with my ex. No drama. I gave him his FREEDOM and LIBERTY to CHEAT more - to himself. Then I felt the FREEDOM to SING as loud as I COULD - to be BORN FREE!!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 June 2018 on what it feels to be Independent when your ex cheats you.
"Sometimes one stroke of a human flaw can wipe out all the good deeds of a good man. People just love to delve and dwell on other's flaws." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 June 2018
"Our last farewell to Lee. Peach Roses and Purple Irises... to send off with all our love and tears for the profound memories you left behind. Even the wind stood still. And the cold weather melted being warmed by your immortal smiles conveyed by those immaculate dense cumulus clouds with sun rising in the epicentre of the blue sky. A symbol of your spiritual presence as we laid you to your final resting place." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 7, 2017
"Good Samaritans are instruments of other peoples' success. "Opportunity knocks once" as the saying goes. When genuinely offered, give it a thought, and take it with no buts and ifs. And be ready to concede with earnest humility and make a compromise to sacrifice personal duties and comfort; and be thankful. Those who endures to the end win. One of mine accepted that challenge. And she triumphed, not without tears." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 2, 2018
"Our personal trials, blunders and mistakes taught us humility. Faith and trust in our ability and capability by others encouraged us to build our self-confidence. Success and triumph over adversity make us grateful persons." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 2, 2018
"We saw how you conquered life's challenges without complaints.
We saw how you climbed the mountains with steeped impossibilities.
We saw your hidden agony, unwiped tears, and
We saw your opened laughters
You made it Mate!
You've done it!
Well done Girl
Well done!
We're so proud of you!"
~Leah and Noemi Dancel
On Lily's Graduation Day
31 May 2018
🌼💖🌸🌻🌺🌹🌷
"A big CONGRATULATIONS to my daughter Lily on her Graduation Day! What a momentous day for everyone and a memorable night to be had by all!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 May 2018
"If the world leaders will just abandon their warring spirit and encourage people instead to doing things what you're doing, this surely will bring complete peace and goodwill for men to dwell on earth." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 May 2018 on Nightscape Images
"As you get older, procrastination is a temptation. Things you can do today are being put off to another (many) days." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 25, 2018
"There's always rumour on wars. I heard that since I was a child. Yet, wars never end in rumours only. They happen every day.... Aside from the family, FB is one battleground I know of having wars day in, and day out. The nuclear war on a global scale is inevitable and is to happen yet. Live or perish." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 25, 2018
"Today is my late Mother's 37th Death Anniversary." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 16, 2018
"Well, I miss the snow. I only brought home one Rockery plant from Lily, three postcards purchased from Orange Post Office, a couple of home baked Bagel bread, and the freezing temperature from the mountain. It was sad to see the naked trees up there burned down three months ago during the surging height of a fiery summer. The fire that razed the beautiful Mt. Canobolas was treated suspicious." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 16, 2018
"Thank you Readers and Visitors for coming, or stopping by ... I hit 450 views yesterday which is a big bonus for this humble quotes blog. I genuinely appreciate your visit." ~Leah C. Dancel, Blog Administrator, May 16, 2018
"Mother's Day was co-celebrated by two families in one sitting, a collaboration of two brothers. It was our second time since 2012 which was held in Katoomba of the Blue Mountains. This time the husband of the other mother joined us with the addition of one of their family members. It was a joyful gathering held at home of the host with simple food to share and happy conversation to go with. No booze, no alcohol, no dessert even. Mrs. W. C. gave me five beautiful colourful scarves." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 13, 2018
"It was good to be away from the mundane routine of the city, feeling unwell and sick aggravated by the instability of the weather and irregularity of the season; plus that irritating chem trail spray that covers the oftentimes cloudless blue sky above our head as we walk by the street. It's good to feel and breathe in pure air from the mountains. The country view of the hillsides in Brown and Green are dominated by the presence of the sheep and the adorable and cute little lambs prancing here and there beside the Ewes. It's Lambie Season! I also spied goats, cows and deers along the way." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 13, 2018
"Orange is bursting with colours. Once called an Apple Country, it was renamed the Colour City. This place is well-known for its avenues and streets lined up with colour changing foliages. They make the town/city come alive in Central West (Tablelands) at Autumn Time." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 12, 2018
"Heavy downpours overpowered the snow. Nothing was left for me to see when I arrived Orange, a progressive country town/city in Central West, four hours drive from the big smoke of Sydney. It's home to the famous classic Australian poet Andrew 'Banjo' Patterson who popularised "Waltzing Matilda" and "The Man from the Snowy River". ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11, 2018
Dream - Hearse
To see a hearse in your dream indicates that you are moving into a new phase. You need to carry away and let go of some unfinished issues. Start taking action and making the necessary changes that will carry you into a new transitional level.
My Story: May 10, 2018 (7:30am)
Last night or perhaps, sometime in the ephemeral sheet between dawn till the wee hour of this morning, I suddenly woke up to find that my neighbour's door is wide open and empty. And the entrance glass door in the foyer is as wide open as well. Safely as I could see, I say that the door is not there anymore.
Then I saw a hearse, empty but carrying tall wreaths of beautiful fresh roses of assorted varieties and colours. More of vibrant air than gloominess. There was no driver in it, but I saw it coming in the pathway and stopping right outside by the empty unit of my neighbour across my foyer's side door.
Then I noticed that the footpath became a one way street whereby there were brand new houses lining up protected by a uniform white fence all through the end.
I went out to investigate what was going on for I barely go outside and hardly seen by my neighbours. When I saw one neighbour to whose face I didn't see in my dream, I asked, "why, what happened to Larry?"
"He died," the neighbour replied. "He died of heart attack."
That's when I woke up.
~Leah C. Dancel, May 10, 2018
"I'd been complimented about being a strong woman many times, including my two adult daughters. When they said that, it made me more sentimental and wanted to cry than to smile. Then I told them, if only you could see what is inside me. My heart is not there anymore." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2018
"It's tough luck to destabilise a country with a knowledgeable President like Duterte." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 6, 2018
"Today, the 100th Years of ANZAC DAY commemoration (2014-2018) will continue its spirit to live on. It will start with Dawn Services followed by post service breakfast, parade and will culminate with another Memorial Services all over the country in tribute to all our World Wars veterans - both men and women in uniforms." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 April 2018
"Life is fleeting. We all live a borrowed life in transient times. Our echoes can either be in disconcordance or in harmony with how and what we are really made or purposed of. As what some friends at MySpace days said, "if we die, how are we going to be remembered? What dash would we want others to write to our name? Do we have time to hear them good or bad when we're gone? Will it matter? Yet as one hymn I am most familiar with as to the time we go, 'We know not the hour.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 April 2018
"I love the tranquility of the place. You have poetic space there beautifully captured in lens." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 20, 2018 on The home of the rare and wonderful - Lord Howe Island's twin peak mountains as captured by Morten Ross
"Children are the only human beings left in this world with clear conscience and common sense. Truth is embedded in their soul and etched on their face." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 7, 2018
"The trouble is when adults act like "holier than thou" as opposed to what they do and they expect children to be prim and proper, in front of the visitors? Prayers should be lead by the Man of the House! But if you pray piously only to be heard of, in the absence of a contrite heart, then something is wrong there." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 5, 2018
"In my opinion, one of our failings as a country is our being UNTEACHABLE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 4, 2018
"Say it with flowers even when half of the world is still dreaming.
Soon they'll reopen their beauty to the thrill of the coming sunrise.
As it rises and beams its soft glowing rays
To the coolness of the morning mist
Showering their cheeks with kisses."
~Leah C. Dancel
March 29, 2018
"The best episode of Australia's ABC QandA program recorded at ABC Ultimo Studio. Great to be part of the audience with Rado Gatchalian of DU30 Correspondents. Watch for Michael Sandel, American Political Philosopher on a public discourse about "Democracy in Action" hosted by Tony Jones on ABC Channel 21 and iView telecast on Monday 26, 2018 at 9:35pm." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 25, 2018
"Given our personal surrounding, it is a good idea to turn our interest to writing. As I've heard before, there are only two reasons why we write: when we're in love, or/and, when we're in pain. We experience this thing over and over ... time and again. My children keep pushing me to write, so I can be productive in my aloneness. Those messages I've been sending away to anyone, I keep them too in my personal journal." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2018
"The sunrise looked beautiful in this bright morning when I woke up. I opened the glass doors and the window curtains to let the sunshine in, and, as the fresh air was freely coming in, I loved to savour its breezy scent." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2018
"Thank you for keeping an eye on me while I was walking alone last night. Though our street is exceptionally quiet and safe, the presence of the church in the area makes me feel more secure even at nighttime. I always think that God is in His Holy Temple." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2018
"The leaves of the trees at the back haven't started changing colours yet. Soon my backyard will look like a carpet of coloured mess. Though it won't be as spectacular as ours in Orange, where we lived for 15 years before coming down to the Big Smoke." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2018
"Miminsan ka lang makakita ng taong matatag humarap sa katotohanan at tatanggapin ito ng buong puso, ngunit tahimik na tatalikod alang alang sa mapayapang paghihiwalay." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2018
"The husband is the anchor and the sail. The wife provides the balance so when the storm comes, both strength combined can overcome the odds and prevent the boat from capsizing." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 23, 2018 on HOW TO UNDERSTAND A MAN
"A song is poetry with notes you can sing with." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 22, 2018
"I would never allow the wrong people back into my life again. I forgive them but they can stay where they are. Good for my peace of heart and mind." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 22, 2018
"Something to learn how politics become a dirty game!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 12,2018
"When you can't sleep and you think Insomnia is bugging you. Suddenly, someone's status took you by storm:
"PRRD is their soulmate. No politics and trash in him. They see his works in Davao. They see in PRRD what fits in their eyes. Their handshakes are handshakes of trust and confidence in him." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 7, 2018'on Davaoenios
"That walk on the beach... my alone time to ruminate about life... its rights and what went wrong, still thankful I live to this day. There I soak myself in poetic thoughts washing away the hurts and pains in my life with healing portion coming from the salty waves by the sea." ~Leah C. Dance like, March 2, 2018
"I do look at people and speak to them through the lens of my eyes and give them a smile. More often than not, they seem to automatically smile back. That's a wonder!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 26, 2018
"Smooth and velvety
Blue Moon is her name
Sweet as a red rose
Its beauty rises to fame."
~Leah C. Dancel
February 25, 2018
"My friend promised to pick me up at Oklahoma City International airport only to be told to take another plane to Love Field Dallas Airport in Texas. I really loved that adventure flying solo over there in the night. The city was all bright with neon lights. No wonder they say America is called a powerful country... so much energy power to waste on. Then Lia arrived and we got home to their beautiful place at 10pm. I want to do it again!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 25, 2018 (reminiscing)
"When I was younger, I read a lot of articles on Women's health. Then I came across about PMT and it says it's ruled by evil hormones and can be controlled. I kept it in mind. Anyway, I didn't have much of that problem for one reason or another. Even in two pregnancies I never had any erratic behaviour at all. I only became erratic after two childbirths when my babies and I were treated like shits by someone who was supposed to be there to provide us care and protectIon." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 25, 2018
"The nonchalant attitude of "I don't care anymore" by the Filipinos was due perhaps to the numbing and damning uncontrollable influx of political oligarchs in the country which contributed to the never ceasing constitutional over-flaws. Just look at how the bicameral institutions are being run. Who mans them and who minds them? They themselves are slaves of their own trade, which is? Right, "money making trade". Politics become their getting rich quick machinery that people have no hands on with. As you have said: "rotten system". One day, the table will turn on our favour. Meanwhile, our young generations need to be rescued from the claws of the vultures being penetrated by immoral politicians. They have been overly manipulated by." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 February 2018
"From nowhere
A shadow sows
A seed of dream;
In summer,
it turns into a tiny bud.
A simple bud pushes through
The stem as dawning passes away
And the sun creeps through the sky.
How it creates beauty
As gently and as softly
In a blossom of time;
Becoming a golden bride
Of A Dream Yonder."
~Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2018 Australia
20 February 2018
"It's a wrong notion for anyone to say they get wiser as they get older. Because I find myself still learning, in fact, there's a lot more to learn. Lessons never end, and some are never learned, whether you're one year old or 100 years old! Human behaviour alone is a broad subject to tackle per se! I have so many WHYS and I can't stop questioning the WORLD!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 18, 2018
"The nonchalant attitude of "I don't care anymore" by the Filipinos was due perhaps to the numbing and damning uncontrollable influx of political oligarchs in the country which contributed to the never ceasing constitutional over-flaws. Just look at how the bicameral institutions are being run. Who mans them and who minds them? They themselves are slaves of their own trade, which is? Right, "money making trade". Politics become their getting rich quick machinery that people have no hands on with. As you have said: "rotten system". One day, the table will turn on our favour. Meanwhile, our young generations need to be rescued from the claws of the vultures being penetrated by immoral politicians. They have been overly manipulated by." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 February 2018
"I used to look after two elderly ladies both in their past 90's. One was agile until she got a fall, and was forced to be taken to a Nursing Homeu only to die. She died rebelling that her sense of independence was taken away from her as she was used to living ALONE on her own; and I having lived one door away from her had witnessed that stubborn determination of loving her space and independence. She died two or three weeks soon as she was moved in there, apparently not feeling happy. I attended Mum Mona's funeral somewhere in Central Coast.....
The second elderly lady I looked after was far more gentle and with uncondescending spirit. It brought me joy and pleasure to serve her when she showed appreciation by eating the food I prepared for her at her own choice. As her GP would have it said, she literally didn't eat any food for a year prior to my take over. She died in the hospital when she was admitted for flu and later diagnosed with pneumonia. She died when I wasn't around with her. By special request, I went to visit her not knowing it was my last to see her and hers to live on earth. With me was a bunch of fresh flowers and a get well card. When I went to her ward, her bed was empty. That left me puzzled why she wasn't there. Then I was told that she was transferred to another room. I found the room, and there she was! She was surrounded by her family, crying. Seeing them in that scenario, one thing definite came to my mind: the room she was moved in to was a room called a point of no return. It was her final hour, by her side were her beloved family. Consciously knowing that present circumstances, I thought it best not to intrude in their sacred family privacy. (Though later, Mary, the eldest daughter told me I could have go in). So I slowly bent down on my knees, dropped the flowers and a get well card on the floor at her door, unnoticed. Then I walked away quietly. Tears found their way flowing on my face and heartache in my heart for the sweetest lady I'd ever met in Australia whom I fondly called Mum Rosemary." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 17, 2018, IN MEMORIAM
"I have witnessed death far too many times in my life. Hospital or out of hospital. I saw my father lying dead on his bed at home. He was already gone before I arrived home after receiving notice at work from my favourite sister-in-law. He died shortly after he was being prayed for as if that was the last moment he waited for. I held my hands over his head down to his face and his eyes were completely closed. It was the same with my mother who was already taken in the hospital morgue due to a dreadful vehicular accident that took her life. I witnessed my own, shouldn't miracle didn't happen. Death... is simply the end of point of no return. Some are painless. Some are painful. Some are quick. Some from death came back to life, like that story of our old neighbour. On his second death, it was forever when his journey on earth was completed." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 17, 2018 on Rolaiza Mimi Singayao's I SEE DEAD PEOPLE.
"I appreciate ALONENESS where my bathtub of silence is filled." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 February 2018
"When you're in that mood past midnight with only a niggling heat for an inspiration and a nice cuppa to burn your fury..." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 13, 2018
"We do learn from our enemies. It could be about a discovery of how vile they can be." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 11, 2018
"Fight a good fight. But there's no use fighting with a fool." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 11, 2018
"The rumour mill is grinding of the looming WWIII. While I have no intention of becoming a darkling advocate, it has been said that when it happens you can run for your life, but there's nowhere to hide. Then I discover that there's such a place I can hide: a Wombat's pouch." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 10, 2018 on humour
"After watching the video - What would happen if all humans disappeared?
My answer:"
"God gives rewards to the faithful. A ripen good old age is one amongst them. So many are getting sidetracked and are caught in the world... that includes me. Balance is the key." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2018
"Is UP becoming a Sorry State University? Where's the "Class"? Where's the so-called "scholarly intelligence?" The stream of media is overflowing of meanness that the millenials are quick to embrace and adapt." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 3, 2018 on Scholars' Rally against the Government who support their education through peoples' tax.
"You may find it hard to explain a poem, but if you personally happen to travel their road of thoughts, the understanding will itself emit from within your heart.." ~Leah C. Dancel, On poets, February 2, 2018
"It's a man's ingenuity that can save life." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 1, 2018
"When meaty thoughts are substantiated with experience in living up to what we say; words and deeds do go together if we aspire for harmony amongst humanity in consonance to our surrounding. Sometimes they may not be compatible depending on certain factors and circumstances, but it's up to us as individuals who will make the ultimate difference." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 1, 2018
"When I was 5-years old, I used to sneak out from our house; climb up the hill to go to where my older brother's school was. There I would peek by the open latticed-window to listen to what the kids were learning. The teacher noticed my almost everyday presence that she eventually allowed me inside the classroom." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 31, 2018
"Follow your own peace and keep your sanity intact. Preserve your heart from pain and mind from anguish. You don't need it. Just go back to where it was... it may afflict you for awhile... but in the long term, it is for your own good health and well-being in giving yourself that favour. Go in peace, thus my constant reminder to myself." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 31, 2018
"Her light shines brightly like a star on a noonday!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 25, 2018 on Mocha Uson Blog (Presidential entourage to India)
"A country's progress unopposed means prosperity. A country who enslaves its own people is doomed to failure." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 January 2018
"I am a strong advocate of "good health; where health is wealth" through the food we eat. The qualitative dimension of good food lies in its freshness, availability and affordability. And I still have in mind the simple pyramid of the 7 Basic Food Groups that I learned at school in Home Economics. I grew up in a rural environment where home gardening for growing vegetables was part of our living regimen. We raised our own poultry for meat and chicken and ducks were fed on corn kernels and vegetables grown organically. Depending on where we were stationed, there was even a time we raised goats and ducks. City food didn't impress me at all. But I cooked, so nutrition was and is still is of paramount importance as part of my kitchen rules. I studied Pharmacy, so I can understand the apathy and prejudice about commercial medicines to which I agree could result to a negative impact on our health. Food consumed for the right reason is the most effective nature's medicine. Nothing can beat that. It's no wonder why the things we need to eat to help prolong our life are even mentioned in the Bible." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 22, 2018
"The best prayer is humility put into practice." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 21, 2018
"Suspicious act is not far from the truth: planned, pre-meditated, strategic rebounds to no avail, the devil's claws are getting longer and sharper." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 18, 2018
"Everyone is Jewish. Even the Filipinos are Jewish. Try doing the wrong thing there, let alone betray someone and they'll tell you straight on your face without blinking: Hudeo Ka!" ~Leah C. Dancel, On NAS Daily re:DNA, humour is in my blood; January 16, 2018
"Years ago the flowers were shy and looked almost like flat tires. These days, their petals burst into calyx. Time have changed." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 15, 2018
"Nature has the element of empowerment. And we know who the POWER behind that energising matter." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 January 2018
"In organic farming, farmers plant flowering plants that attract bees and butterflies. This encourages pollination and promote the harmony of growth amongst the plants and these beautiful creatures. At home in Orange, where I planted Sunflowers hoping to gather seeds for propagation, the birds harvested them before the seeds become matured. Those naughty birds saw to it that they had their best interest being served first. Sunflowers and fruits in the trees, I didn't care. It was a delightful experience watching them feasting in the abundance of nature." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 January 2018
"It takes a week, a month, a year to earn a living; and only one day to spend it all." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 January 2018
In the morning I shall rise
Thanking God for All His Might
By His provision I shall live
In His protection I am safe.
~Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2018 All Rights Reserved
12 January 2018
"My country is gone. I've lost it in as much as it has lost me. Nothing was the same anymore when I went home. It was no longer the place it used to be. It got disoriented, chaotic and too much fracas of disorderliness and everything under the sun that disfigured it. Until ONE singular brave SOUL came who is trying his best to mend and patch up the brokenness, dislocated, seared, torn and wounded nation by corrupt, greedy, wretched men in powers." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 January 2018 on PRRD
"Sorry to see you go. But you took us to the many spots in my country that even "the angels are afraid to tread" so to speak. You're one dare devil who broke the spell of black magic, figuratively speaking, that dimmed our hopes by showing us the best of your positive vibes that brought us many memories of our dear old and beautiful Philippines and re-living the goodness in us. Bless you Kulas wherever you are and hope you'll go back there again. I'm looking forward to your published Travelogue of my Philippines." ~Leah C. Dancel, On Kyle Kulas Jennermann founder of BecomingFilipino from Canada, January 12, 2018
"'Sarcasm is healthy and it adds years to your life', so I heard. Will this statement add years to mine? Because based on someone's post, I was thinking of similarity between politicians/voters and church makers/church goers. Politicians live in mansion while voters live in ghetto. I think it's no different from how church makers go richer and church goers make poorer. That's how power grips to subdue Fact and truth which is beyond sarcasm." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 January 2018
"In 2011, when I was in Baguio City attending a church feast, there was this lady member who kept looking at me. One morning before the service started, I had a brief chat with the church pastor's wife when this lady sat nearby and really looked hard at me smiling. Perhaps she could no longer contain her curiosity, she asked me: "are you really 61 years old? Maybe you don't have problems." I was choked with her surprising comment, nevertheless I just smiled and couldn't say a word. The Pastor's wife broke my silence and told the lady, "of course she got problems, who doesn't? Only she knew how to handle them." If there's another chance I can go back again, I will look for that lady. Sorry that I forgot or didn't make an effort to ask her name." ~Leah C. Dancel, In my reminiscing mode, January 11, 2018
"I've learned the tomato cure for burns from my mother. Now I learned something new from Tetz that the best cure is flour, preferably cold flour. It even leaves no scar of burned wounds. And no pain." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 January 2018 on remedy for burns
"There is no country ruled by Catholicism that is prosperous. Don't count Rome and Italy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2018, comment on THE RISE OF THE PHILIPPINE OLIGARCHY & POLITICAL DYNASTIES (PART 1) by Caloy Bueno
"Lightning and rain on a roll call in my dawn time dreaming." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 8, 2018
"Staying positive is like a day that never grows dim." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 January 2018 on Sunny Disposition by Don McKinley
"I remember very well my teachers who have positive impact in my life. My number one teachers first and foremost were my own parents and my Auntie Merriam Oliva Casis, wherever she is." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 2, 2018
END OF 2017
"In the absence of a Diary, I keep my journal on my mind. Write my thoughts in the tablet of my heart. If I can bear a bad hair day, I just comb it with a smile. If I can bear it more than enough, I let out a good laugh. Pen, paper, envelope, postage and postmark makes a chorale band in tying my journalled notion, dream, illusion and vision. Or even some unsolicited nightmares. A line a day, a paragraph?... If possible, I just want something pleasant. The best life to live is one which is rich with love and peace. Cheers!" ~Leah C. Dancel, Dec 31, 2017
"Food sustains our survival." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 30, 2017
"'Auld Lang Syne' befits the translation of "old long since" 'a cup of kindness' was the trend in those "days gone by". Today, we heard more of "bowl of hostilities" spread across the world and throughout many lands, the skies and the air; killing, if not leaving humanities dying. It's being whipped with cream of pseudo peace and truce in the name of humanmade tradition called "peace on earth, goodwill to all men" which is not universally happening." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 30, 2017
"Music is my best companion. I go for classicals; I don't have to worry about the lyrics." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 28, 2017
"My watch is the sun, unless it's dark, stormy and gloomy." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 24, 2017 on wristwatches
"You will not get confused if you do not entertain other confusing matters. Satan is confusing you with sweet words. Honey is very enticing to the mouth. It's you who need to get away from all these confusions. Meditate." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 24, 2017
"Sometimes I often wonder para que na may batas. Yong philosophy na Sed lex dura lex na yan... is abused at the helm of the maker, executioner and dispenser." ~Leah C. Dancel, Dec 21, 2017 on Evidence
"Stirs up memory ... as I was privileged to visit his homebirth. The house where Albert Einstein was born is now occupied by a community square (plaza) and a statue of his bust was erected in his honour." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 14, 2017 on Albert Einstein
"I'm accustomed to being alone through many years around this time. Much as I'm personally and silently sharing and grieving for those who met misfortunes this year, much as I wish everyone Good Will, I do not keep or observe the festive season you're having. Please be safe and be well." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 24, 2017
"My To Do List:
"Only people who have trodden the un-passable path can relate and understand what it is to survive a hard knock life. I was there before. But, Life is a tapestry of miracles." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 22, 2017
"In the beauty of her soul
In the beauty of her heart
In the beauty of her mind
In the beauty of her friendship
Trusting, knowing, loving, understanding
Lives the fullness of her whole being."
~Leah C. Dancel, December 17, 2017 on Irene Mocalłay
"Sorry is not enough and cannot recompense the irreparable damage done. Let's just hope for due justice to be dispensed in favour of those who were wronged. Lives lost are unredeemable by human power." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 December 2017 on Dengvaxia
"Dream is free! A long way to go yet. In nation building, educating the underschooled would be paramount." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 14, 2017 on underprivileged, in-educated Filipinos who are under the bondage of political manipulations and oppressions
"My espouse left, didn't bring the children, didn't support them, got nothing to do with them, bypassed them on rainy days soak and wet, married someone with MS, he's still alive, my eldest told me she wanted to get to know him better... my eyes spoke to her... he's all yours now that the crisis are over. You're free!" ~Leah C. Dancel, December 14, 2017
"When ONE Tree shields a thousand sheep...... One of my nightmarish memory of the outback looking at those dying animals with no water to quench on under the open cruel field of burning sun. Some were lying dead on the ground at the height of a summer drought." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 13, 2017
"May katapat ang dunong ng matanda sa matalas na talino ng bata." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 December 2017, hinggil sa Kwentong Barbero
"I slept through the night
while the beautiful rain
softly pelted in my dreams,
copious and generous
as it fell to the ground.
I spied my garden
through the window
looking fresh and green;
and the roses once more
are blooming, beaming
wide like a grin as I
woke up in the morning.
@Leah C.Dancel
9 December 2017
Cottage Garden
"When the evening dew bathed my face
Like a heavy shower of the morning rain
My petals curled in dark pink hue
Such irresistible beauty demurely glow."
~Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2017
All rights reserved
Photo: Rose in Summer
9 December 2017
"My Chilean friend, Yani Maya, gave me a pot of wattle tree as a gift when my children and I moved to a nice big rented house (at least in our humble standard). The yard both front and back were bare. I planted it in front thinking more of summer and a shade it would provide. What a surprise to see it growing so quick and flowering almost non-stop. Fancy memory without a photo. No camera. No mobile phone camera. That's regretful." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 5, 2017 a memory of Pimpala Place in Central West.
"Sitting down among my souvenirs of Scrapbook of mementos, letters, cuttings, newsclips, and cards. When time favours ALONEness, that's where my creativity is induced. I find it quite a seductive past time." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 4, 2017
"I suddenly remember the Supermoon that was predicted to appear tonight. I never realise it can be viewed in the northeastern sky where I live. So when I first spied it from my kitchen window, I took my iPad and aimed its camera skyward through the glass window. Then I tried it from my dining section through the glass wall. I should have done this earlier, perhaps the moon would look bigger. Very bright indeed! The one a little above the light post was taken inside my abode as it's inching higher towards the centre of the earth." ~Leah C. Dancel, on midnight viewing of Supermoon, December 4, 2017
"When your morning looks sullen at 18degrees after yesterday's scorching temper - and you treat yourself to a Tim-tam mode with creamy coffee to match the sky. Good morning World!" ~Leah C. Dancel, on crazy climate change, December 3, 2017
"I trust PRRD's diligence, patience and persistence- that the PATH he leads us through will take us not just anywhere, but SOMEWHERE we can find ourselves. It's slowly emerging now. Slowly but surely. There are still thistles on the way that need to be cut off. Like beheading those ... heads." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 30, 2017
"I would imagine PRRD virtually screaming for everyone to stop. Stop from being stupid, to stop bickering, finger-pointing, arguing. He wants everybody to SHUT UP and help him solve the never ending problems that plagued the nation that he inherited from the old rotten and derelict regime of Aquino. He wants each one to CLEAN their own backyard. He is not GOD; he cannot solve ALL the Problems of the country which was poorly governed by the previous administration. He wanted CHANGE like everyone else. But CHANGE doesn't and CANNOT HAPPEN overnight. Most of all, CHANGE must come from within US. People talk too much, criticise him, slander him, while he WORKS non stop." ~Leah C. Dancel, On PRRD November 30, 2017
"I genuinely like the way YOU THINK! I like the WAY you Present YOUR argument. You have stood your ground. You stay where your ground is. I like you when your post is likeable. I comment when I find it comforting to comment especially on matters that directly hit us or concern us being a Mindanaoanon. We knew, we experienced life there that others can only opine. I don't like RIDING on either. I simply find people with interesting personalities and it shows where they feel privileged to show. Keep going Mate. You're no smaller than any atoms to the molecules of them that stir the water with pebbles that causes ripples." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 November 2017 on Bryan Ng Co
"Hope is getting stronger for humanity to lean on as we keep holding onto the anchor of faith that there is tomorrow to follow when the stormy night is over." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 25, 2017
"I actually didn't let that experience get through my head for some unconscious reason. What was in my sense was survival. Hence, as a teenage girl growing in those environments, two things came to mind why I never wanted to go big, fat or obese: so I could run fast, and I didn't need to change wardrobe. I wore the same clothes throughout for as long as I can remember because we couldn't afford. Now, I can look back and just mused over that part of my memory." ~Leah C. Dancel, my memory of Ganassi, Lanao del Sur on its warring tribes as a response to Rolaiza Mimi Singayao's fox holes thread, November 25, 2017
"The sun rises in the morning. Then it goes down at sunset. So with everything. Humans, animals, things - animate or inanimate. Even the watch or clock that gives us time stops. So is power, be it human or electrical. Kingdoms rise and falł. Governments change. Climate changes. No man on earth can grip to his power in the world forever, no matter how rich or influential he is. Their final curtain falls when the time is up." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 November 2017 on European Leadership
"The gloom continues to dominate the sky, but at least more fresh cold air is coming in to keep my home refreshed. The plants are happy being watered everyday. Sad for the old Palm Tree in our vicinity as low rainfall isn't giving it enough soaking. Now it's looking half-thriving. It won't be long too that the Jacaranda Tree will be covered with green foliage to give us some shade in the summer." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 November 2017
That particular part of memory has recently been re-enacted during a day trip to a "meeting place" called Kamberra, for what is known today as Canberra, the Federal Capital City of Australia." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 November 2017
"I'm a Mom. I worked when my children needed me most to be with them at home when they woke up in the morning, and when they went to sleep at night. But work I must to meet our needs for survival: home, bills, food and school, etc. Our hard knock life taught us so much lessons about resilience. We can only appreciate when others showed us their sense of compassion, consideration and understanding. We all tried and did our best, my children and I." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 November 2017
“An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a cabbage, concludes that it makes a better soup.” ~H.L. Mencken, A Book of Burlesques
Of all the quotes and stories of roses
This line I opt to choose for merry posies
Don't cast on me that nasty look
Lest I'll pluck your eye balls with a hook.
Methink it's funny that my roses
Be made into a gourmet soup
Poor Queen cabbage was left to groan
And I bemusing over her empty throne.
@Leah C. Dancel's amusing thought on a rainy twilight
November 18, 2017
"Life is music. And music with lyrics, sound and harmony is better. Some are noises, but they're still music. Like the noisy sound of crickets." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 18, 2017
"In life people are meant to live so they may write their story not on the sand to be washed ashore but in the ocean of memory. It's indeed fitting why I feel you deserve a birthday present from Down Under. And you are surrounded by wonderful people, family, friends and strangers like me. The stars in the sky surely illuminate for you." ~Leah C. Dancel, Nov 12, 2017 on Caloy Bueno's birthday
"All that bulls. We'd been eating candies when we were children. And we never heard those stupidities, but only in this modern mad era. All these problems that arise without out doubt have something to do with commercialism and consumerism. Fact!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 15, 2017 on Candies and Diabetes
"I will be happy enough to set foot on a land where the first English migrants from Norfolk were transported there. If for anything, I'll be feeling much on high heavens to see its pristine regions of natural beauty! That's why I love Australia so much because I can see how the wonderful hands of our Creator the way He created this country with so much dynamics and diversities." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 November 2017 on Tasmania
"There's no sunshine on a rainy day. Thanks the rain came at last! Hope our farmlands at the outback are getting some too! Those animals roaming in the open tracks need their daily drinks. It's too parched out there and sheep are dying!" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 6, 2017
"Truth can never be hidden. It's like a smoke that gets through the crack." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 2, 2017
"Two women in my life outside my mother taught me this:
My boss told me: it takes time to know people.
My professor said: I'm married to my husband for 30 years, I still don't know him."
~Leah C. Dancel, November 2, 2017
"A principled man gains respect from true friends at the same time courts enemies to those who do not share his belief he strongly stands for." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 2, 2017
"Digital Age - everything the filmdom fast forwarded on the screen has come alive! It's no longer an illusionary visions and inventions, but real! However, much as what the digital technocrats envisioned in their own time capsule, the world has bowed down to its worldwide web power and are caught up in its whirlpool of technological vagaries. That's Globalisation and Internationalism. Their intents were magnanimous, but the consumers were varied in their pursuits of patronage and patronisation. That's Devolution, Marketisation, and Netization combined. The network involve is as complex as that of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Everything is endlessly wired up, interlinking axons and neurons to another and in the long process, causing the system to become nucleolytic, where its functions are no longer restrictive. Truth and deception it seems, are to be inevitably part of that system. Even the legality of the scheme is vehemently distorted. Information and disinformation are the only two distinct components available in this digital age for as long as this earth belongs to or under a human government as a whole. That's my digitalic point of view of this millennial age. Thanks Mr. Bueno for helping me dig deeper that I came up to this weird world of self-thinking." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 27, 2017 on Carlos Silverio Bueno's Digital Age
"Thought provoking as much as intriguing. I always believe that eras, periods, and historical timetables are endless recycle of events both in religious and political spheres. Both have parties of differing beliefs and principles coming to meet in one umbrella called "Sanhedrin" or "Council". That's exactly what the ancient (royal rulership) and modern governments were and patterned after. Much as there is safety in the multitude of councils, the ongoing disagreements and conflict of interests between two parties undeniably and inevitably will always present. Dysfunctionality of human rulership began in the Garden of Eden. It will be so till the end of time. Jesus in His earthly ministry shun politics. But not the disciples whom He left the ministerial work to continue. Each one possessed its own spirit of motivations. It's no wonder why Religion and Politics intertwine and intermingle with each other. As such "Religion is politics" and Politics is religion." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 October 2017 On Jesus Christ non-political ministry
"Such is the tragic saga that our country was conceived the way it was. Thanks that we have a bold history-pedia Manong Digong as our President who fiercely smacked the book right on their faces and awaken us from the nightmares of colonialism. But sadly again, only a few of our younger generation can truly grasp what is really evolving in our country since the so-called "apes" generation to the "tree-dwelling primates" era of our ancestors upon which they look down upon us." ~Leah C. Dancel on JB's Historical thread, October 23, 2017
"Though it's not your fault, I'm with you in tears, for your city had been my city. And those fearless men who lost their lives there were akin to my Father's childre, his comrades in that calling: The Defenders of Our Country." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 October 2017, on Rolaisa Mimi Singayao
"We never know how our life will end, at what hour, and what circumstances. Are we prepared to face this reality of life when it comes knocking at our door?" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 15, 2017
Burnt and twisted truth of justice
Eluding search for sacred peace
Why tyrants' might so high and bide
When sufferings last shall be
The end of time?
~Leah C. Dancel
October 15, 2017
"Dimples enhanced the beauty of a deity." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 14, 2017
"Ancient regime is better off compared to the modern reality. Yet, civilisation continues to evolve. Kingdoms or governments come and go concomitant to its rulers or leaders of the day. Going back to where this rulership originated; in the beginning, man was under the direct rule of God. Though they couldn't see Him, they could talk to Him and heard His voice. Later, humans as they were, they sinned, they transgressed. That's when they started to experience fear and His voice became a loud thunder to them they couldn't stand. That started the change from a Divine Rulership to Human Leadership when through a prophet (was it Samuel?), they demanded a human king. So King Saul was anointed to be the First King... and the rest is history through the "modern reality"... it's a cycle. We are the recycled lot suffering from the wicked leaders like the ancients suffered. 'When a good king rules the people rejoices; when a wicked leader governs the people groans'." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 11 on History and Today posted by Caloy Bueno
"I never forget how young I am now that I'm getting old." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 October 2017
"Roses bloom ... in the vicinity.. where a plant-loving neighbour tends." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 October 2017
"Mature people owns their mistake when they are wrong." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 9, 2017
"When DEATH keeps an eye on you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 October 2017 on the Eye of Hurricane Matthew
"We have a solemn and sober looking sky this morning. So very quiet and peaceful like it is every day. No matter how the sky looks and the morning seems to feel, it is best to remind ourself to be grateful and thankful that we still wake up to see a new day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2017
"When I was growing up, my mother used to remind us to make friends with sharp-minded old people where we could learn more to help shape and influence our sense of judgement and deepen our discernment. I grew up without barkada." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2017
"In my younger days, we used papaya leaves as skin cleanser or exfoliant scrub each time we take a bath. Our payag was surrounded by Papayas and other plants. The green fruit we added to make Tinolang Manok is for tenderiser. Life was good and simple but healthy in those days though lacking in material indulgence." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 1, 2017
"What a fat intelligence you've got that struck my admiration! No skinny writer can even write such interesting stuff you do. As a Pharmacist, yes, there are medications that can cause swelling. Swelling, take note, not fatness! One of them is steroids. They are stimulants. Did your Doctor or Pharmacist warn you of its side effects before you take this medication? So far in my memory, no one, not one in my school had ever ever bullied or hounded an obese fellow students in our high school days. Probably we're just a kind and respectful bunch in our time." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 September 2017 on Iwa Mahor's "I'm Not Fat, I'm Curvy"
"Tea is best taken when you're calm, cool and collected. When you're at peace in the harmony of your own self. And when all you wanted to do is just relax, sip a cup, be contented and smile for whatever happy thoughts you may have." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 22, 2017
"Sacrifice is a solemn word that denotes of denying oneself of comfort for a noble cause. The very solemn word to which the destabilising oppositions are so bereft of. They in turncoats of white were standing dry under the roof of UP while those whom they hire to stand for their evil cause were left outside in the open angry sky soaked in the rain. Others were tired and hungry." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 22, 2017
"The error of your logic cannot even be found in the helm of the law if due process was being adhered to. Apparently, their show must go on. So the curtains fall on the face of disdained citizens. But soon the sun will rise again in another day, another time. It's perhaps not the time for harvest ingathering." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 21, 2017 on Mark Lopez logic as to why ABau impeachment was ditched by the House of the Congress.
"When you become a stonewall as a saving grace for someone in disgrace." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 18, 2017
"When travelling becomes a part of me as one foreign country adopted me like I'm one of his own flesh and blood, and who embraces with warm and dutiful-loving care. A place who makes me "Feel at Home!"
Then "I Call Australia Home!"
It was very sad when my own country didn't give me that feeling when I went home for the First Time in my 25 years of absence... with my deep seated longings for my homeland!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 17, 2017
"RevGov or Martial Law - either of these can not warrant change at the present time. With two fences interlocking with each other, thus blocking the gate in knots after knots -impeding the flow so no one can get out, and they're all stuck in the rut of bickerings and squabblings because no one can agree to agree but agree to disagree or even worse disagree to disagree, then neither is the solution to the problems that plague the country. Stop all kinds of idolatries." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 September 2017
"When the Golden Rule is no longer found in a human's compass, then the world gets messy every day." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 15, 2017
"To Be Lost in Space - watch it tomorrow Australian time, September 16, 2017. Man has just a way to make and break. Why not just leave God's creation alone?" ~Leah C. Dancel, on NASA's Cassini spacecraft to soon crash into Saturn, marking end of mission, September 15, 2017
"When someone tells you, "he's drinking his own bathwater", then it's time to go for a walk rather than doing nothing. Thus the laid back Australian larrikins would normally do." ~Leah C. Dancel, on Australian Humour, September 15, 2017
"You have no idea how music in the wilderness are produced and played. You would absolutely get mesmerised by the sanctity of Nature's Symphony. I'm not exaggerating. I promise you, you'll love it there!" ~Leah C. Dancel, on Where's the Music?", September 15, 2017
"Yes, my PARENTS were strict. There was openness as well. And when I became a Parent, I modified their style and adopted my own, more to LOVE, RESPECT and FRIENDSHIP." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 15, 2016
"You can have your Mansion, your Castle or your Palace. And all the MONEY you have. I want NONE of them. All I want is Peace, Love and Harmony! I stood by my words for nearly three decades. That's INTEGRITY and I have my own brand of HUMAN RIGHT to pat my back." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 September 2017
"Poetry is music expressed and delivered in spoken words." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 14, 2017
"I gained education from schools of backburners. Most of what I learned came from life's experiences and common sense. But then again, I had no idea why I took Pharmacy. Many said, it was a wrong career for me. I ended up as Home E- ka Nanay instead." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 13, 2017
"What goes up must come down." You better own your own Opinion Blog Friend. Best back-up to preserve your meaty thoughts. Deep and rich in substance, informative. I had a short stint working in a broadcasting medium and that experience though brief had opened my eyes wider (my Chinita lens got dilated) that even corruption didn't end in politics. At that time, in every core of advertisement there came an icing called "payola". As to Marcos suppression of mass media, I now come to understand why he did it. Because if he didn't, no one would know what progress he was doing. No enemy in the media was given a chance to sabotage his national achievements. Just look at what's happening now! Despite that cacophony of Marcos suppressions, not all in the entire nation really was shortchanged when it comes to highhanded crtiques of his administration. It might be true in Greater Manila Area, but not in the Visayas regions, perhaps in other parts of Mindanao as well. You see, we the people there, except for his cronies, were really being looked after into. We were always the underdogs regardless who was in power. I could sense that in Marcos time, rebellion was being built up. Today, I understand who stirred up those rebellions and why they did it! Somewhere, sometime, somehow, our history will change its facade. A conglomeration of political eras concocted in chaos, manipulation and contriving crimes of graft and corruption exacerbated by drug problems in the modern times. Good write Caloy. I'm in one accord with you in this saga of Roman Impyerno. Keep up the good humour. It adds spice to the otherwise drab and boring poltics." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 September 2017, Comment on his thread: What's wrong with Mass Media
"I understand that children are the easy prey of these evil devices, and they believe them more than they believe their parents. The parents need to be aware and on alert about what's going on around these days and must exercise their authority as well. I'm speaking from my personal experience with my children where school teachings of social values conflict with mine. I stood my ground." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 9, 2017
"However the innocent school children are being brainwashed, it's always the parents sole responsibility to guide their children from being swayed by these Catholic Church school teachers as peddlers of lies. Satan never tells the Truth!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 9, 2017
"At home in Silence, but with my indefatigable Classical Music on ABC Classic FM. My firiend, my best and most trusted companion." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 9, 2017
"There are hurricanes, earthquakes and bushfires in other countries; and in my country of birth, there is Trillanes. Our neighbour used to say, 'there are two kinds of disasters: the natural calamity and a man-made stupidity'." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 8, 2017
"Whoever is underrated will always have the LAST LAUGH LOUDER THAN THE THUNDER at the end. This is just my initial reaction to the beginning paragraph - bearing the voice of presumption. As I read on there were some good points to consider. At the same time, the author has his own negalomic outlook of the subjected leader in the person of the President (Duterte). But overall, there's a strong message he carried across if we really all want to straighten our government and its method of governance. Idealism is where Filipinos prosper in their minds, until they're confronted with brutal realism. However, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy had his best pointblank view taken that 'In politics, there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, there are only permanent interests.' Politics is such a complicated thing. I think we are better off being governed by THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Only 10; most basic and simple and straightforward. If followed by all human governments, peace and order is ASSURED and GUARANTEED! Why? Because all nations are under the direct rulership of God!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 7, 2017 (on DILIMAN WAY with Homobono Adaza REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT ALSO KNOWN AS CONSTITUTIONAL TRANSITION GOVERNMENT.
"It wasn't long ago when I held you in my breast as a tiny sweet baby with angelic smile. We had ups and downs in life, we pulled through them. And now, you're a Mother yourself. And you do a very good job with your own children that makes me feel so proud of you! You'll always be my Baby! Thanks for giving me beautiful, loveable and adorable grandchildren. They are very very special to me. I love you very much. Love, Mum." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 6, 2017 on my youngest daughter
"People may find Mr. Alejandrino's' thoughts provoking, but I personally in agreement to most of what he shares. His knowledge in harmonising the political events in the history of the country perfectly fits to what the Bible says. The Bible is not just an ordinary book. It is the mind of God. It is HE who speaks to us directly! Not the man-made or self-proclaimed gods talking in the pulpit of every every corner who swayed the whole country with their religious/economic/political deceitful agendas for centuries and deem their pious followers ignorant of the truth. The aftermath of which are chaos, upheavals, uprisings and rebellions. Peace they speak, but they know not. In their tongues they speak love, but in their hearts is war!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 4, 2017
"I woke up to a dream nobody knew what it was all about. But the characters were vivid. Reading too much houndings and innuendos about the hypocrisies of the catholic priests could have built up those images or illusions in my subconscious mind which resulted that dream. But why they were there chanting their repetitive prayers in a church not there's?" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 2, 2017
"Sometimes we need a good pat in the back." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 August 2017
"It's tiring to think too much.... Let things go, let it be... Above all, 'let blessings be', as one good friend blessed me." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 August 2017
"The simple solution to all ails in every society is to go back and study, digest, absorb, learn by heart and remember the Simple Ten Commandments of God; where all human governments and its constitutions combined are hang over it! Just 10 Basic Laws. No amendments. Nothing added. Nothing subtracted. Simple. Not complicated. No debate necessary." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 August 2017
"Sometimes passing through a crossroad is inevitable. In the end, there's always a common meeting point." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 29, 2017
"There's a touching story that so far I haven't heard has happened in Australia. It's about a homeless man in the US who begged for small change on the street. He was known for his honesty that reaped him a reward at the end for returning valuables which he could use himself for his benefit and advancement. We do have here street beggars and homeless people in the city, most of whom are robust and able looking men. One time with a bag of food in my hand, I approached one if he would accept food. He refused my offer because he wanted money. So, I just smiled and walked away. The man did thank me though." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 29, 2017
"It takes very strong discipline and determination to pursue CHANGE. In the case of the government, it does require wilful support from the people. Adversaries will always block and resist, but if the people's power rules, there's no obstacles that can not be overcome." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 August 2017
"The only way to find out the truth is to be in a place where your subject of interest dwells." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 28, 2017 (reading the story of Elizabeth Cochran Seaman aka Nelly Bly; a writer, a spy, a brave woman.)
"Change is possible if given a chance." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 August 2017
"Let the uniqueness in your character outshines the gloom." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 28, 2017
"I've always loved the poem "DESIDERATA". Max Erhmann's works are spirituality inspired. In this particular poem, he pointed out that we must hold fast to what is positive that can hold us above the challenges we have to face instead of being drowned to the doom and gloom of life. Take note how he ended this poem with: 'With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.' If that is not inspirational enough." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2017
"When I read each of your post, I feel overwhelmed. Some posts I can't stand or handle. Sometimes, they weaken my heart. I cry. I laugh. I get angry. I get frustrated. I diversify my own timeline post to get away from feeling the pain for our Motherland. The enemies come in multiplicity. The more we resist them, the more they keep coming back like orcs. I think what we need now is truly humble ourselves before the Almighty and surrender our strength to His Will. I'm not sure if you believe in Fasting. We should have a National Day of Fasting and Prayer. This should be proclaimed throughout the land, from Aparri down to Jolo, as we bring to God our Petition for Justice to end the Oppressions so Peace will be restored and Healing will begin. We can all go down on our knees together regardless of our religious beliefs and persuasion. (Just my thought)." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 27, 2017
"When a morning winter sun peeks through my kitchen window and brings sparkle to my favourite place where I boil water in a kettle and help myself to a nice cup of coffee." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2017
"The lustre of the moon and the twinkling of the stars shine brighter in Visayas and Mindanao this time. Metro Manila is too over crowded, filthy and polluted. It has lost its glitters in a crown of its own Jewel. It reduced to a ring pegged in the nose of a pig." ~Leah C. Dancel, FB comment, August 26, 2017
"Perseverance of all virtues does test your will in character building." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 26, 2017
"As the new generation is coming out quite different these days with their own kind of brand of advance wisdom and thinking; I believe we, as adult, can inculcate good values to our young ones in a way that they will understand us. Over all, being a grandparent is truly another milestone and a privilege given to us by God to extend our duties to our grandchildren. Often with firmness and love. I love being a granny. It fills my heart with much love." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 August 2017
"Sometimes life hides its meaning either in words or pictures." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 August 2017
"This quote sums up my life, now on its 67 years in existence. About this time when dawning was unsuspecting of what was going to happen, along came a baby's cry for life cradled in the bubbling earthquake that erupted that very moment she was born. In subsequent years that she lives through, another form of tremors had shaken her with some resolves left undeterred :
"I would be in a dream cloud if I have to live in eternity above time and space." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 15, 2017
"Yes, a gentle rain has broken the long winter drought. So far, I didn't suffer seasonal hibernation." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 August 2017
"Worrying adds more lines in the forehead. That's the one that worries me haha." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 August 2017
"The quickest way to a woman's heart is through a man's wealth and vice versa? How many times did I see it happen?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 August 2017
"Friends who are matured and open-minded in dealing with healthy disagreement, makes friendship works." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 August 2017
"As an ocean liner passenger in the past, I always slipped out from my bed and climbed up to the top deck watching the glory of day break from Dawn. From there, I went on with my dreamy trip, perhaps to the curiosity of the ship's crew. Perfect time and place to do meditation." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 August 2017, Nostalgia
"NEWS is no longer the four-dimensional point of a compass these days. The mainstream news sources adhere to contain their own self-opinionated interpretation of the story of the day that only satisfies the wants of their payers." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 August 2017
"My penchant for stamps collection started from childhood. It was a dream which is now a reality. Age and Time is not a barrier to fulfill that dream. You can only take a chance and use the opportunity available on hand." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 August 2017
"I find the Japanese Arts authentic and nature- oriented void of lavish artificiality." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 August 2017
"Where Mother Earth carries her precious children in the womb, here comes a stranger who will give birth to them right to their tomb. Don't we learn enough?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 August 2017, on NK sitting on a stockpile of minerals
"Even the famous have their own signature personal experience everyone can so relate." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 August 2017
"Truth has a price to pay in gaining freedom." ~Leah C Dancel, 9 August 2017
"When I went to the States, my bag was a $2 worth of luxury. Nobody scrutinised its brand. And nobody knew what's inside that bag. It was colourful and attractive and passed through many security scanners with flying colours. Who needs Hermes?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 August 2017
"The world is turning upside down. The Philippines wanted Federalism because its governmental system screwed up the country big time; Hello Terra Australis that wanted a Republic to get away from the hems of the Commonwealth! Such an ironic disparity!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 July 2017.
"Will the Philippines learn something from Russia? This country's government too had a rough ride in their shifting tide of political climate to a State Federalism. Was it surprising why President Putin understood the sentiment of President Duterte for his country and his people?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 July 2017
"The National Steel Corporation (originally NASCO) was the lifeline of the Iliganons. Iligan City was once a prosperous city due to the presence of humongous industrialisation. They killed us! I hope the current government will revive and resuscitate the dead economic pulse of that city." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 27, 2017
"The chaos of the modern world has made us all aware that man-made history is far off from the real truth! It's built on perspectives that only merit the author and his subjects." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 25, 2017
"What an ONUS this poor guy is laden with on his shoulders. I love him so much like I've never loved any Presidents in my entire life. He may live with fame, but the price of his presidency comes at a cost of his own life, his family and loneliness. Without his wit and humour, nothing ever will sustain him outside his Faith in our Divine Providence." ~Leah C. Dancel, on #PRRD, 24 July 2017
"I believe rock formations in the Philippines are more firm and solid due to the abundance of iron and other minerals found in nature." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 July 2017
"Sometimes doubting paves way to self-examination or introspection." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 July 2017
"Today, before leaving home, I saw a little black butterfly with white spots coming out of the blue and hovered around me. I stood still and watched it. Then I followed hoping to be able to take a photo of it. But it suddenly disappeared. In our locality, it was known by superstitious belief that this kind of butterfly symbolises death. I did wonder that someone in our family must have died. What is its connection? Eventually, I have surreptitiously found in my niece's post which says: "till we meet again Lola." My hunch confirmed that the Grandma on their Father side has died. I had a close rapport with her way back home in my country. Both she and her late husband I fondly addressed as Mommy and Daddy. Rest in peace to the two of you.
(According to the fascinating (and a bit scary) lores of the land of the Celts or Ireland, black butterflies are nothing but souls of the deceased people. According to Irish people, when deceased people fail to discover their Afterlife, they turn into a black butterfly. Hence, these butterflies can enter the house or properties where they once belonged as a living soul.)" ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 July 2017
"After tracing the Dianasas through Maria Fe via Sol Tenebro, my mind went back to Karomatan where in my vision I saw your Mom wearing her office frock in black and white lovingly kissing you as she carried you in her arms (when you were a baby). Such a very vivid memory of mine. Of all the places we had lived, it's Karomatan that has a very special spot in my heart. I don't know why. Is it because it was there that my mind was molded with pure innocence and opened to its own virginal beauty of nature? The town per se, the harmonious camaraderie between Christians and Muslims, the people and it's local government, the sea, the shore, the farms, the mountains, the spring, the river and everything therein. (In my nostalgia mode). Hello to your Mom and Dad." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 July 2017, an open message to Maritess Orquillas
"Nature is always amazing. After all, it was created first before man to help sustain his life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 July 2017
"Trials after trials - the Iron-fisted President Duterte is clawing his talons to sanitise the country from all social, economic and political ails and filths that have decayed the country for too long! Change is impossible if his constituents will not do their part." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 July 2017
"A place, any place, is somewhere we can learn." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 July 2017
"I miss Orange' snow! Sometimes it comes like a thief in the night. It falls silently while everyone is in their deep slumber. One favourite memory of my children's childhood is: we got up before sunrise, rugged up from head to toe, went out into our huge backyard covered with snow and make a snowman. It was crazy, and we could tell how surprised the neighbours to see us playing on such unholy hour of the day, only to realise later that we did the right thing if we wanted to enjoy the thrill of freeze!
Once the sunrise started popping out, popped went the weasel, and the snow melted away!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 July 2017
"When we carry a burden which is a heavy load, it makes us weak and feeble and shaky that we kneel down or slump or pass out. But when God holds you, you still sustain enough strength to stay kneeling down, recompose, meditate then pray. You don't even have to say the words. He hears you through your spirit being in you." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 July 2017
"Australia is a laid back country with all its comfort and convenience. It is not one who keeps up with the Jones. Even so, it has its own brand of improvements, albeit its far behind from the rest of the world. But the people are happy, except with their pollies." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 July 2017
"It's scary if I win a lottery. You know why? I'm scared to gain many friends who'll only stick with me until I run dry and hanging. Geez! I'd rather be a pauper whom people can care less. I pretty much live in peace. That's my paradise!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 July 2017
"How reading helps develop our minds, our memory, our understanding of things. We read a lot of garbage on the internet, we waste too much time disputing with stupid people; now I want a good diversion to stock knowledge." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 July 2017
"Stock market is unpredictable. The world tumbles down when its pendulum goes out in the balance scale. Its gradient is the mighty green buck that is eroding in value thereby affecting every country's economy down. The only thing that remains constant in my home turf as is true to most countries is, the rich will always stay rich unless they fall from the sky." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 July 2017
"A nation without peace can never prosper, just like in the case of a troubled marriage relationship." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2017
"In Australia, Civil Weddings are more recognised than church weddings. I've learned that couples of legal age and bound by laws can even get married in the Civil Registry Office per compliance. " ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 June 2018 on the validity and legality of marriage.
"In "the spirit of time" (zeitgeist) under a new mandate, President Duterte evokes an atmosphere of nationalism and unity among the 90% of the Filipinos. It has more of a positive connotation than in the previous government ruled by yellowism. Now the zeitgeist of the yellows has turned into poltergeist, that nasty "noisy ghosts". ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 June 2017
"Can there be hope where fear is?" ~Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616). Dear Fellow Comrades-in-Arms of my late Father. Thank you for the brimming pride your courage and bravery have prevailed at this time of crisis in Marawi, once a hometown to us during the military sojourn of our Father in Uniform's life. Thanks for keeping our country safe by your unswerving loyalty to our country! I'm praying for you All. God is before you in every battle you fight. Amen." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 June 2017
"I missed going to see Vivid Sydney this year. They wrapped it up last night to which my memory slipped. Although I was with Lily for our rare Daughter-Mother dinner date, shopping afterward then concluded it with a nice hot cuppa de chocolada con churros en el Coco Cubano en la Central Park, we both seemed oblivious to this eventful night as we were in a haste to go home, not wanting to get caught in a cold wintry night. Actually, it wasn't that cold. The temperature was just perfect that I had to remove the scarf off my neck. Today, I feel perfectly fine with the beautiful day as the sunrise has gloriously appeared in my kitchen window this morning. Hi to a beautiful Sunday!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 June 2017
"God's love is unconditional. It is not selfish." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 June 2017
"Each of us have our own potentials in different aspects of life. Leadership is one of them. Leadership brings tremendous influence and power to our young. The world at large needs good leaders. Unfortunately we can only see two kinds: the good and the wicked. And they come alternately between a space of centuries. They either make people happy or they cause them misery." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 9, 2017
"In the real world, I met three brothers who were all
church ministers! What is interesting is that, they were never brought up in a family with religious background. These brothers have one common potential: to be a servant of God!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 June 2017
"One of my best memories aboutkm Chicken and Eggs: under our house were roosting nests where, each morning, we went down to grab freshly laid eggs with eyes half asleep. Oftentimes we're unmindful of who was there. As we reached out for the eggs, something would instantly prick our hands, and ouchhhh came that nasty sharp beaky bite. "There's no gain without pain" indeed." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 June 2017
"I had two successive CS Op delivery when I was 38 and 39 round up to 39 and 40. The medical team who attended to me were excellent; they made me feel at ease during pre-op stage and explained to me what's coming on. The minute they put the oxygen mask on me and asked me to breathe through the mask, I asked if I was going to inhale/exhale. They nodded and quickly I went on a dreamy slumber. The next thing was, they woke me up calling my name, and told me my baby was another girl! The aftermath was not easy, it was painful and so uncomfortable. I never complained. I was very grateful to them and to God because my children came out alive and well and beautiful and cute! I even wrote a poem about my CS birth experience when my second child was born! Guess what? They wanted me to come back! I said, "No way! knowing the kind of husband I had after two children!" I was a self-help patient. It's an experience I wouldn't trade for anything! Motherhood even via CS is wonderful! I now have two grandchildren by natural birth. 😁. Thank you Doctors (Joseph McRae and David Knox, and Nurses (Gail Busby, Noelene Lang, et al) and Midwives for your beautiful, caring and loving services!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 June 2017, Orange Maternity Hospital
"My heart still bleeds for losing my cats. I really, really hope they all found a warm and loving home." ~Leah C. Dancel, feeling blue missing them all! 1 June 2017
"Today is the official First Day of Winter in Australia. I got hit with flu ahead of time. It's too late for a FLU VAC as I already have this malingering nasty strain. I'm hoping to be well on the day my old time office colleagues and I will get together at Harvest Garden at Star City soon!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2017
"My friend and husband are coming home tomorrow from Japan. I told her to just freely explore Japan on their own. I gave her confidence because of the good report I heard about this beautiful country. I pray the world at large will learn a lesson from them. Thank you to that Peace loving brother of the Emperor who passed away not long ago." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2017
"A well governed local government helps anytime to grief stricken neighbours without waiting from the national government to initiate. That's what Mayor Duterte did to Yolanda victims. He personally extended help incognito." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 May 2017
"If the leader of a country looks after his people, the people will look after him and the country he leads. God bless and protect our President." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 May 2017
"Three years ago today, I was sick reading rantings from others, not strangers to me. So I put a stop to that habit of mumbling on FB and wrote this to chastise them:
"This world scarcely raise HEROES of a rare kind, who died defending the Law of the Land and the Law above it. It is so emotionally stirring that a man of principles becomes the enemy of those without and whose values are perverted." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 May 2017
"From dust we came from. To dust we return. In between, we live on the land enjoying its benefits." ~Leah Dancel, May 22, 2017
"It takes someone with high principles to decide in doing the right thing." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 May 2017
"THE BREAD and ME: I always believe that anything we do however small, if we do it with love, it will always come out good!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 21, 2017
"Helen Keller didn't allow her blindness to miss the opportunity to feel that wonderful beauty is found within." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 May 2017
"Today is freezing cold. It's time to get cosy by the fireside of kindling wood fire. It's warm inside to daydream on. How I miss our Orange home with a Firewood heater." ~Leah Dancel, 18 May 2016
"How to squander your time. Get a hobby. At home, create a mess. Spread them all over the place: lounge chair, table, bed and floor. Leave no space. Multitask: reading, googling for information, classifying, arranging, take photos etc. When bored, sneak in to FB in between. Chillax, have a drink and have a nibble. I can guarantee you it will take ages to put everything away. It's FUN to do on a cold day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11 working on my Stamps and Postcards
"'Do not judge the book by its cover' is making sense because the story is found within the pages of the book, and not on the cover." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 10, 2017 on critical thinking
"A father that leads breeds future leaders of the world!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 8, 2017 on PRRD
"Dawn comes first before the LIGHT to shine which itself creeps from the darkness of night." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 May 2017
"When you come to think of how you were ahead in the cradle before the younger broods were conceived in the womb of our mother; and these broods only saw things according to their self-leaned and myopic perspective in a tight can environment they were sadly brought up and thought it was so rightly unfair which is true. My own sentiments in life are solely more on the hardships my parents and our family endured during those infernal times in fighting against poverty when the government went crooked. Should they wait for that damn government to do something for them, I doubt it if we would survive! There's only ONE thing I'd like to wit: I'm Proud to have a Father who served in the military whose INTEGRITY remained UNTARNISHED until his last BREATH! That Integrity came at a price that caused us to suffer. And suffer we did! That was his LEGACY to US! Did we regret it? In the end, I realised it was the blueprint of strong discipline of moral principle that our parents as a whole embedded in us." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 May 2017
"In my mental Travel chapter, I live imagining things as my journey progresses: land, water and sky. I fill my mind with thoughts to write later, only to disappear once I settle back to my stationary state at home." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 May 2017
"When you hate the noise of the world, and all you can do is shut yourself out and find solace in the company of good books. This is how I treat myself in the comfort of my solid home... in my fabulous nook." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 30, 2017 - (an hour away to midnight)."
"Hmmmmm, bloggers are getting a new make-up in signing in. Thank you Blogspot, or shall I say Google in general? Just like the old one, I also like the new set up." ~me, tonight as I woke up from my early night napping. April 29, 2017 at 1019pm.
EARTH DAY
Let me blossom
In petals red
Untarnished by heat
Under the yellow sun.
Let me show you
My simple beauty
Praise and rejoice
Our Creator's blest.
@Leah C. Dancel
April 23, 2017
Australia
"Do not purge lies by disinfecting truth. " ~Leah C. Dancel, April 15, 2017
"He carries the gargantuan responsibility of protecting his country and the people. And in fighting for freedom from tyranny and injustice, he lost his own so he could serve his people and save the future generations." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 7, 2017 on President RR Duterte
"A great leader is one who is beholden to his nation. He is without prejudice; and who is fair, just and merciful." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 6, 2017
"First, it was wine. Now it's snags! Politics will always be a job of damnation. Right or wrong, there's no way out!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 5 on Australian Food and Politics
"Talk to your parents while they are still alive. There is no use talking to them every day when they're gone. Don't ignore their counsels, their pleadings for help, their requests, commands or orders. Listen and obey. Honour your Father and your Mother, for this is a commandment with a promise."~Leah C. Dancel, March 30, 2017
"In my teenage years, we once lived in a remote town of Lanao del Sur where flying bullets exchange from among the local tribes was the "drugs" of that time. Now, they traded the bullets into REAL thing called "SHABU!" Cumulative killer! Slow, dragging and painful!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2017
"When you find out that your good thoughts are spread out in some other places. These are what I want to prevail in my heart, a life to live with just simplicity." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2017
"When people scramble over wealth they never break a bone with, let alone own, becomes corrupt and greedy and insatiable wanting for more." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 24, 2017 on Marcos' Gold!
"Life is far too overwhelming you sometimes get confused and forget where you are..." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 24, 2017 on getting lost in the woods
"The damage Leni Robredo has/had done to our country, to our people, to our present competent President is beyond repair. If FB will lock me out again because I exercise my freedom of speech within reason, then God help them!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 21, 2017 (Robredo's video sent to UN destroying the Philippines)
"A bitter pill is hard to swallow even when it's taken with an oceanic vessel of water!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 15, 2017 on a sorry state of someone arrogant during EDSA2017 last February 25.
'No enemy can be conquered when the house is divided." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 13, 2017
"All that lingers in my memory about you is your beautiful smile, your Englishy accent that sounds very attractive, your cute ladylike hearty laugh and our coffee together in Hilton Hotel Cafe, Washington DC. And ohhhhh our Poetry with dot and com. Hahaha. I miss you so much Joan! " ~Leah C. Dancel, on Joan Laius' Enigmatic Traits, March 13, 2017
"Such is the complexity of women as opposed to the simplicity of men, that men regardless of age and status only WANT but one thing: a young pretty girl. Well, even a dying carabao still wants to eat young grass! Why not? Who else will wipe their bum in their veggie state which obviously not many old ugly women can do? Really? I don't think a young pretty girl can do either! I mean do you think this pretty young girl can stand the sight of a wrinkly, stinky butt? Let alone wipe it?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 March 2017 on Men and Women, Joke or Not.
"A leader is not without enemies! They come in legions! ~Leah C. Dancel, February 27, 2017 on Imee Marcos' rebuke to one mainstream media for disseminating falsehood on EDSA, February 25, 2017
"Laughter and tears are gradients of survival; Mistakes and regrets are its tangents." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 February 2017
"It is mind blowing! I have to catch some air to keep the momentum of my breathing space. Yes, "there is such thing as Filipino dignity." As to the giants, any brave and courageous inexperienced shepherd can kill one. Take the case of the young David, a vigilant shepherd boy who in his young age has slain Goliath, a fearsome wicked Giant. President Duterte has this quality. Brave, courageous, determined, fearless, and incorruptible! His leadership supersedes that of Moses, the deliverer of people from injustice and oppression. He keeps his compassion, wits and wisdom behind his rough facade. This President is the only President I have openly admired in my entire life after more than six-decade in existence. This is Philippines Politics, above all, the first Philippines Government that I have ever ever supported even if I no longer live there. The World now comes to adore and admire this young metaphorical infant whose awesome power is beyond their imagination! That power emanates from the Filipino people who gives him the mandate to lead them. These people are now the envy of the citizens of the world, for being fortunate in having a True Leader to fight for their cause: to topple the devious evil GIANTS in our time." ~Leah C Dancel, 20 February 2017 (comment rephrased: We Are Collective))
"The day that made it impossible to live.
Into the night that moon keeps swooning
At the command of the blowing breeze;
I'm destined to be awake in my room
That swelters..."
~Leah C. Dancel, 11 February 2017
On feeling like 47degrees Celsius
"Strategy in silence is where you find the truth. It's in the approach with due honesty and sincerity and straight to the point." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 January 2017
"As it happens, the world didn't end in 2016. There's a lot of meltdowns happening all over the globe, and God knows where all these human destructions cease. When will all the greeds stop. One life goes out of breathe, one life breathes into a new existence, but only to find later whether it bounds to enjoy it or suffer misery of destiny." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 January 2017
"Midnight welcomes a new chapter of this page. The year 2017." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 January 2017.
"Twenty-nine years and still onward. Is The Land Down Under a place of destiny or a place of refuge for me? Who would have thought of coming, let alone dream of leaving my native land? In all essence, let the blessings flow to which I look with gratitude everyday in my life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 December 2016
"If all the slum areas will be developed into government housing projects for residency of the least privilege, like the ones they build in Leyte for the Yolanda victims; the dignity of the poor Filipinos will be uplifted." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 November 2016 on Yolanda Victims new settlement houses in Leyte now occupied before December date target by PRRD (order last Nov 6)
"Lawless lawmakers become faces of many clowns." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 November 2016
"Change is long time coming! It will not happen overnight, but it will happen. It already has started. Have faith without being complacent. Let's be vigilant!" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 28, 2016
"Before any project can be done, there's always fireworks and noises heard. I bet without doubt, once the project is finished and running, everybody will say: Proud to be Australian! Crickets come in all seasons." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 26 on Sydney Light Rail
"True friends stay in your life even over a long hiatus of communication from each other through the years. If that friend is in your heart, you would care for them through prayers." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 25, 2016; bonding with my long time classmate and friend in the College of Pharmacy, SWU, Cebu City, CV Guatlo on their recent visit to Australia (Family Reunion)
"I keep my distance through silence." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 November 2016
"The warrior becomes effective when his gun is loaded with bullets." ~Leah C. Dancel, analogy on Foreign Aid, October 22, 2016
"Obviously, as a lawyer himself, President Duterte is smart and clever enough to be a well-informed President. He tackles serious subjects concerning his leadership and government which he ruled with iron fists in matters of issues befuddling the country. His sharp tongue goes with the knowledge that would shame idiotic press thinking they could thumb him down. But a humble servant with God's mind in his heart, and love for his country unseen, unheard from previous predecessors made it known to the world that "you can't judge a book by its cover" knowing that he came from an island far away from the colonial and imperial Manila. His only influence is his Integrity and Honesty as demonstrated in his local leadership once plagued with crime that he managed to purge." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2016
"The warmness of the Chinese Government officials... So touching... overwhelming. President Duterte may not have realised his dream of becoming a Foreign Service diplomat, but here he is, as a President conducting an executive job for his country beyond his diplomatic dreams." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 19, 2016
"He is playful at heart. His zany disposition keeps him look very young in his 70's. His serious perspectives are on the topmost shelf of his leadership. He has excellent strategic skills as a leader." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2016 on Pres. Duterte
"I remember the road going to Cowra from Orange laden with a terrain of golden yellow at the ripening of Canola." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 September 2016 on David Roma's Photography of Canola Farm
"Your needless speculations are now futile. In legal parlance, it's Null and Void. Give more importance to that one problem being solved. In my opinion it's just a tip of the iceberg. Let's continue to be vigilant and prayerful. There's still mammoth tasks ahead waiting to be done." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 September 2016 on the released of Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad in Patikul, Sulu (Presidential Communications - Philippines)
"Principles of life need not be branded. We all fart and defecate - both are toxins with no respect whether you eat or wear locals or stateside made commodities." ~Leah C Dancel, September 14, 2016
"I like the way Muslims in my country observe their Feasts.! No one, not ONE, is left out! They also set aside a time where they feed the Least of their Brethren. I wish all churches practice the same. Just saying." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 September 2016
"One day, there came a knock at my door. It was an Insurance Agent. He asked if I was insured. I did not say a word but just pointed my finger above the Sky. He smiled and left." ~Leah C. Dancel, a repost of 12 September 2011 entry - same day today - 2016
"If you serve God through the church you worship in, in whatever way you can, and you're being appreciated by, don't you feel blessed and be inspired to do more?" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 11, 2016
"He's a well respected man in the world! But, not by all, in his home country." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 11, 2016 on Pres. Duterte's visit to Jakarta
"Mr. President, you are truly our Ambassador of Goodwill par excellence! I salute you on behalf of my late Military Father. He couldn't be more proud of you if he's only alive! The sun is shining in our country again because of that bright Star in you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 11, 2016 on PRRD's visit to Jakarta, Indonesia
"Is Journalism today as cheap as candy? Lots of craps going on. News is no longer news. It's more like of gossips lost in translation." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 7, 2016
"In this modern world ruled by electrical appliances and machineries, what the heck is wrong with hand washing. Yes, I still wash my clothes by hands. It's Energy and Water bill saver too!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 August 2016
"It's a highly emotional charged Olympic Opening Night to watch on TV. Held at Maracana Stadium, it was brilliant, stunning and beautifully choreographed. But I contemplated more upon the troubled waters of the many challenges this country had to face during its political upheavals. They toughened it out and soldiered on. All odds were against them. Former athlete Vanderlei de Lima who lighted the Olympic cauldron on this opening night has sent the message to the world, "here's the light after the storm." Very poignant speeches were to be heard. I was in tears listening to all the Speakers from the Brazilian Olympic Official, to the OIC and the First Olympic Laurel Awardee Mr. Kipchoge Keino, a veteran Olympic champion of Kenya. Brazil, Thank you so much! Shine on!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 July 2016 on Rio Olympics 2016 Opening Ceremony
"The light creeps in the darkness of night moving through the dawn, slowly rising its veil revealing a brand new day." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 August 2016
"Depression neither care about nor respect religion. If you're hit by it, then you're at it!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 August 2016
"It's kind of Endless Love. Laborious and tiresome. Sorting out, classifying, googling the country to which each belong... Others I can't read because the country is printed in characters other than those I'm familiar with. A day in a life of a stamp collector." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 August 2016
"I couldn't believe how Australia Post takes Philately very seriously. My visit to any Post Office around Australia is never complete without me purchasing First Day of Issues and Maxicards. It's very tempting hobby considering that I live on a limited budget. To me, this is as good as drinking or smoking, only in a very educational way. There's more to a hobby than meets the eyes. I've learned so much! Thank you Australia Post!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 August 2016
"When I see a big beautiful house, the first thing that comes to my mind is CLEANING!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 August 2016
"Just remember when you get wrinkles it is because some DONORS happily give them to you. They're called BEAUTY LINES at their best. And WORRY LINES in their worst time." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 August 2016
"Today, I'm feeling mystified. On my way to the shop this afternoon, I smelt a fragrance of fresh Oleander flowers. As I kept walking and getting closed to the plant, I noticed that the shrub itself was void of blossoms, let alone bore a single bud; its Winter after all. I looked around and there was no flower plant of any kind in sight. That experience left me baffled with something to think about." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 July 2016
"Australia knows how to conduct its own affairs... though it has its own imperfections. The Philippines has to work very very hard to uplift it from all forms of slavery since time immemorial. The President (Duterte) has a hard yarn to do to extract the country from leeches that suck its blood out to shame of poverty caused by these treacherous parasites." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 July 2016
"Life is art and everything that goes in it." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 July 2016
"Dishes and dreams
Pressures and tensions
Sweats of frustrations
Savoured with panics and tears
All are served in the plate of success."
~Leah C. Dancel, July 20, 2016 on Masterchef 2016
"I was teary eyed listening to Waleed Aly last night. He's expressed himself as a responsible journo, trying to balance the pendulum of fear by showing empathy towards Sonia Kruger. Many years ago, even in the country, everything was safe. You can even leave your house and car unlocked, then came the DRUG problems... And VULGLARY came into the scene. There was no TERRORIST, no MUSLIM... ... DOMESTIC VIOLENCE was prevalent, many were unrecorded... Next, there were unexplained abduction of children, going missing, some were found dead... not a doing of Muslims... women murdered... elderly people murdered... and God knows what else and who else. There was RACISM directed against ASIANS, not a doing of MUSLIM... even MUSLIMS themselves are targets of TERRORISM because of their love of FREEDOM they have enjoyed in Australia. ... Just voicing my OPINION... Free speech that crushes no one..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 July 2016 on Project 7, 19 July 2016
"Fifty-eight minutes short before midnight. I was already asleep. But my mind was over actively at play, playing back what a play record would do. Instead of music, it was a story of a film, but not so. Because it was just a scissored cut sequence of tonight's Masterchef elimination episode between three contestants remaining out from the original six. And they happened to be my top five favourites. I lost interest with one due to her constant whining in the show, which later she must have learned herself that her attitude didn't appear to be savoury in everyone's palate watching her on the show in their lounge room smoke screen." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 18, 2016
"Watching my favourite boys on Foodie Show (Boys Weekend) in the wild swapping the elegance of their celebrity kitchen to the outdoor adventure using pre-historic tools: rocks, dead branches, wild sea weeds, sand, and makeshift or handmade crude kitchen cutleries, if at all. My boys are no less than Gary (the Englishman), Adrian (Australian), Manu (the Frenchman) and Miguel (El Espanol). A show with much spirit of hilarity!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 July 2016
"Dreary day; gloomy skies; murmuring and dripping rain, slow and steady; intrusive depressing silence countered by a noisy background from loquacious Eggheads; all these matter not when a plateful of French Toasts confronted my starving appetite and dared my resistance to getting fat... Brunch time... which actually looks more like of a snack... Meanwhile, the stove keeps working ... steaming citron wafting throughout the room that aroma of Sweetness." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 July 2016
"The world keeps tumbling down. Even Down Under is heading nowhere. Its pendulum of uncertainty keeps swaying to and fro causing us to suffer myopia. I've heard, this will be the shortest of a parliamentary life span in 50 years!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 July 2016
"So in business, people can simply flirt with destiny? That's what I've just learned from watching SHARK TANK. Hmmmm ... Gives me more ideas about business and yet need more understanding about its ambiguous, bewildering and jocular terminology. The ins and the outs..., the stakes... Stuff like that makes me feel dizzy, and mind hazy, "delirium ultimatum!". So I'm out!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 July 2016
"I am a single parent since my eldest was four. It was a courageous act on my part. To live literally and physically ALONE after my children decided to move their wings has taken me nine years. In that Aloneness, I regained Freedom and Independence. I regained my Confidence. I regained my LIFE. True, it is or it can be a lonely life. I've tried dating, think about it, assess the situation, weigh the pros and cons, and decided, No, I can't compromise the Life I am enjoying NOW! It is peaceful, orderly, healthy in a sense, and clean. As I look around, I feel tranquility and serenity, and sense of calmness within me. Above all, contentment. I guess I'm destined to live a Solitary Life. I'm enjoying my lot." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 7, 2016
"Each time I watch the Masterchef, my heart pumps up gallons of adrenaline and can't decide whether to turn the TV off or not. Dear me, Take Good Care Of My Heart... Oh the Western Australian Soil won! In case you want to know, it's just a dessert... Think of the diamond beneath the brown soil of the west." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 July 2016
"The smartness of a person doesn't end in his diploma. Wisdom comes with common sense." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2016
"My Filipino blood is still burning red and running wild in my veins. Having witnessed how my country had been under oppressions in many forms due to ill governance, it is my hope that my country will benefit the positive changes this MAN will stir the nation into prosperity of course with the help of the people. Gone is Juan Tamad, I hope..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2016 on Pres. RR Duterte's Inauguration
"The President makes the wisest move. Clean up the plagues of the society. About time to stop the social cancers." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2016 on President RR Duterte, the newly sworn 16th President of the Philippines
"In solving a problem it's best to stay cool, calm and collected. A good deal of handling with a great deal of diplomacy helps too. You gain more respect than enemies. A harsh or insulting words, or even a deliberate subtle provocative action stir up anger. Calm approach dissipates misunderstanding." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 June 2016
"Arts is not confine to painting and portraiture. It shows in life, the real life of living. Medicine is an art. So is Parenting. The difference between them is that, Medicine as an art comes with instruction manual. In parenting, there's none, unless you have a mindset of religionism and bring to the fore a fiery enthusiasm of bringing a child out from your belief and mould that child in that wisdom written in the book of your spiritual guidance as in the case of the Bible, to which not every parent adheres. Parents are accountable to the wrongs of the child, but the child has no duty to pay for the faults of the parents. Not every child is equipped with common sense and intellect. Each one is as unique as the others. A child can either decide to emulate his parents' imperfection or decide to deviate away from that imperfection." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 June 2016 on Jhoti Menon's "Father and Son"
"In my frugality, I make my own house spray that doesn't require a sprayer. Here, I'm boiling Orange peelings that gives off citroline... Gives my place a nice smell at the same time the heat from the stove disperse around to warm my little shoebox." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 June 2016
"Musical marriage is one scripted with balance and scored in harmony... It has positives and negatives..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 June 2016
"Live for the little things
Be grateful for the sun and the rain
Whether it's hot or cold; on odd or fair weather
From summer through winter
In fall and spring
Life indeed makes these things worth living."
@Leah C. Dancel
5 June 2016
Australia
"Memoir: For the first time, I watched Vivid Sydney at the Circular Quay - having a lovely perfect night with bright moonlight angling in the sky competing against the luminescence brought about by the kaleidoscopic movement of bright, stunning, spectacular and awesome chromic motion like dancing swan paddling everywhere! The filmy production is beyond belief! How knowledge increased indeed! I would invite you to watch closely what was happening on the roof of the Opera House. It looks real! The water silhouette couldn't get captured by the camera I used, as I am a stranger to this gadget being it's not mine so I did have difficulty adjusting the setting. I was lucky to capture the moon in that particular time - with the help of good timing and pulse. I thanked for this lovely momentous night. it's just so lovely! And so muc to see!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 Jun 2012
"When your nail the truth real HARD on a very TOUGH board, foes and woes run aplenty." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 June 2016
"One little boy makes no fuss on his own
He finds time musing in a world unknown
Where minions' domain are like his own
Morphing characters that were never seen before."
@Leah C. Dancel
3 June 2016
Australia
"My mother used to take me to her Flower Garden,
And stopped where the Roses grew and bloomed
Her arm around my shoulders' end rested
In whisper told me,
"Come and see, and smell the Roses"
Each time she sensed me feeling blue."
@Leah C. Dancel
3 June 2016
Australia
"It's purging time that will open to true healing of an ailing nation... " ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 June 2016
"Wondering if I go to a Greek Restaurant alone, and I'm being served a hefty serving on my plate, how am I going to eat them without wasting my money? Granting that the restaurant rules out a take home of the left over? (Watching Masterchef - A Big Greek [Fat] Feast - Blue Team versus the Red Team held at the Hellenic Republic Restaurant in Melbourne owned by George Calombaris.)" ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2016
"'Farming in Australia is not considered a career for the poor'. It's a livelihood we should be proud of in feeding the people." ~Leah C Dancel, 31 May 2016
"Oh that view of my serenity
Where my peaceful dreams do live
Searching for eternity
Where faith, hope and charity abide
Forever in that far horizon
My heart longs for home
Home in your heart
Will it be ever be mine!"
@Leah C Dancel
30 May 2016
Australia
"What an Afternoon Delight at LeafCafe. Beautiful, kind, friendly, efficient staff and excellent service made life enjoyable. I love the staff; all boys doing a great Ladies' job!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 May 2016
"When you get to enter a pub on your own and all you order is a kid's meal and bitter soda... Well ... That takes a good persuasion." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 May 2016 On Vivid Sydney
"In the heart where there is forgiveness is the perfect peace of God." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 May 2016
"A must read and enjoyable, nevertheless, a tough reality he faces headlong. A man of principled wisdom and full of insights... My kind of leader..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 May 2016 on RRD (DUTERTE Cabinet: I'm 71 and you're still a child to me - May 29, 2016)
REPOST: from FB
("Good morning Facebook Country... What's for breakfast today? ......Ah your setting? Is that Only Me? Friends? Friends of Friends? Friends except Acquaintance? Everyone? Who Else? As to my knowledge according to the Instagram Techie Expert ... Anything you post here on Facebook especially photos ... regardless of setting automatically becomes public. Tag, Check, Like, is all there is to make them appear public and can be seen by anyone including your worst ENEMIES! If you want them all for yourself, don't add friends. Much less don't post them on Facebook. Better don't Facebook. So that's what I heard him say on the TV, during THE PROJECT interview about how much privately safe are you ONLINE. Facebook is a network - a social media platform. Ironically in the blog world, we can hide our identity only in name but not our faces through our photos posted. But here on Facebook - we all live by its name. Hence it is Facebook! Your own face is in your own book! What's the deal?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 May 2013) re shared
"Some cast their worries away. Here in Orange, a group of people are casting on knitted squares so others, especially children from poor cold countries can get "wrapped up with love." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 May 2016 on knitting
"Great lunch, white wine at eighteen70 and icy day makes me feel sleepy. No bed in the library ... But wifi is free!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 May 2016 in Orange
"It's freezing cold in Central Tablelands. 9degrees celsius with unrelenting rain. Lemmy huddles by my side." ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 May 2016
"Vivid Sydney starts tomorrow, 27 May 2016" ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 May 2016
"Hold your spirit high to see how wonderful life can be when you look up at the bright sky above." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 May 2016
"It's very sad, but our journey has to end sometime in our life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 May 2016 on death
"I learned a lot from my late mother, a farmer's daughter. I watched her growing vegetable garden in natural way. Supply of organic food fresh from our home garden was never lacking wherever we lived. Organic farming is the best way to do..." ~Leah C. Dancel. 24 May 2016 on farming
"Callousness, insensitivity and lack of understanding prevail among us. Instead of praying, there is Judging..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 May 2016 on praying
"The scenario itself augurs healing, so peaceful and tranquil... and in one stage of my life had witnessed it happening in the wild... of a far flung country town... Beautiful verses.! Ezekiel is one of those Books in the Bible that is rich and highly descriptive!" ~Leah C Dancel, 23 May 2016 on Ezekiel 37:7
"The noonday light.
Day is dry
And cold...,
May flower ... and green too.
In between there's work to do.
But trees are bare
shredding all its colours
on the ground.
~Leah C. Dancel
22 May 2016
"Ingenuity is the driving force behind inspiration and imagination." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 May 2016
"Humans live symbiotically with Nature." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 May 2016
"I was thinking if we could cultivate a Positive Effective Thinking (PET) rather than nurture an Automatic Negative Thinking (ANT) .....perhaps, just perhaps, all toxicities of life in ALL forms will go away and purge our judgmental views, opinions or insights about many things in GENERAL.
"XPT - While the Ticket Inspector was doing his round, he gave me a special seat by the window all on my own so I could take photos of the countryside. Rare privilege..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 May 2016 on my trip to Orange
"The monument of solitude is characterised by its charm, the wilds and grandeur; caves and bridges; brown and green; smooth and rocky; bare and naked; empty and populated; woody and grassy; rugged and eroded; tended and abandoned; hills and valleys; plain and plateau; sanctuary to herds and birds; pathway to rail and trail; subterfuge to 12 tunnels long and short; freaks and the dead; teeming and dry; spurts and growth; straight, bended and broken; unproductive, etc." ~Leah C. Dancel on SERENITY of the MOUNTAINS, 17 May 2016
"Trials and tribulations are litmus papers to test our strength of characters. Oftentimes we fail to see the big picture. When we recover from that, it awakens our faith and helps us to keep going. There is nothing that God cannot do!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 May 2016
"Focus on what IS Good instead of getting busy with Fault Finding." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 May 2016
"I neither harbour hatred, nor animosity towards my fellowmen." ~Leah C. Cancel, 11 May 2016
"Thanks Lily for an early Happy Mother's Day dinner treat at the Palace Hotel. I was touched by your rare show of sentimentality in appreciating my tough sole parenting over the years. Thanks for the realisation. That was highly admirable of you. Your expression of gratitude means a lot!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 May 2016
"My antiquated Chemistry Laboratory gown is still intact after 33 years. It is in its pristine condition and as good as new!! I gave it to my daughter for her to use in her Clinic Practice. She promised to take care of it for sentimental reason. It fits her... Oh discovery ... from my trunk of wealth" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 May 2016
"My (FB) friends are like TIDES. They ebb and they flow. They recede and they grow. Now you see them. Now you don't just like me. Some just disappear into thin air... No goodbyes. No Hi! Only when they need me!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 May 2016
"One of the most meaningful time I had with you was when you held my hand and we both knelt down to pray." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 April 2016 on the Lecturer of Homeopathy in Southern Cross University
"Look at every situation." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 April 2016
"True Beauty never fades." ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 April 2016
"My life is my crown no one can dethrone me from." ~Leah C Dancel, 25 April 2016
"Then the moon found its bright glow perpetrating the prismic sheet of the clouds finally relented it to shine through late in the night when the storm subsided and all was calm ... letting the pilgrims go to where they gathered crossing their Jordan of deliverance..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 April 2016 on a Full Moon post Passover
"He explores to learn then he learns to explore as he looks for other ways what more he can learn to explore in the analytical world with his old man." ~Leah C. Dancel on the inquisitive mind of my grandson, April 20, 2016 at Liverpool Library
"On starry nights, my late mother and I used to go outside to watch the twinkling sky. Me wondering about their glittering activities and pondering about life, while my mother probably would be doing her round of meditation and talking herself out into the night when she feels sleepless ... who knows?" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 18, 2016
“Being on my own and being alone” are two distinct world divided by a fine line centred around oneself that I both cherished. But when you’re with someone and you still find yourself literally, let alone, figuratively left on your being “on your own and being alone” is really a representation of disarming avowal of tragic comedy if not a parody." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 April 2016
"I take relationship very seriously for someone who has honourable intention." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 March 2016
"Life is Mathematics. It has all the four operational avenues of many possibilities." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 February 2016
"A cold rainy day makes it conducive for people to hibernate." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 January 2016
"We're all the same regardless of our blood heritage when it comes to struggles in order to survive. Some started early to have a family; I started late only to fly solo, but happy over the outcome of bringing up two kids on my own. What matters is how the end serves well." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 January 2015 on Start at Sixty thread
"Sometimes I give people's crap (lies) back in the light of truth to teach them a lesson. It sure mutes them." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 January 2016
"Wonderful weekend adventure coming - a trip to Talbingo up in the Snowy Mountains with Girlie and family! Thanks for the invite." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 January 2016
"I feel numbed and emotionally anaesthetised. I must be borned to be a wrong person." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 January 2016
"Rudeness has no place in kind people's heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 January 2016
"I value my personal blessings and my family that come with time, and, struggles." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 January 2016
"Psychopaths behave like angels when people are around and are Devils when you're left with them on your own. They make you defenceless and a fool in the eyes of the society!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2016
"AUSTRALIA: The Country I Love
"Cooking in a clay pot brings out the best flavour in food cooked over a kindling firewood." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 January 2016
"Beautiful prose that somehow replicated my life by coincidence, except that my Frank in your story (not the name of ex) turned his back on our lovely and beautiful girls for another woman! The peace of the Angels was our guide in overcoming difficulties as I travelled through the lonely path of single motherhood. Touching!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 January 2016 on Shadowlands prose "The Dream"
"When flying, try to consider finding the best seat on a plane that's worth your money with a view to view." ~Leah C. Dancel, (originally penned two years ago today -5 Jan 2014) 5 January 2016
"Cats are marvellously affectionate when well taken cared of by humans." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 January 2016
"There's only one thing sweet among the people. They never run out of anything to complain. Most are plain unteachable. It's okay to be "easy going" but sometimes there's got to be a boundary." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 January 2016
"'Holding your water is a whole other issue.' In a relationship, it is about handling your guilt that makes the whole issue." ~LCD, 4 January 2016
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"Domestic violence doesn't even need to be physical or verbal. There's more beyond the bruising point. I never tolerated with mine. So it was "shape up or split up!" ~lcd, 4 January 2016
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"In Mathenatics, there are two branches that are involved with angles. Geometry and Trigonometry. The first is engaged in multifaceted or multiple-sided angle. The second is basically limited to only 3-sides angle. There are four types of angles: acute, obtuse, straight and right. Each can overlap or can be overlapped in/with a multi-sided angle. Meaning it can hide an angle under another angle. Same is true in human relationship. It also contains obvious angles of motives under subtle camouflage. There's an open angle and a clandestine angle. It is possible to expose these angles when overlapped to a multifaceted angle as in a rectangle or polygonal angle. They are also measured by degrees: deep, shallow and oblivious. I wonder why both branches of mathematics are so important in building materials similar to a relationship. This is called the logic of Allegorical Mathematics." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 January 2016
"I really don't mind participating in any health and medical research projects that come with feasting my body, well-being and much less my life. The only thing I don't like is when it involves a pharmaceutical industry and part of the condition is for you to be under obligation to ingest whatever toxic placebo they wanted to shove into your mouth, or prick into your skin that poison the bloodstream like you are a Guinea Pig without them even owning responsibility in case something tragic happens to you. Ironically, that even comes with the blessing from Big Brother. That would be tantamount to digging my own grieve and making my own funeral. So, No thanks for me." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 January 2016
"Beautiful memories spent with loved ones are long lasting and the most indelible." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 December 2015
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"A new stove and a high fever do not mix. Somehow they're alike." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 December 2015
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"So our little man turned One. And the big girl received her class award. She came third. Lindt Siege at Martin Place was remembered, ALL in one day - in 15 December 2015." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 December 2015
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"There's so much blessings that flow in our lives worth looking back. I admire your strength, courage and faith." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 December 2015 on Cory's resilience
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"I like wrinkly skin of old people. Beneath the wrinkles, you can see the beauty of their soul!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 December 2015
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"The sweltering summer doesn't make it conducive to reading." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 December 2015
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"You run to a place of refuge - and everything in that place offends YOU? Maybe this is just bad publicity for All!" ~LCD, Australians sicky of whining Refugees.
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"I'm getting the hang of learning famous people's personality through their writings. But lately I find reading the Bible more compelling, mind blowing, intriguing and irresistibly interesting! 😄" ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 November 2015
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"Decisions made, unsealed in God's time, are also subject to change WITHOUT prior notice." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 October 2015
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"There is hidden strength which seems to appear weak. He is not weak. He is just calm and composed and refined." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 September 2015 on Bill Shorten (ALP Leader)
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"In our time, there was no TV. So we looked up the sky and watched the moon and stars! They're our nature's celebrities!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 September 2015
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"That moment when you come home from a long journey only to travel again is perchance a simplistic privilege, opportunity and blessing. I can't tell you enough I live a fulfilling life bordering around God's hedge of protection." ~Leah C.Dancel, 20 September 2015
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"The smallest gesture coming from the heart is the most soulful act of love from a lovely daughter to her most loving mother. Happy Birthday dear Lia!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 September 2015 from my FB shared post of Amneh to her beautiful Mom Lia dated 20/09/2013
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"Laughter adds longevity to a well spent life!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 September 2015
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"Having a generous heart will never make you POOR! Don't let generosity a matter of idle LIP SERVICE when others with open hearts freely give theirs to you." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 September 2015 (a personal address to a shrewd individual I knew!)
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"In flight NZ103 when conversation was made impossible with a stranger and there was a vacuum of opportunity to have something I would like to remember about my flying home, I scribbled a memo on my phone and passed it on to my seatmate one seat away from me. This is what I wrote her: 'Ma'am, I wish to request a photo of me on this big plane. I never have a souvenir in flight before. Thank you.' She read it with a big smile and clicked my phone camera. Boy! It was the Best Flight in my life EVER!" Leah C. Dancel,11 Sept 2015 (Air New Zealand)
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"I'm working on to"Take a step back and stop 'giving discounts to those who devalue my person's worth.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 September 2015
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"Suffering, if taken in the light of positive perspective, teaches us "discipline"" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 September 2015
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"Adversity after adversity! Storms and Hails and Fires. Heaven and Hell. I don't know whether I'm a Carrot. Egg or Coffee. As for me, I yield everything to the Lord so I'm still here." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 August 2015
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"My childhood had seen scenes both heaven and hell." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 August 2015 (comment on Childhood)
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"The long white clouds try to sweep the sun away
But the burning ball at midday opt to stay
The wind down below awaits its command
Go blow the breeze and warm the land."
~Leah C Dancel
28 August 2015
Auckland NZ
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"The fresh air to breath, the sun comes out smiling, the mountains and hills are quiet and green... I'm dusting them with gratitude!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 August 2015 (New Zealand)
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"Racism is even more shameful to experience when it happens right inside your own fence." ~Leah C Dancel, 5 August 2015
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"Children are born and gifted with natural sense of IMAGINATION. Part of their childhood creativity is exploring their world of thinking beyond their infanthood comprehension. Allow them to create and not suppress their mind's literary bank. That's how they first learn by way of expressing their curiousity in the field of ARTS through story telling they call SPPECH. Many Parents, Mothers foremost, and children embrace the imaginative world of WALT DISNEY. There's Mulan, Frozen, Aladdin, Barbie and all other commercial craps that entertained them. None of them are REAL. There's not one SINGLE IOTA of TRUTH in them. How does the UNICORN differ to these man-made creations? Some adults forget how they IDOLIZE THE LORD OF THE RINGS AND HARRY POTTER to the point of writing ESSAY about them at school and in HIGH SCHOOL at large. Is this a matter of DOUBLE STANDARD? Are we creating CONFUSED little INDIVIDUALS?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 August 2015
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"Whoever is capable of committing human cruelty is also capable of doing the same to animals. And it makes me sick." ~Leah C. Dancel, FB comment on Killing Cecil the Lion, 31 July 2015
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"Damn YOU!!!!! There, if it helps!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 July 2014
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"Travel makes a person well-rounded. We get to learn more than what we see. Not only in the present state, but we're also allowed to move backward to their time capsule of sometimes a ghostly history." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 July 2015
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"Sometimes in life, there are slices of cakes that turn sour, if not bitter." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 July 2015
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"It's a slow Sunday. Not a bright day. Sunlight comes out sparsely that boosts a cold day. Quiet time is my own best company." ~Leah C. Dancel. 5 July 2015
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"To my darling little Girl for helping me feed the chicken. In return for gratitude, one hen laid three golden cute eggs for her, but she was too kind to put them back in the hen's nest. She was truly amazed to see as she carefully held the eggs in her two hands. She loved feeding the chicken with much confidence. She was my farmhand! Good job little Girl. We're so proud of you!" ~Leah C Dancel, 5 July 2015
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"The night is long
Long enough to hibernate
The day is short
Short enough to stay awake!"
~Leah C. Dancel, 19 June 2015
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"Thanks God, I found my way back home in myself. Thanks to your LIGHT that leads me." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 June 2015
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"I'm a very proud mother of a mother that I mothered. I feel so thankful to her and her husband for giving me two lovely grandchildren to catch up on my old age! One in my 60's and the second in my approaching 65! Grandmotherhood is a joy to behold!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 June 2015 on children's children
"Family moments enjoying togetherness at MillioRe Korean Restaurant followed by ice cream dessert at Passionflower here at the Capitol Square Building." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 June 2015
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"Remembering stormy days back in Karomatan. We lived by the seaside. I dreaded it when the weather beat our town like it lashed or whipped the environment. Waves were huge hurling and haunting us in our sleep. Sometimes we slept with rain dripping from the nipa covered rooftop torn by the angry winds that howled overnight. When morning came, our mother would take us all out to survey the seashore. Imagine the shoreline all covered with flotsams of all kinds. Yes, we gathered driftwoods, coconut husks with the shell in it, anything we could find useful. We spread them on the ground to dry. That was our fuel for cooking. As with coconut shells, we made them into charcoal. That's for the iron cast for ironing our clothes. So many useful things we could find on that shore far away. Stormy days have their own benefits too besides the damages they cause in our lives." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 June 2015
"The hypocrisy of our society is baffling. Breastfeeding in public unsettles them, but not sex and nudity". -Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2015
"Others look beautiful and vain because of make-up; I look beautiful because I look plain and without make-up. Such is the paradox of life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 May 2015
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"It is a joy to be in a sanctuary of peace and birds in the woodland." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 May 2015, Life in the Outback a place called Wonboyn
"Having coffee with my daughter right now at The Coffee Club. And into our indepth conversation she suddenly said, 'you should be a writer because you know how to turn a simple sentence into complicated nonsense.' She added, 'you should be working with Macquarie Dictionary and Thesaurus because you know how to use hard phrases.' A compliment or sarcasm, whatever, I couldn't help laughing out loud! Haha. Thank you Girl." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 April 2015
"I am in tears watching Nana Mouskouri singing The White Rose of Athens live on ABC Channel Q&A." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 April 2015
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"Life has forks and jigs." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 March 2015
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"I love to reminisce my long haul flight to Uncle Sam's territory and back, savouring the beauty of the sky. Way up there, I did experience dreaming awake seeing "the dawn before the rest of the world" as to the word of Oscar Wilde where everything around the expanse of the heavenl3y atmosphere just enthralled me beyond the awesomeness of that incredible moment of encounter of inexplicable joy! Such a memory from that memorable journey of nearly two years ago!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 March 2015 on I am a Dreamer.
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"When the shadow is gone, you are drawn closer to me by your spirit of love." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 March 2015 on Longings
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"Once our home was eerily quiet. No girls in sight! Guess where I found them? Hiring behind the door, with my old girl cutting her little sister's hair! It was artistically disproportionate cut! I love that memory." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 March 2015 on When Children Are Suddenly Silent
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"Travels and adventures make us a well rounded person. So let's always keep our minds open and be ready for any unpredictable challenges as we encountered them on the way." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 March 2015 on Richard Ace De Leon's Where Adventure Is The Best Way To Learn.
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"Growing old happy is just between the sheaths of ups and downs. We must learn to overcome and come out good and balanced in this life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 March 2015 on Growing Old and Happy
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"Home safe, healthy, sound and alive. I was walking under the canopy of clear blue sky mantled by immaculate white clouds with few stars flickering in between the blue space. Did you hear poetry here? You bet. I hope you all enjoy my photographic journey. You might wonder why every now and then you will see me here and there, from one end to the other in one day or less. That's the privilege of being a Senior when your MOMENTS are all yours ALONE to yourself to relish and enjoy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 March 2015 on A Night's Adventure to the harbour.
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"The lone Seagull is taking its flight in the dark while I'm watching the glittering harbour alone outside the deck. Solo sojourn. It's lovely to catch the evening breeze, a healing balm to my aching heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 March 2015 aboard the Ferry from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay by night.
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"Though life is not all made of Roses, who can really complain? Let tears of sorrows wash away the RIVERS OF DREAMS, drowned with disappointments and frustrations, but the bottom line is: Be THANKFUL!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 March 2015 Random Thought for today feeling satisfied with my solo sojourn around the harbour by night
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"When you're on your own, and you got many ideas what to do for the rest of the day, and you got that feeling like going out and see what's around you beyond the fence; then you have this lazy feeling... Oh bug... I'd rather stay in bed and count my dreams." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 March 2015 on to do list
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"There's nothing that can be done in a hurry. Doing things take time. Waiting takes time. Progress takes time. And CHANGE takes time. It can't happen overnight so that patience is required." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 March 2015
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"I am blessed to have you as part of my life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 March 2015 on recollection
"
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"Each one of us has each own pathway. We'll just have to accept it, and be thankful we've gone this far knowing all the stormy trials we passed through. No one's journey is ever smooth and easy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 March 2015
"I believe if we give our children the right foundation, no matter how they go awry, they will always long to go back to where they started." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 March 2015
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"Our intellectual ineptness far exceeds the reality of our educational endeavour. The love of reading benefits us, so is watching and listening to news. Our daily human interaction with people from all walks of life is one factor that helps in acquiring knowledge. Self- education is another and much more besides learning within the confined walls of the academe." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 March 2015 on Your highest level of education.
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"Courage is your wings." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 March 2015 on Fear and Bird
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"It takes courage to restrain from speaking of what you really know of things that you are lied about. Such a cunning device of concocting untruths." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 March 2015
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"Meditation is that time when we shut off from the vagaries of the world and let our spirit free!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 March 2014 on Shadowlands' Flight of Fancy
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"I did a lot of walking, running and climbing hills and mountains in all my entire life. As for mental alertness, I think my brain is trained to it because it seems everyone around me is almost deliberately forgetful that I need to do the reminding in things they do or do not do. It would be nice if what they forget to remember is when they leave behind a pot of gold. I wish. So I always end up their fish tail following after them like a hired servant not." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 February 2015
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"Climbing is not an easy feat, but the view at the top is worth it!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 22/02/2015
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"A sunny smile makes a cheery morning light!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 February 2015
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"Keep the beauty inside your heart untarnished. Don't let greed and covetousness blemish that gem." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 February 2015
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"I do talk to the moon... On a moonlight night... I watch him glowing through my kitchen glass window." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 17 February 2015
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"Birds are very much an integral part of our ecology and environment. All we need to do is act sensibly and responsibly. They are a joy to watch and to listen to their own language and music. They have their own culture unique to each every specie." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 February 2015 on Should you feed birds in your backyards
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"The loyalty of pet animals are beyond compare to those of human beings." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 February 2015
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"I don't mind the cost for as long as the item/s I send will reach the destination safe. I also mind the recipients lacking courtesy in acknowledging senders what they have received. It gives freedom from worry and concern on the part of the senders." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 February 2015 on Your Life Choices: Did you know Australia Post prices will rise as of the start of March?
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"A Garden isn't a garden without bees and butterflies." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 February 2015
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"I appreciate ALONENESS where I soak my soul in a bathtub of silence." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 February 2015
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"Growing up kids need much talking (guidance) from the adults. Never ignore them." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 February 2015
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"Love needs no words but presence for it to be felt." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 February 2015
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"The night before, I egged her on to always eat her food at mealtimes to make her strong, healthy and smart. She did! The next day when she came home from school, she told me her news after hugs, 'Lola, I'm the Class Captain.' And she's barely in her kindergarten class. She confirms to belong to a Family of Leaders. A pride of the pack." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 February 2014 on her First Granddaughter.
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"How sad when people look at the outer skin of others and judge them according to the content of their empty pockets." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 February 2015 on racism.
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"Often times life hides a treasure of wisdom written in FINE LINES nonchalantly ignored by most of us. We take them for granted not wanting to give it a bother to READ for all the lessons it contained. We are so absorbed with worldly whims enough to care even just a little minute of our time. The moment we realise it, it's too late to make amends for all the careless mistakes we made. It reminds me of an adage: "There's no regret that comes ahead." (Paraphrased) ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 February 2015 on regrets and repentance
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"I prefer to live a SIMPE and UNCOMPLICATED LIFE. It's called CONTENTMENT where I am NOW most happy about." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 February 2015 On I don't want to be rich; I just want to be happy.
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"Like cooking, my writing relies much on my pulsating mood. It's the blood ink that runs through the veins of my wrist." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 February 2015 on poetry writing
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"The hair is a woman's crown. Why change the stones that all fit in?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 February 2015
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"Every single day is new." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 February 2015
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"When you have love and life's contentment, that will be enough to keep you young. Your happy heart is your fountain of youth." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 February 2015 on Growing old gracefully
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"Handle my heart with care. Value my love like gold." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 February 2015
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"There is nothing like living a humble and simple life filled with love." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 February 2015
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"We see art in every creation they are made." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 February 2015
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"Libraries are always the best place to hang out. Everything is free... To read... and more." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 January 2015
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"Old age is a sign of prosperity. The older you get, the more valuable you are. Descendants chase you for their inheritance. To the old maids, they become Antiques. It makes them PRICELESS!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 January 2015
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"In my life, I'd been in stormy seas and battered by strong winds... No more STORMS for me. I'll cut off every storm that comes my way with prayers and a pair of scissors." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 28 January 2015
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"Life is thrilling... some other times, it gets you reeling." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 January 2015 on Narelle G's epic journey home to Orange from Queensland from delayed flight and missing the bus to XPT.
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"Determination, persistence and perseverance indeed are the keys to open the door of possibilities. World history is founded by many wars impossible to overcome in the past. The modern world inhabitants are the products of that history. Many become despondents and disillusions. The habitual, if not deliberate ignorance of the many made them forget that History keeps repeating itself." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 January 2015
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"It was another FUN TEST GAME I ventured to take on: What Should Your Name Be? The result came out as Grace, but I like Beaulah best!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 January 2015
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"Rain bounces back like love on a parched ground. I'm happy that my wishes for this summer have been granted by the Heavenly Host." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 27 January 2015
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"Happy AUSTRALIA Day! So grateful to be in this great country having arrived on its most significant era in time to celebrate its Bicentennial Year!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 January 2015
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"A smile is a universal silent language understood by all!" ~Leah C. DANCEL, 26 January 2015
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"Milky skies
Silent morning
Mellow music
Early breakfast
Banana, toast and coffee
A simple life
Makes a happy day."
~Leah C. Dancel
22 January 2015
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"Prioritising my children by loving and caring for them above my own personal needs was the best thing I have had ever done in my life to which I earnestly look back happily with no regrets." ~Leah C. Dancel on Introspection, 18 January 2014
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"My youngest daughter family's FIRST VISIT with their new addition in my shoebox home after the church service. It was beautiful to hug them all and getting hugs back. How nice to hold my new gift in my arms one more time, I couldn't get enough of our new little man." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 January 2015
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"Welcome to my world, MSJD-P! My new little man in my life to love, born on this date at the height of the Sydney Siege in Martin Place." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 January 2015
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"Every beach and every shore, has its own beauty and character distinct in its own time, space and place. Some still possess their pristine ecology." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 January 2015
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"To Canberra, my first and last travel to the nation's Capital Territory this year, in a long long time. Lucy met me at Jollimont Tourist Travel Interchange, took me to Labor Club for a late lunch or call it early dinner. Then took a bus to Belconnen and a cab to Weetangera." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 27 December 2014
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"I am not really sure if indeed I grow up in most challenges I faced this gruesome year. Yet, I would say thanks to all those who dared my capacity in dealing with them all." ~Leah C. Dancel, on Deal or No Deal, 26 December 2014
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"I'm musing over seeing you all happy and having a wonderful time." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 December 2014
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"The city is a landscape of diverse cultural integration moving out towards the sea to escape from its own conundrum." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 Dec 2014
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"Some people are smart in Psychology. And I like that. One deviates someone's attention so the accessory can perpetuate through the sieve of their clandestine penetration of deceit. Great strategy. A new dawn is unfolding. "I'll ride along with you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 December 2014, On a Double Standard Living
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"A great nation of down to earth, laid back people knows how to show to the world their own brand of SOLIDARITY in time of ADVERSITY. They lend a helping hand to those in distress. They exercise humble GRATITUDE to those who do them GOOD! I love AUSTRALIA, a land of sunburnt country." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 December 2014
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"Once in my life while working on a school street crossing, someone yelled at me 'Boat People, go back to where you belong!' Thanks to one lady parliamentarian who stirred the nation back into racism with her iconic maiden speech. Even so, I did admire that lady, one way or another." ~Leah Dancel, 15 December 2014 on name calling.
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"Women are detailed creatures. Just observe how they dress up. That includes make up and all things bright and beautiful." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 December 2015
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"Travels make you rich with experience." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 December 2014
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"A pot of gold is found in the heart of true, caring, meaningful, loving and loyal friends who neither swell in the flow of tide nor rust in the midst of changing times." ~Leah Dancel, 13 December 2014
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"When you get old, everything is downsizing, downgrading and regenerating." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 December 2014
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"When a dream slips up, it turns into a nightmare... So hold onto it." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 December 2014
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"A residue of anger can be blown away even by a light wind of affection and understanding. A sediment of love will remain in the heart forever." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 December 2014
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"Resilience is my survival kit." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 December 2014
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"If all football players are sent to the battlefields, all the enemies will get kicked out fast and quick they have to run! This would be a gunless war. No casualties, no children suffering, no properties damaged, no refugees, and business is, as usual." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 December 2014
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"Don't we see how we struggle in life, trying to climb hills and mountains, busy going about in order to survive: wanting and wishing, night and day, rain or shine, come what may; without pausing. In vain, it is too late to realise how much we missed the joy of living as we reach the receiving end of the point of no return." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 December 2014 on I'm Dying author Anon.
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"I look back without regret how we lived a hard knock life... But still full of adventure and fun. It made tears and pains just as it was like a bonus or rewards for every single hard breaking and tiring day. My blessings are enormous. The best is my reasonable good health in between "malingering illness" to the word of my late mother." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 December 2014
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"Amidst life challenges, I live to see a new born baby cries out from my ribs in the person of my daughter." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 November 2014
♥*✿*•♥ "To me, my home is sacred. So it is normal for me to feel displeased if anyone will trample that sacredness. For indeed, our heart is our home. After all, 'the heart is the seat of life; not of sorrow or fears, not of tears nor grief.' That is why, it is paramount to live in a happy home, a happy heart. Very commendable post, such wisdom from the heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 November 2014 on Deniz Inan's "Our Heart is Our Home".
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"It's a beautiful day outside ... Peaceful and quiet... Time to do my daily grind. I wish my blogger Friend a safe journey from the outback by XPT - express, explore, exercise your mental view of the sunburnt beauty of our countryside from this part of the dry continent. Tomorrow, we'll explore the hub of the city and experience its ever laid back character. In our local lingo, it's called a Big SMOKO! Happy Trip, VP!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 November 2014
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"The road less travelled is the one that is full of wonders and surprises!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 November 2014
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"I love your words, even if only in someone else words we find consolation that life after all doesn't end because our day didn't turn out as we hope it to be. Thank you that even through the words of others, we find ourselves where we should be. On a lighter note, I thought your posts were hidden from view as I rarely see you. Thinking of you from the Land Down Under!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 November 2014 on Oriah Mountain Dreamer
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"It's beyond their beautiful and delicateness of blooms. They are useful and fit for human consumption too amongst the Southern Americans. I used them as our home defence against backyard intruders when we were in Orange. They're natural and cost effective security measures for annoying invaders. Needless, your ode amused me no end." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 November 2014 on Persian Cactus from the ode THE ANGRY GHERKINS by Shadowlands.
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"One day, you need someone who will faithfully serve you to the end.
Someone who will be your nursemaid, your laundry woman, iron woman;
Your cook, errand girl, a housekeeper, and a slave you can command.
One who will be there with you and for you when your body slows down and the vigour of youth no longer serves to deem you fit. Just make sure no one will scream at you when you are in your useless, helpless state, when you are no longer useful to them. One who will not abandon you at home on your own lying, waiting for someone to care for you, while that someone goes out of her way to cavort with other men and run around for other people who are much capable to fend themselves. It was a very sad state to be able to witness that kind of scenario right in my own very eyes, to hear stories straight from the mouth of the same people who committed the same. They served with murmurs, grumblings, complaints and blames. Appalling! Very sad especially because they portray themselves as classy and faultless. It was a very sad state to know how a FOOL can fool someone. Very sad. But life is just about like that.
As the Good Book said, 'in the end times, people become lovers of themselves, of pleasure, of money,' and GREED is their shadow and FALSITY is their LIGHT. Very sad world! People love things more than loving humankind. Very very very sad." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 November 2014
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"Happy Halloween? What characters do Halloween typifies? Devils right? When did you see devils being happy? They laugh alright. Real happy? Pleasantly, lovingly and joyfully happy? Boy! I don't get it at all! Devils don't make you happy. They scare you, give you creepy sensations, above all, they give you MISERY and TRAGEDY one after the other." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 October 2014
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"When sunrise creeps, a new day begins." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 October 2014
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["Rich, famous, beautiful, popular, sought after, loved by all men, worshipped by women, got everything: mansion, luxury, money, glittering and sparkling jewelries, lovers, ... while her moon shines brightly, the stars in her eyes look gloomy, sad, unhappy, a vision of inner misery. What then? Why?
Many knew that MONEY (capital letters for emphasis, not screaming), cannot buy happiness. Then why the GREED? Especially in obsessing what you don't even owned? Let alone sweated in labour? To the point of killing because of MONEY? Material things only pleased the eyes, but void of satisfaction and contentment from deep within. Superficial happiness as a result of obsessive materialism is not a guarantee to gain everlasting peace. In death, all shall come naked.
My thoughts to ponder today." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 October 2014
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"To get rid of the obstacles, first remove the tentacles and barnacles." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 October 2014
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"I give up learning History. It's revolting to the mind. Wherever the English goes, History would never unmention them not killing let alone annihilating human races especially those that belong to so-called "inferior races", like Native Indians, Australian Aboriginals. Yet, they were the prime believers of what the Bible teaches. In the Bible the Ten Commandments are found. It says "Thou shalt not kill". It was translated into English English, not American English. It sucks! No wonder my ex doesn't believe in the Supreme Being. He blames Him for causing too much troubles when the truth is, it's men, not God who do the exact opposite because of Greed! They do things their OWN WAY!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 October 2014
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"We only have one life to live. I am honestly living on a borrowed life. Maybe I am allowed to live this far so I can enjoy a great many blessings amidst the storms of trials. Everything is tested. I hate all these fightings of resistance against evil forces. At times, I just wanted to go. It seems it's not my time yet. A new morning is always a time for refreshing, a time to be thankful to our Great Creator." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 October 2014
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"I shed tears for a giant fellow who left this country (world) with his unforgettable legacies; let down by his party and opponents, and came out a VICTOR in his death. RIP Gough Whitlam. It's Time to rest." ~Leah Dancel, 21 October 2014
"I can't stand artificiality especially on fake attitudes to disadvantage others." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 October 2014
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"In everything, there is the pros and the cons. Fairdinkum" ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 October 2014
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"I'd rather take a brutal, hurtful truth than a deceitful, misleading and slippery sweet lie; the cunning attributes of a devil." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 October 2014
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"A builder needs good tools, quality materials and a helper." ~Leah C Dancel, 20 October 2014
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"Do not take away the food you feed in someone's mouth nor bad mouth what you feed them. The Bible said 'God bless those who bless others.' If a stranger comes, entertain him for he might be an 'angel in disguise.' Of course, in these corruptible times, do exercise caution and wisdom." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 October 2014
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"In your deathbed, may you REMEMBER me" ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 October 2014
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"Remembering the story of Pandora's Box that our Auntie Merriam Casis told us when we were young. I miss you Auntie. Wherever you are, please know that you will always live in my heart till I die." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 October 2014
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"Learning starts in the cradle." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2014
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"Spend time being creative because you are. You are smart and you got sharp brain. You have good gifts, skills and talents; instead of marauding, trashing, crashing and molesting people's property. Here's a helpful quote to go along with:
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"It's easy to forgive. To be forgiving takes a long process. Unless there is open admission, instead of a calculated pretence and omission, prayer helps to rectify and resolve the problem." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2014
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"Due to a stormy weather, I was constrained to switch off a false light that dimmed my way. I persisted amidst my heart pain until I glimpsed the first light of dawn." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2014
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"You don't need to be a tech savvy to discern what's going on around the Internet. All you require is UNDERSTANDING - how your gadget works. Study your homework and NEVER RELY on someone else. Then your tribulation ends. With my experience, it pays to play a 'dumb' to unsuspecting spider. It got caught by its own web trap." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2014.
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"'Who controls the weather?' A big hug to every member of those who work very hard to put things in place amidst the weather chaos." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 October 2014
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"Such surreal weather conditions never heard of occurring simultaneously in a whole lot of diverse places. There is snow up in the mountains, rainstorms in the city resulting to floods covering the subways, underground tunnels, road closures and suspension of train services, cancellation of flights, what's next. Hope the people will stay vigilant at this time of weather crisis and will listen to and obey the warnings." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 October 2014
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"A home without love is like a container without content; a nest without eggs; a head without brain." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 October 2014
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"Behind a man's success is another woman, beside his wife. Call it sham and drudgery and downright loathful!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 September 2014 on watching a documentary of a famous and well-respected man on earth!
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"Today, September 30, 2014 is the last day of 'September Morn'so made famous by a song with the same title. Thankfully the summer's temper per forecast did not manifest in our surrounding area. God forbid. Spring should stay Spring till the Summer season takes over. Even the seasons are corrupted by the greedy attitude of covetous HUMAN BEINGS. Good bye September. Bring in the mellow October." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 September 2014
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"Life indeed is a composite of good and evil; fairness and unfairness; light and dark; oppression and justice; truth and lies, and pain and joy. But as always victory is won by RIGHTEOUSNESS and LOVE and FORGIVENESS prevail." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 September 2014
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"2011-2012, a year that was classified as "Annus Horibilis" to the word of the Queen as it was to me. In this year, August and September were in the cusps of the evil's advocate turning glory into shame with nightmares and agonies. 'The Angels brought me back into the Light'." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 September 2014
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"Every person has a need of a personal space. I have my own. It requires respect as I respect yours." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 September 2014
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"I resist the flow because I can't play 'untruth tolerance'" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 September 2014
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"My young counsellor has spoken that we're going to work out on my SELF-WORTH and IDENTITY. Here's what my big MOUTH has to say:
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"When my girls and I were still together, we have a "love habit" which we still keep until today. They passed that down to their respective fiancé, husband and to my grand daughter. We have this greeting of affection telling each other "I love you" anytime of the day, from the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed. To my eldest girl's word, "Mum, we never know, but in case anything happens to you, God forbid, I want you to know that "I love you." (Hard work for raising children alone has paid off. So life was never spent "squandering in this world, cheapening our existence with vanity", Lily. Vanity was never a part of our life.) Our self-worth is beyond the price of GOLD, not even Diamonds." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 August 2014
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"Four lessons I learned from INSOMNIA: Resistance to go with the flow. It is shallow. It is too hallow. Must be a by-product of FLUssion? Or a sum of CAUSE and EFFECT?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 August 2014 on Riddles.
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"Also my big thank you to my beautiful daughter (inside and out) for reminding me to "go with the flow" instead of swimming against the current. Sensible advice Girl. We truly are role swapping now. And I don't mind a bit. Am very proud of you my Girls for staying sweet." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2014
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"Thank you too Jean Grace. You'll always be a part of our lives. Till we meet again." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2014
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"My sister was amused when I told her to buy herself a gift from me with her own money she intends to bless me. Thanks for making me laugh in my darkest moment." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2014
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"I just want to stay in bed and do nothing. Even sickness is considered a Treat. It's normal to crave something to eat when you're sick." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2014
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"Let me neither condemn nor condone." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2014
"Our late mother was a farmer's daughter and most of us in the family inherited her green thumb gene. Wherever we go to live, she always fills every lot with plants that would please the eyes and satisfy the guts. Which reminds me, I must inactivate my gardening activity after sometime of leaving the ground dormant. We have been drenched with rain lately and that should be enough impetus for me to till the ground though in a very limited space." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 August 2014
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"Nuon bahay namin ay dampa. Pero ang palibut ay sari-sari. May nakakabusog ng tiyan. May nakakabusog ng mata. Mahirap na masagana dahil tiyan namin di kumakalam. Salamat sa napakasipag naming Ina." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 August 2014
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"My spirit is my own company hemmed into my soul so I could never be alone." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 August 2014
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"Am thankful to travel this far for 64 years, and unashamedly on foot." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 August 2014
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"Arrogance a plenty and hatred too, in this world hiding behind a mask of Pretensions." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 August 2014
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"I am in tears as I read many beautiful tributes about Robin Williams. People can only sympathise, but the agony he silently suffered when he was alive was never publicly recognised so he could be helped and healed and comforted by his million fans around the world. Depression was the culprit behind his death. I personally experienced and suffered Depression without knowing it was depression. Thankfully it was without the aid of any synthetic medicines pushed down my throat that could have made it worst. As a pharmacist, it helped me to be aware what my body should take and not to take. I drowned myself through hard work: day, noon, night till morning. My little children were my prime motivators to keep me going. And my resilience as well. Above all, my strong faith in God. Depression is demonic. It is real. Compassion is the key in handling someone with depression.
As Sam Lorie noted,
Besides chemical imbalances taking place within the physiological landscape of a person, depression can be triggered by many causes." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 August 2014
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"When you're depressed and you're surrounded by busybodies with stinky noses, you're likely to kill them instead of yourself." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 August 2014
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"In this world of greed ruled by ravenous wolves, true friends are rare to find. Am thankful to have a few. My family is one of them. They're the ones I called pure gold." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 August 2014 LCD
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"You may be the richest man on earth, your money can never ever buy back your life once it's gone!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 August 2014
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"Haven't written in a long time. My blogs are wandering in a desert of hiatus as my mind continue to suffer emptiness. Still searching for my long lost quill so my parched paper will be flooded with the flow of my inky thoughts. I'm enjoying your writings and keeping every single copy of them. One day, I will come to see you. God willing. All I can do is dream." ~Leah C. Dancel on B&P, 12 August 2014
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"A man can build a house.'But only God can make a tree.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 August 2914
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"Working in a vineyard on thick frosty mornings is like having your dying body subjected to rigor mortis." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 August 2014 on winter out in the vineyard
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"It will be quick for others to judge, family or not, because they have minds to think what they like to think, and tongues to waggle on. I am used to live a solitary life causing no harm to people around me, so am okay with myself living in harmony with contentment." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 August 2014 on judgmental people
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"Thank you United Kingdom for your visit everyday to my humble blog. Your viewership keeps growing." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 August 2014
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"For those who hurt me, I am grateful. For you blessed me good memory through constant Biblical reminder how to live a meaningful life according to what God desires in us: to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him. (Micah 6:8)" ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 August 2014
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"How can it be made plain and obvious what people do to your property to cover up what they're doing? Somehow I do notice as things are slowly revealed. They assume and I presume, they can do something on your behalf that YOU didn't or haven't done. Just saying." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 August 2014
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"I will be remembered for my Gorgeous Smile:
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"I had a very special guest of honour at dinner tonight: My little Princess Cinderella in a gown of blue, my surprise gift for her and how she was over the moon with it! She swarmed me with hugs and kisses and whispered 'thank you Lola' as she and I were alone watching her fully dressed in front of the mirror. We both smiled. Oh I love her. I don't think I can bear to part from her, my family as a whole package." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 August 2014
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"Today, Mr. Walter Wladimir Janson, the hubby of my best friend Mila, was laid to his final resting place. A quick cold breeze swept the atmosphere and kissed each one who came to bid him a final farewell on the cheek. He lived a full life at 86, which tragically ended in an accident. Old age is frail. It is as dainty as a crystal vessel. Family and close friends faithfully gathered in that sorrowful parting." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 August 2014
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"Welcome August! See you on my birthday. Thank you family for a well-laid plan. Lovely thoughts considered!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 August 2014
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"When I sing, my voice is better than my problems." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 August 2014
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"Humanity is the true religion. Not religions by name sake. It's all bulls to me!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 July 2014 on Gaza crisis
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"When I thought the sky looks gloomy, slowly the sun creeps through and reveals the heaven's glory." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 July 2014
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"It makes a difference when you have someone to turn to in times of distress." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 July 2014
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”I do listen to the song of the ocean; its memory that fills the ebb tide both in sorrow and in joy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 July 2014 on Project Butterfly Free
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"Just as I mentioned about some storms leaving the shore, am afraid there's another storm that has recently hit our peaceful radiant sea in a tragic way. Much less to a family so close and dear to my heart. To the Abbu Family of Cebu City, please accept my heartfelt condolence to the passing away of Dr. Cris Cecil C. Abbu (Orthopaedic Specialist of Sacred Heart Hospital of my own Alma Mater, SWU.)~Leah C. Dancel, 25 July 2014
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"Now that some storms have passed somewhere, we're having a lovely baby boy coming our way in December. My son-in-law is over the moon! We all are!" ~Leah C. Dancel, July 23, 2014
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"I always believe in the power of God's intervention. Big TIME! May the good Lord through the power of His Divine Healing help you to a speedy recovery from all trials and tribulations you have endured my dearest friend "M". Also farewell "W". May you rest in peace. My heartfelt condolence to the family I've grown to love. I pray for God's love and comfort to sustain you in this hour of bereavement and sorrow. 'When things happen, they happen all at ONCE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 July 2014 at "B" Hospital.
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"When everything is on the plate all at once, you don't know which one to deal first." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 July 2014
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"A love that comes from the heart is heaven sent." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 July 2014
"I always wanted to grow old gracefully. And if by keeping my grey hair without distorting its natural colour by artificial colouration, in order to look young which is far more deceiving and defying nature, then I am proud to show off my real silver crown. At the same time, letting my golden heart stays in its throne." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 July 2014
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"I learned how to live a lone 'lonely life.' Yet, I never allow myself to get dispirited just because I am alone and being away from anyone." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 July 2014
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"Memories of those that we enjoyed keep coming back. They stay in our hearts and occupy our minds. They draw out random smiles." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 July 2014
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"Love helps us live life to the fullest. Love makes the world a better place to live. It can't be the other way around." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 July 2014
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"My children used to deliver this line from an essay "HATING Alison Ashley - ''you must take your manners with you wherever you go.' " ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 July 2014 on Good Manners
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"It is every woman's dream to feel loved and secure in the heart and arms of the man she loves." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 July 2014 on Love and Security
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"Believe me, I learned through practice how to be happy in my "LONELY" state than being with hypocrites." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 July 2014 on B&P "How to be Lonely"
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"Truth and humour can go together. So let's set a bipolar mood for a change. Just reminiscing a childhood experience on life by the sea as I looked at the picture of three Nepalese girls crossing over a river by a safe overhead rope ride just to go to school to get education as captioned by Rishika Jain Inspirations in her website has made me revisit one distant memory:
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"The best treasure is a caring heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 July 2014
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"How I miss my childhood by the sea. Happy and sad times they were, memories stay in my heart with longings to go back." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 July 2014
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"AUSTRALIA, purported to be one of the rich nations can't provide free solar power. Our power bills are skyrocketing, shocking to the grave. Better were the days when we used candles and kerosene lamps for our humble night light in the absence of the moon and stars." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 July 2014
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"Life in its complexity has been magnified or debased by our own thinking or perception of so many things in general. Even those that are customs or traditions-base teachings people embraced, were directly or indirectly described in the BIBLE: One source of all human religions twisted by confused, diversified religious cultural mindsets." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 July 2014 on "If all religions teach peace, then why can't all religions achieve peace?"
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"That inspiring moment of the day when you see the glorious golden sun hiding behind a tree as you walked home. And a wondrous feeling sings within you knowing how Eliza E. Hewitt penned this inspiration:
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"Then, as you continue walking, you stopped, looked up the sky to see what you see. Then you remember that once you're up there, traversing the horizon into the unknown. Then the Carpenters were suddenly on your mind: "Top Of The World" ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2014 as she watched the airplane go by
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"A lovely trip home in this holy hour of the day when a beautiful golden sunrise meets your eyes." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2014 on watching that golden orb in the sky glowing
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"Though family is your home, nothing beats when you're on your own: cocoon is your world, solitude is your universe, peace is your homage of rest. And you're all alone at your best!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2014
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"Sometimes coldness is comfortable when we're rugged up with warmness." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2014
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"I like every one's own handwriting. One of those things that makes each individual unique!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 June 2014
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"A rainbow appears when all things look bleak." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 June 2014
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"Thank God for my family. They are my pillar of strength provided for by our Great Sustainor." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 June 2014
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"To our mentor at Mamre Hospitality II Class, Saveria McCann, we all send our happy wishes to your forthcoming and exciting adventure (holiday) with your friends around Australia. We hope to see you and join us on our graduation day. We'll miss you. Glad you and Karen Colley enjoyed the surprised Devon Cream Tea served on your behalf, as our gratitude for being our lovely teachers." ~Leah C. Dancel and classmates, 25 June 2014
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"Today, 24 years ago, I stand tall to commit my testimony in protecting an unborn child and strongly protested the criminal intent of a non-custodial parent to abort it. Against all odds, we came out the victors! That child is a very proud mother herself and is expecting their second child, a new additional blessing to the family. God bless you on your birthday, Palangga! I love you very much. You and your big sister are God's gifts to me in my old age." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 June 2014
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"I love to reminisce that Englishy tradition of Devon Cream and Jam Tea served at country fetes in and around Orange. My fond memory of old Australia 27 years ago." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 June 2014
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"Wow! Some analytical tests do fit somebody's personality. This sure fits mine. No Frills are cheap; obviously, am not in that category. And yes, I'm ALWAYS Skeptical! Take heed." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 June 2014
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"Before you jump over the precipice, look out out if there are poisoned arrows down below that will hit your soul. THINK!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 June 2014
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"If I was to live in America, according to the test I've taken, my favourite state would be VERMONT. It's so fitting for we used to live in a place like that once in our life when I was a budding teenager." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 June 2014
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"Marriage to me is sacred, and, a very special calling. I couldn't stand living with someone who dishonoured the sacredness of the vow." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 June 2014
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"Is there such thing as a Female Spider eating another female spider? I believe there is, in an asylum of 'Dog eats Dog' world!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 June 2014
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"If all the men in the world think nothing but loving their wives, and vice versa, there won't be unhappy marriages and broken families." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 June 2014
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"'Eat, love and pray' makes a good combination for a loving relationship. Elizabeth Gilbert did justice with her masterpiece." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 June 2014
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"A pleasant life where love and laughter co-exist makes a lovely vision, hope, dream and desire to aim for a lifetime goal of good." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 June 2014
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"A car can't run without petrol." ~Leah C. Dancel. 15 June 2014
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"Winter is that time of the year when waking up early to get ready for school is less encouraging. Raining and freezing cold. The least I could do is curl up in bed and snuggle warm. My water bottle jumps outside for her early morning ritual. Where's Emmy?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 June 2014
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"In life, I never complain or regret that I am homeless or being poor. I just strive to live. However, I have no respect to people who tried to undermine me because I am poor." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 June 2014
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"Our winter brings much character by its swinging temperature as diverse as summer as you commute from area to area even if you live in the same city, country towns, outback, interstate, intra-state and beyond. The seasons are quite character building; they're moulding forms that can transform your emotional pattern from melancholic to sanguinity." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 June 2014
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"This picture reminds me of my poem "Silence in Harmony of the Night" based on a theatrical picture of the sunset that almost look like yours. This is exceedingly a great capture that reflects the serenity of the sun setting down surrounded by the abundance of peace and tranquility. Silence is absolutely heard by a contemplative mind and a contended heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 June 2014 on sunset by Semplice Abbondanza
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"My heart is big to help. My means is not enough. But I've given my all!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 June 2014
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"When humility is absent, we will never learn our lesson." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 June 2014
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"Every nation has its own form of a devil's pill. It even starts in a family, even a family that is supposed to be embracing faith. Would you believe that kind of element in a family?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 June 2014 on FORCED FAITH IS NOT FAITH
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"The reality of life cannot be covered by a newspper's print. Everything in the government is about propaganda." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 June 2014 on hitting a head with a nail.
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"Bloom with goodness and kindness, sincerity and genuine lovingness." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2014
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"Remember, the rainbow only appears after the rain, unleashed by a storm." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2014
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"I'm sure Dr. Maya Angelou was talking to God as reflected in her final Tweet: "Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God" before she died (23rd May). She is a lovely person who lived by her words, and they're lessons worth to ponder. She's a strong pillar of inspiration to the downtrodden. She's the ultimate "Phenomenal Woman". In spite of all she went through, she dauntlessly face the world to proclaim "I Still Rise!" What a legacy to learn!" ~Leah C Dancel, 30 May 2014
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"How I love looking or watching my two grown up children being close and happy together. They've come this beautifully far and well after all our hard struggles in life. I am a proud mother of these two." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 May 2014
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"My youth were full of struggles. The happy times we had were of pure innocence of a carefree life woven in simplicity and limited by poverty where values were valued." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 May 2014
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"The butter melts where there is heat!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 May 2014
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"I am divorced. Happy, sad, lonely, funny, crazy..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 May 2014
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"The bell rings familiar. No wonder I'm horrid sick, simply because I had enough. Right. Bring it on Bell!
~Leah C. Dancel, 23 May 2014
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Thought to Consider:
"I can't stand a crowd for too long. It suffocates me. I love free spaces. There's one room I know that wearies my heart. I could not breath because of its crowd. Too squashy and I feel lost. There's a soul who sees me, but only when it likes and perhaps when it gets bored of its crowd and wanted something for a random breakaway and spur of a moment's company like "there's always me." Ah I'd rather be with my own crowd, on my own company: alone and carefree!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 May 2014
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"Methink our day looks beautiful and the sky is blue. But that was yesterday. For today, am trying to figure out how to get rid of the bulls. They scatter shits everywhere. Makes the world too messy! Very sad, isn't it? People are always caught whether they tell the truth or something else. But whatever happens to those three coffins in my dream?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 May 2014 on being sharp and keen observer. In one word - PERCEPTION, ahhhh hmmmmm. Meaning you can type in two line-sentences in more than half an hour! Amazing! Nah, not worth dying for.
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"Suddenly I found my lost voice back in the box and like a bird, I sang like I used to as my way of life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 May 2014
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"How lovely it is to wake up to the touch of the sun rays!
Watching the soft glow of the morning sunrise from where I lay,
And let my eyes savour its golden light
Makes me feel like climbing the stair-less sky;
To claim my sparkling crown and sit on that lofty height!" ~Copyright@Leah C. Dancel
18 May 2014
Australia
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"I can never forget the 'GOLDEN RULE'. Why would I? That's how it is ingrained in me since my memory started to develop. So check your balance sheet. A debit might be more than the credit and vice versa. Perhaps a Slide Wrong is more applied than a 'Slide RULE'." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 May 2014
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"Nature's gift to mankind is BEAUTY AND PEACE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 May 2014 on Touring Mamre Homestead property
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"Hmmmm, methink, I've heard that song before; antiquated familiar old tune, with rusty 'desentonado' notes. It's called the 'Sound of ...' (Sic). Nothing new." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 May 2014
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"Love to be happy in all things simple and delightful." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 May 2014
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"Thank you Girls for the "Mother's Day" greetings and love. Now I am privilege to greet my youngest the same for being a Mom herself." ~Mum Leah, 11 May 2014
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"Season of change began 4th of May. The warm nights hibernate into a frost of oblivion. The day fades in haste, even sunsets hurry in hiding, unmindful that someone out there starves for the evening goodwill." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 May 2014
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"Here's a WISHING WELL for you
Where I keep all my wishes fair
My prayers, my hopes, my longings
For a long and happy life you'll live
Are laid in GOD Almighty's care."
Many Happy Returns of the Day, my sweet Darling and to Chakky too! Love, cuddles, kisses. ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 May 2014
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"I slept so well I did not even hear the rain pelting hard last night. The surrounding is wet and gloomy but not my spirit." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 May 2014
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"Animals have better memory than most humans. They don't get infected with amnesia let alone Alzheimer." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 May 2014
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"Not apologising for my behaviour induced by unseemly circumstance doesn't mean I am not humble. I only have just learned how to put HUMILITY in its right 'mise en' perspective." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 May 2014
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"I'd rather speak in public where I can impart useful knowledge than scatter somewhere, everywhere, anywhere; pry and spread GOSSIP. So SPEAK IN PUBLIC without FEAR with useful tools that everyone can learn." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 May 2014 on Public Speaking
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"I fell asleep to be awoken by my granddaughter's call to say thank you for the FROZEN DVD I gave her, my belated present for her 4th birthday. It's so lovely to hear a little child's angelic voice expressing gratitude in her cutest way. I was delighted and fully gratified." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 April 2014
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"At Mamre House, I have my first head dress called "Taraha" crowned on my head today by Adou and Christina, two of the lovely Sudanese ladies in our class. Maria and Mila couldn't resist taking a photo of me. I loved it myself that I let it on my head for the whole duration of the class." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 April 2014.
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"A woman is what she is with the kind of man she has." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 April 2014
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"Today, it's back to a bookless classroom with lots to remember and memorise, and putting up with late comers, and, noisy bunch." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 April 2014
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"Life is sweet when we start it with love from a dreamy sleep till morning and throughout the day." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 April 2014
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Pick of the Day: "Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood." ~Khalil Gibran
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"I can never write when the spirit of writing is not embedded in my mood." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 April 2014
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"Marriage is not about 'a piece of paper'. It's about a lifetime commitment of this sacred calling you contracted yourself into with someone you truly hold dear." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 April 2014
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"As the Passover season is fast approaching, here's one quote to consider."The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies." ~Anon
which reminds me of the suffering of the Son of Man that led to His death when He was betrayed by no less than His own disciple who supped with HIM on that night He was delivered to the hands of the enemies ... At the cost of 30 pieces if silvers." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 April 2014
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"Best wishes to my girl who turns quarter a century today! My miracle baby I gave birth to in my old age. It was a painless birth, without labour, without Epidural." ~Leah C. Dancel, 03/04/2014
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"A light can be a LIGHT without FIRE, but a FIRE cant't be without LIGHT. It has to kindle to give LIGHT." ~Leah C. Dancel, 03/04/2014
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"Today is your Graduation Day. I humbly offer you my warm congratulations! You made it! My girls and i are very proud of you. You must be very proud of yourself too! Everything always begins with a small step. Oftentimes a small step gets the hardest start. Think of a baby who tries getting up and dares his/her first step. Don't babies stumble on their first step and get hurt? Same with life especially when they are wrapped up with so much difficulties, hurdles from too much strivings before you attain the goal, so much trials that are impossible to pass through, too much despair and hopeless situations to overcome. All these things will come to pass. As your late Grandma used to say with faith in her heart and her smile beaming with hope and positivity, "Behind the dark clouds lies a silver lining." Keep going Anne. The road to success is now open for you to walk on. WALK WITH FAITH IN YOUR HEART. We LOVE you. GOD BLESS YOU." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 28 March 2014 on my niece, Anne's High School Graduation Day
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"The best conversation is silence without its partakers drifting away from each other." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 March 2014
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"I don't like people coming to you for friendship only because they see in you a potential for their vested interest and dump you when you have nothing. Such a universals flaw of human nature." ~Leah C. Dancel, (On movie For Richer For Poorer), 24 March 2014
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"I call Jenolan Caves an ocean of gem beneath the earth." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 March 2014
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"Even in silence love gives off meaning." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 23, 2014
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"Our autumn is truly setting in well with dark mornings and cold air shifting in." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 2014
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"Great eye opener for me from Dodinsky
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"I'm greatly grateful to Australia. A country who lets me call her My Home! Just look at the clear blue sky with those big fluffy white clouds hanging over my head!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 January 2014
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"Happy (226th Birthday) Australia Day! My 27th year in celebrating this magnificent country!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 January 2014
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"Brilliant thoughts shine in a bright sky!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 January 2014 on 'My Heaven is on a Farm' by Andrew Pearson Photography (Tamworth NSW)
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"Situations can never be improved with constant worries. But let it go, and there you go; without knowing, without a clue. Then you look back and wonder, "Wow! How did I get here?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 24/01/2014
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Journey's Log
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"Love that springs from friendship, respect and trust is divine." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 January 2014
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"And finally the guests have now landed safe and sound but the thrill hasn't ended yet, for they're still stranded one more time on the northern part of this huge island continent. Even so I've already given them my personal accolade of a warm WELCOME or plain G'day Mate for making it to the Land Down Undah! Tomorrow will sure be a big day for all of us. Weather, please be kind to us. Thank you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2014
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"Why can't a story be just be plain and bland? Why has it to involve tears and laughters? And why some mean-spirited souls cannot spell the word correctly, intertwining prey to pray? Why? Just asking questions, not interrogating." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2014
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"I'm enjoying THE TOWER ROOMS, a brilliant write by Mary Grant Bruce published in 1926! What a hefty read with remarkable story line on social graces which the modern selfish world today is void of and so lacking. What a Treasure and a precious GEM to keep. I have no clue how I came to own this Lucky Four Clover Leaf!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2014.
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"Thought for Today: I never prey on the LONELY. I pray for the lonely to be HAPPY. I also pray for the MISERABLE PEOPLE that they will learn how to be happy and to appreciate that there is MORE to LIFE than being sullen." (There are 356 days left in a year). ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2014
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"Somehow the SMILE on my face remains. Thank you Sweetheart for your trustworthiness. You never promised me anything, but you just do it! Thanks for the lovely postcard of your classical Edenland. Such a delight, so simple yet pleasurable! It makes my day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 January 2014
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"Commercial aviations, flight industries, travels, tourism; they're just everything else - UNFLAWLESS! They carry loads of luggages full of disappointments and inconveniences. Delayed flights do cause a spirit of humour to evaporate off your face especially if you booked a hotel who knows the unreliability and unpredictability of a certain airline company and for surety charged the client with NON REFUNDABLE deal against their own disclaimer. Things happen and I'm adding this to my JAR of GRATITUDE, and, take it as a RAINBOW in the clouds for this means I have to stay home. I pray that my friend's guests will arrive soon and that they will be taken cared of by the concerned airline while being stranded in another country for two days. 'Oh what a feeling!'" (There's 357 days left in a Year). ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 January 2014
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"They say, 'you'll never know the man until you sleep with him.' Let's prove that corollary: when I had my first baby, I breastfed her for economic reason second to health. My ex-husband made it a damn issue. Then I got pregnant with a second child much too soon. To keep the peace, I conceded with bottle feeding. Occasionally, I breastfed the newborn and at times I tandem breastfed the two. The bottlefeeding agreement turned into a battlefield. Go figure!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 January 2014
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"Once in my married life, my pathetic ex-husband and I went on grocery shopping. He handed me $20 bill, filled up the trolley, and, ran away. The shopping docket registered $50 in total. He came back, pushed the trolley out to the car and loaded his shopping into the booth (remember, he's the one filling up the trolley). As he started the engine heading home, he asked, "how much change is left?" I looked up at him straight in the eye and replied in a soft, sweet, clear voice: you gave me $20, filled up the trolley and disappeared, you read the docket and it said $50, now you're looking for the change? By then, my tone had changed. What do you think of me? A mathematician or a magician?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 January 2014
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"How does your humour fare? Remember, "Laughter is the best medicine." (There are 358 days left in a year). ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 January 2014
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"It's quite interesting times when some quotes are thrown at you on your working bench right on cue! Here's one Food for Thought from THYME and AGAIN: "You can shake the sand from your shoes, but it will never leave your soul."
Comment: In a social culture where I penetrated, swearing is a norm, a way of life. Depends on how it is directed and used, to them it means no offence. I am not saying that my culture doesn't swear. They do! And even worse because they CURSE!
I guess if my mother is around, and old and frail, I would give her more respect, love and gentleness and be watchful with my words. I did that to the many old people I cared and befriended. Therefore, I have no reason why I wouldn't do it to my own. Swearing is not just through words. You can swear through your actions by mistreating the olds." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 January 2014
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"Here's a quote I picked up from MY RENEWED MIND
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"I hit a high note when I received a response from the founder of INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES, Barbara Jean Olson yesterday, 5 January 2014:
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"Silence is music.
The notes are intriguing.
Their soundwaves groove.
(There are 360 days left in a year). " ~Leah C. Dancel, 05 January 2014
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"Played "World Without Love" on my keyboard. Whoever wrote this song is a brilliant writer and romantic at heart. There is deep love to be found in a state of loneliness if only you know your way to finding the path to true love gem. In my case, I don't care what they say for I will not live in a world void of LOVE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 January 2014
♥*✿*•♥ "True love doesn't stop at any age. How wonderful the world is when it is ruled by LOVE. It makes the journey worthwhile after so many bumps, storms and challenges to deal with victoriously. (There are 361 days left in a year). — feeling happy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 January 2014
♥*✿*•♥ "When you nurture your family with love and affection, all other values follow ... And that's the pathway they'd like to tread to live for the rest of their lives. I am very happy for my children. That what makes me a MOTHER!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 January 2014
♥*✿*•♥ "Music is back in my life. I give the ivory keyboard a good dusting and started tickling some keys of old familiar songs, mostly the old fashioned hymns that I found out are no longer sang in the church I used to attend. It's good that I still remember them. I play by the ears and that should make a good start." ~Leah C. Dancel (There are 363 days left in the year).
♥*✿*•♥ "I was glad to be home to meet the New Year 2014 full of gratitude for every blessings big and small. I thank our Divine Providence for supplying my needs, and for giving me the will to live and to love." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 January 2014
♥*✿*•♥ "Welcome 2014. May you be more kinder and sweeter to me and help me move the world with strength and gratefulness." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 January 2014
♥*✿*•♥ "I am not accustomed to making New Year's Resolution. Anything that needs to be resolved need not wait for a New Year to be fixed. I am just hoping that the sun will continue to rise each morning to give me light and set at twilight to give me rest. All else are blessings worth my gratitude." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 Decenber 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "A woman gives her best with the right man." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "It does take long to find someone your heart can hold." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 30 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "May the year 2014 bring us the bounty of fruitful Love in harmony with our Lord's blessings." ~ Leah C. Dancel, 29 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "Nothing is more important to me other than being loved by the man I LOVE regardless of age and distance. Love is matter. It composes of three elements of life." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 29 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "May our deepest love flourish; in dreams, and, in reality." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "In this life, I don't want anything for conventions. All I need is genuine love and care and to be happy again." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 December 2013 (blog)
♥*✿*•♥ "I am happy to share with you my own Secret Garden, my hiding place in quiet moments. This is where I take a deep breath away from the vagaries of life." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 29 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "I had a funny dream last night. I dreamed of my sister and she was singing. Her voice was incredibly beautiful, as if she was a professional singer! I wonder what has happened to her? Any clue, anyone?" ~Leah C. DANCEL, 29 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "My rant imperfection for the year 2013: It's very hard to deal with one-sided morons. Be open-minded and accept correction, and you'll go a long way. Do not get stuck on your own rut of illogical narrow-mindedness. Explore the universe of fairness and justice. While am here to help, help yourself as well. Move on! Stars will not spangle in a banner of hatred and oppression!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "Quotations are my passion. They are supreme reminders to myself of what I still need to learn in life; of things I've never learned at school." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 28 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "God bless you Inday. I admire your persistence and perseverance. Your strength in facing your own challenges. Above all in keeping up with your faith." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "God knows our hearts and minds better than we do." ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "May your journey through dreams which is now a reality be swift and steady." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 December 2013 on B&P on the launching of her ebook: Butterflies in the Gutter: The Miracle Awaiting You in Life's Dark Moments available at https://gum.co/fcdS for download.
♥*✿*•♥ "Travel and adventure makes a perfect gift. In my single parenting tight purse, my two girls were the most well traveled kids in the neighbourhood. Memories cannot be deleted or destroyed or thrown away!" ~Leah C. Cancel, 22/12/2013 on B&P
♥*✿*•♥ "True love is like a pin of a needle hidden in a haystack or pile of fine white sand. You need to sift them through to find it. That requires a lot of help from Father Miracle!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 22/12/2013
♥*✿*•♥ "The beauty of having a mobile gadget is, you can switch your net connection from web to mobile without getting distracted from external disturbance. It will allow you to do other objectives you alone can know. Talk about those Freak Mothers on the Net." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "Gifts are blessings wilfully given by the giver to which a recipient can only appreciate and be grateful for. If someone asks and is given by what is being asked, that is not a GIFT." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "The morning is cool and sunrise brings out its soft glow. The birds are up and about, belting out music of their own." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "Love is good for the soul, a health to the bones and a tonic to the heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 December 2013
♥*✿*•♥ "Two familiar quotes I learned from high school were:
"Methink if I married a doctor, I would be his primary opponent. I go for Natural Medicines and that will start from the 7 Basics Food Group. All homegrown!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 December 2013
"Sincerity and genuiness must we all strive to do if we want to stay in good rapport with people." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 December 2013
"Old values are golden heritage." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 December 2013
"We all have dark clouds because we tend to ignore the bright sunny days of life and the rain turns into flood. Even the rainbow is pushed out, down into the colourless pit of doom." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 December 2013
"Someone at FB has this knack of having a go at Diana, late Princess of Wales, who once publicly debased herself as 'a tramp'. Despite my tactfulness if I could help it, my forthright OUTSPOKENISM surfaced and here's my retort:
"Smile away those temporary down moments... It's not the END of the WORLD yet" ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 December 2013
"Flashback: Many years ago, our Father took home criminals after a lone night out foot patrol (without our knowing) and asked our mother to feed them, who dutifully obliged without question. He was a Military Man and highly respected even by the dissidents. I bet the guys gave up being lawless. This happened in Karomatan, once my beloved old childhood town. I am proud of my late Father. The memory of his INTEGRITY alone is our priceless LEGACY from him." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 December 2013
"A Tribute to our Late Father from a childhood townmate, a respectable man himself from a scion of Prominent Family in Karomatan, Lanao del Norte"
"More surprises! Beautiful things happen to those who patiently wait. Thank you Dreamboat!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 December 2013
"Life is simple but full of mystery, wonder and surprises!" ~Leah Dancel, 13 December 2013
"Happiness is found in the simplest thing in life. It is called LOVE, saith I." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 December 2013
"'Depression defines: when the pressure is on and there is no way of coping and you slump into darkness.' ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 December 2013 (Note: To those concerned, I recommend you seek professional help instead of buggering people who live in peace. Been into that path but being aware it is the guile of the Dark Angel's doing lurking and taking a free space into my spiritual veins, I fought long hard the battle strongly resisting any chemical interventions that would cause me more harm than good. The Bible urged, "Fight the good fight', which I did through prayers."
"I can look back what it's like when snow falls. Alas, in our area ( not in Sydney) snow never stays long on the ground. We had to get up at dawn (figuratively speaking), ragged up to play outside on the white blanketed yard to really enjoy the wonder of the frozen moment! The stillness can be deafening, otherwise awesome!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013 on Robert Bridges (1890) "London Snow"
"If I can turn the clock back, I wish to teach Chemistry and tell my students that Chemistry itself is LIFE." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013
"Let me tell you the secret of my diet; it goes with my budget, mathematically and financially speaking. But I can feed friends who come to see me; not with left-overs, not with stale food, not with rancid food. I can never do that." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013
"Sam, one day, I would like to get hold all your marvellous wisdom in a book that will keep me company at bedside reading it under a lampshade." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013 (on B&P)
"The wisdom of Native Americans is one we can learn much from." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013
"The world wouldn't be beautiful if it lacks flowers. God made them all." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013
"There's a lot to marvel as you travel." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 December 2013
"I'm faithful to someone who treats me kindly and fairly. To the one who loves me, I give my all. " ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 December 2013
"I always live in the NOW because I don't know what the future holds." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 December 2013
"I used to shut myself out, away from the world. Not anymore... I face the world with renewed enthusiasm and strength." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 December 2013
"Sunshine is behind the clouds, so is the smile!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28/11/2013
"Our dreamworld is filled with child like fantasy and romantic imaginings that could be interpreted as 'worldly'. But don't we? To me imaginings are not necessarily a way of escape, unlike hallucinations. It's just being a part of our existence. I live in dreams with longings and desires for something worth keeping and something worth living in gratitude and praise!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 November 2013
"I will always be me; at times reticent, at times expressive." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 November 2013
"I don't care how people think of me. They call me crazy. They call me Not Normal! I'm alive, I'm happy and I'm healthy. That's all that matters to me." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 November 2013
"My church has been yabbering about Servant Leadership that I haven't seen being manifested but by a few; here is one lady who singlehandedly and mindfully did her lot without itching for a credit amidst a stormy chaotic aftermath of Yolanda. What a commendable write by J.P. Fenix." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 November 2013 on Corazon Dinky Soliman
"Poetry is as old as the Stone Age." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 November 2013
"Your path is not necessarily big and wide, but light to tread on and mostly bright. Am right behind you with my invisibility." ~Leah Dancel, 22 November 2013 (on B&P)
"When difficulties and pressure to survive prevail, weight doesn't count anymore. Your heart full of compassion sustains the strength." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 November 2013 (on Yolanda)
"In this perilous and chaotic end times, many are still unfortunately full of themselves." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 November 2013 (on Holier than Thou)
"Today's Quote I noted comes from the Writer's Studio Page:
"Simple living makes life less complicated." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 21, 2013
"The Filipino people through centuries of bitter experience with bad governance from self-serving political servants turned masters and landlords learned the hard way of mistrusting them. It's about time they know how to govern themselves through self-reliance. The rotten corruptness of the leaders of the nation are not hidden from the eyes of our foreign counterparts. Nawala lang si Magsaysay ang demokrasya ay namatay. (Democracy ceased when (President) Magsaysay died." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 November 2013
"Have you ever trodden on someone's dream? Did it make you happy? I reckon it did! Francis Gay believed, and so am I, that "we do well to be sensitive about 'treading on people's feelings', upon their hopes and enthusiasm." He quoted William B. Yeats lines to consider:
"Dreams are sweet when the heart is at peace." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 November 2013
"From the same tour group guide (Michael Phillips), I learned three famous Tourist Places in Sydney with Aboriginal names:
BONDI means "sound of waves" (Bondi is famous for it's fine powdery white beach)
WOOLLOMOOLOO means "lots of fishes" (WOOLLOMOOLOO is the Royal Australian Navy territory)
TARONGA means "beautiful view" (TARONGA is the domain of Sydney's largest Zoo in the Southern Hemisphere).
So I put them together in a Sentence: BONDI attracts WOOLLOMOOLOO over a place with TARONGA. (The "sound of waves" attracts "lots of fishes" over a place with "beautiful view"." ~Leah C. Dancel, on FJ Tours to the Blue Mountains with Carol and John, 14/11/2013
"Carol has arranged a guided tour for us (John, her and I) today via FJ Tours that takes only about 20 people to go to the Blue Mountains, the Featherdale Wildlife and Captain Cook Cruise. Our Tour Guide/Driver was Michael Phillips. I sat in front with him, so he called me his navigator. Boy! I was amazed of his sharp memory as he started narrating each history of every place we passed calling our attention to keep watch of the most exciting and interesting historical features on the way. I call him a Walking Encyclopaedia." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14/11/2013
"God is terribly disappointed and frustrated the way human minds function these days. My cat understands better by being fussy when it comes to feeding. She's certainly a No frill cat. But how could smart human brains go wrong?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 13/11/2013
"The countdown begins... Good morning. My long standing friend of 32 years (through correspondence whom I get reconnected at Facebook) is due to arrive today in Australia with her hubby. Am going to meet and greet them at the airport. WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA Carol and John! May your stay be a fruitful and memorable one!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 November 2013
"Feeling nervous, my dearest friend Carol and John have finally boarded the plane down under. I suggested to her to just relax, be composed and ease her mind off by enjoying the scenery in the sky and to write down her flight experiences so to keep her occupied. It's a long haul to journey inflight from north to south, but travelling is part and parcel of life. On the other hand, this anxious anticipation of their coming and meeting for the first time after 31-32 long years of 'friendship through correspondence' that extends to Facebook will imprint a historic landscape in our memory. May our dear Lord bless you and keep you safe in your journey. I will be at the airport to meet you, my boss, my friend, my sister. Carol and I are like Tea with Milk in a Cup. (Smile - or laugh it loud)." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 November 2013
"I was out last night to look for Lemmy, the cat, when she did not respond to my call which was unusual. The winds swept the air like vacuum cleaner - strong and forceful, with heavy overcast. Lemmy, as cool as a cucumber, remained unfaze and nonchalant of the turbulent weather as she entered the door walking in like a Queen, after dilly-dallying outside sniffing plants. Few minutes later, it was very calm outside. The ferocious storm was just impasse." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 November 2013
"When reading caught me by storm, my thoughts and imaginations certainly are amongst in the debris that kept swirling
in the air, and that's when and where my mind is hard at work. Early today, my hands are full with my favourite book The Friendship Book of Francis Gay, the 2014 edition, a random gift from a beloved long time Facebook Friend, Maurice Ware. In reality, this friend and I did not communicate until recently, as we would to our friends in the real world. Call it incidence how our names are on each other's list. But I do remember each time I posted something of feeling down or being let down on my timeline, this particular virtual friend would just pop out in the blue and make a few words of comfort enough to soothe my emotional pain. Few, good and kind words can make a big difference to someone's life. As it happens, this friend has amassed a figure of Friends to nearly three grand. How he does it without touching their feathers, that's a wonder! Now, as I read along a particular segment in A Thought A Day by Francis Gay, he wrote about what he calls "a celebration of friendship, the joy of having friends and being a friend to others." Further down, he quipped Thomas Hughes own beatitude of friendship: "Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends for it is one of God's best gifts." Mr. Gay concluded it in his own words: "Friendship enhances our lives and gladdens our hearts." Does it ring true to you? Well, it does to me! Well Maurice, this is yet one Fitting Tribute to you for the Kind Friend you are to me and to many others in the Facebook World! "You reap what you sow" as The Bible says." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 November 2013
"It's worth mentioning though I'm not sure if my friend has an inkling that I have been recording bits of pieces anything my mind and heart can make of, but as my soul is smiling in silence behind the touch-type screen of my iPad,
my spirit is soaring high with excitement in the prospect of meeting her in person five days from today. This will be our FIRST MEETING on record since we started communicating in 1981, initially as their Office Correspondent Secretary (my other boss would call me a Social Secretary, whatever), and later became very close personal friends through letters exchange. Our relationship goes beyond the bound of friendship as when I got married and started to have my own family, she became my strong rock I leaned on at the time a ferocious storm of life hit me deep down the bottom of the sea, covered by the sinking sand. Five days more to go... What can 120 hours of waiting do for me? Here I am with tired limbs, lying in bed resting (tired from days of hard work), unmindful of things and schedules I ought to arrange and organise. Guess what? I won't let my indisposition ruin that spirit. I will let some things go, and let some things come as they were as they are. A relaxed prisoner in my own hideout is what I am to regain strength and stamina that I will be needing to face another combat of new set of adventures with my long awaited guests from Oxford, England.
"Theory without practice is useless." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 November 2013
"How life's lustre can be added by a single wee soul through her fun antics, beautiful smiles, melodious voice, magical hugs, sweet kisses that enrapture a sometimes lonely heart that requires warm affection. Her cry at parting time also tears my heart apart as I listen to her sobbing, pleading for Lola not to go. That always make my every step heavier as I walk away to go home to my own place." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 November 2013
"Our weather, our season is not acting in its right behaviour. Each and every country is experiencing its own dose of catastrophes and calamities. Ours came fires, windstorms and floods. Call it Mother Nature's Curse." ~LCD, 30 October 2013
"Having received a very special present for no reason out of the blue other than by some thoughtful deeds of a caring heart has deeply touched my heart with endless gratitude. That surely sent me to a nostalgic trip as I recall how this Golden Thoughts blog humbly came into existence. When my lady boss, Carol Ann Hewer, (again from the UK) gave me a personal present many years ago, little did I know that this small handy book would help open the world of blog to me. I chose to create a Quotation Blog and named it GOLDEN THOUGHTS inspired by the giver and her golden gift of friendship that spans for more than three decades untainted. Perhaps, I should rewrite the history of my blog and give credit to this person who sent me my first copy of THE FRIENDSHIP BOOK of Francis Gay 1987. Thanks to my girls, they now couldn't trace up where that book go!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 October 2013
"The Friendship Book A Thought For Each Day 2014 - is a priceless, timeless, precious and thoughtful gift sent by a long time Facebook Friend from the UK, Mr. Maurice Ware. How did he consider sending me such a beautiful gift is beyond measure! That per se have made me realise that out of thousands of people you meet and know in your life, there is always someone who stands out enough to find, out of common sense, what your LIKES are! Pease accept my grateful thanks dear Maurice. You are a rare virtuous gentleman yourself circling around the Facebook World trying to make a difference this world needs! I will always treasure this gift for as long as I breathe!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 October 2013
"I came home to a beautiful surprise awaiting for me, quietly lying in my mailbox which is seldom inhabited these days with real post items. To unlock an empty mailbox and found one thick brown packet is like seeing the heaven opening its doors and windows that let all its glory shines!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 October 2013
"There are wrinkles that speak the beauty of the heart and soul of a person, be it a woman or man. They portray wisdom accumulated in years." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 October 2013
"Keep dancing Girl for as long as your heels are still kicking and moving. And for as long as you're still alive. Soon you'll be immobile." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 October 2013
"Your woods look evergreen even at the height of summer. Ours are of volatile species. Highly alcoholic in their contents... Very fragile. One tiny flick of light ... sends conflagration without problem. The problem is the aftermath. Lightning sets them alight fast and quick. Like now, our bush, our mountains are literally ON FIRE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 Oct 2013 (The Blue Mountains Blazing Trail)
"Teacher or not, our learning process will never recede. The more you advance in years (age - getting old) the more you realise you haven't learned enough. So keep browsing!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 October 2013 (R. Caberte's thread on Dictionary)
"Just think of the distance between you and God and the span of His existence, yet, how much you've learned about Him that the forebears before you refused to listen and obey. Isn't that amazing? What more of the distance covered by the World Wide Web between us?." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 October 2013 (thread on Distance by WHW)
"My taste of adventure has been consummated after 26 long years of existence in Australia - when at last the OPEN DOOR was feted to the public as part of the Sydney Opera House 40th Anniversary celebration today, 20 October 2013. It marked as the highlight of my Australian Dreamtime Reality as I explored the heart and soul of this famous symphonic icon overlooking the beautiful harbour in the world! Singing Happy Birthday to you along with crowd was my only affordable humble gift of thanks to you! I pray to come to revisit you on your Half a Century celebration. God willing!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 October 2013
"The prospect of going to high handed places and the event you're attending sounds exquisite but the 'pleasure' part rarely occurs, especially if your luggage of duty is too much to tackle. So Scotland, welcome me to the highland! I want to see that evergreen country myself!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2013
"Some tragedy is someone's strategy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 October 2013
"Your rich frothy language of expression may sound deep in essence but it is still easy to grasp for understanding as you speak of life, and about life just as it is, and the way life has to be lived!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 October 2013 (comment to David Whyte's essay: Return)
"What am I grateful today: Rain and cool day sent from above to dispel the terror of sweltering weather." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 October 2013 LCD
"Sometimes in life, Animals best demonstrate what TRUE LOVE is, better than most HUMANS." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 October 2013
"Every child is smart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 October 2013
"A cloud has blurred my vision
A mist covered my eyelids
Tears were foaming in my eyes
As waters freely dripped down the canal of my face.
My heart was drowned in sorrow
But a joyful ending wiped away my agony
All BECAUSE OF LOVE!"
~Leah C. Dancel, 13 October 2013
"You can turn the sound of your tears into Music!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 October 2013
"Leadership is the loneliest place to be in the entire planet. You have fame, prestige, privilege and power at a price of gaining enemies." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 October 2013
"To die is to rest in God's loving arms. Rest in peace Ipa Ulpiano. Your kindness will never be forgotten." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 October 2013
"Savour and relish with joy our children while they are at their most exciting phase and stage of their lives. The best favour you can give to yourself is to reminisce their sweet childhood innocence even if they no longer have that memory of themselves from their tender years! " ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 October 2013 (comment to B&P)
"Facebook is like a Lover. Either you love it or hate it." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 October 2013
"Some friendship relationship at FB is like Russian-Australian Partnership at APEC. Cold shoulder comes first, presumably because it's cold from the North Pole. That's just my opinion. " ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 October 2013
"Postcards are fun to collect. You can travel any places in one day without lifting a foot." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 October 2013
"I still laugh at life no matter how tough it can get." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 October 2013
"Did someone say there's something wrong with my brain? Tell you what? I simply love LIFE and LOVE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 October 2013
"I love Wildflowers that grow by the roadside or any space; they bring warm sunshine to brighten our days." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 October 2013
"A stable person makes a good counsellor." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 October 2013
"Children's hugs make the sweetest and delectable entree of the day! Great savoury to enjoy while they last!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2013
"Making my kids' friends welcome in my own home adds dimension to their own sense of belonging. It's one sure way of getting to know those kids and them to get to know us. It helps build their state of security and confidence. It works!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 October 2013
"When something upsets me I have a nook to hide. It's called "peace". There's no better place. " ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 October 2013
"Being a single mother (parent) is a state of the art." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 October 2013
"It's easy to silence the oink oink noise of Pinoys. Just give them a winning Miss World and that will keep them very very noisy in a different 'core value', the Megan way!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 September 2013
"Reading Megan Lynne Young, Miss World 2013 answer to a winning question that made her bag the crown, prompted me to be politically correct for the moment and I was impelled to express my personal view: 'You know I like her answer. Maybe she should teach all rotten corrupt public servants about the "core value" she "treasures" so these people inside the Pork Barrel scam will understand HUMANITY.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 September 2013
"Children learn by watching what we (adults) are doing and how we do things. They are great emulators to good stimulators." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 September 2013
"So many places to go,
So much to see around Australia.
My pace is slow,
Nothing else I can do." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 September 2013
"That blue haze in the deep belongs to your eyes. Good morning! Thanks for the coffee! " ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 September 2013
"Everything - all round up to a healthy eating habit called proper nutrition and good Diet." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 September 2013
Random Essay:
"Imagine how life would be to live alone in the woods. This is the real place to be deaf, where silence begins. Deafness in alone-ness can become second to nature - yet, not so, for your company would be wild birds and wild animals. Then there's a herd of cows and a flock of sheep. There's also the swaying leaves of the gum trees that shield all animals from the sweltering heat of the sun and from the pelting rain. Leaves hanging in profusion from their sturdy branches, towering above a dilapidated corrugated iron hut which fits more as a shelter for all the animals in the wild, than a place for human dwelling. As conventions of urban living are not available in the woods, water supply, for one, is only sourced from a little oasis, a man-made water hole that Aussies call a "billabong". All else, apart from nature's provision of light from the sunshine by day, light from the moon and stars by night, rain and showers for water on rainy days, river from flood on fluvial days; aridity co-exist in that solitary harsh condition which makes alone-ness less desirable with silence only to be broken by thunder and lightning on stormy days. Just how much can you imagine living in the woods, the outback - so far, far away and untamed, from the civilisation compared to the deafness of silence in the alone-ness of your own situation? This is a reality of life, beyond the metaphor of 'living deaf in silence alone.'" ~Leah C Dancel, 17 September 2013
"There is gold in silence. Just listen what alone-ness can bring the best in you." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 September 2013
"Dreams are of peace adding serenity to my tranquilled soul." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 September 2013
"It takes Faith and someone's kindness for me to finally Let Go! Thank you for being there, sweet Angel!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 September 2013
"You will know that things go wrong when silence is long and becomes unbearable." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 September 2013
"Interesting observations I noted in human interaction: that its culture of communication is fenced with Acceptance, Indifference, Innocence and Arrogance. Above this four is the umbrella called Ignorance or Tolerance. Take it or leave it!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 September 2013
"Why defy nature? The most effective way of staying young is living with a right Attitude and having a positive outlook in life. Simply keep away from pesky elements and I believe in living God's way of life. Not that it can be done perfectly though, but it doesn't do us any harm to try! ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 September 2013
"Most EGOS are higher than the Mountains" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 September 2013
"Just my own personal thoughts of a matter that matters to others:
'Realistically, the Holy Time is part of God's command He wanted us to obey. Personally, I don't put a burden of issue on the matter for God told us to "Take Time to be Holy". The only issue I am personally struggling to deal with is, though not trying to nit pick at anyone, God's churches "Holier than Thou" mind-set and attitude. They forgot that Jesus, the begotten Son of God, our Lord and Saviour, loves the sinners more than the so-called "holies". For the healthy ones do not need a physician but the sick. This Evil World will do what it is suppose to do but we are taught to overcome. Stumbling blocks are there for a purpose: to either let you dive down through a sink hole or to let you stand up to be counted. Whatever, in the end, it is God's grace and mercy that will prevail. I am simply practical, not much of dogmatic person, trying to absorb what I learned without being scholarly. It pays to practice what we preach! Most churches Don't! And I am not inviting anyone to convert me into Atheism or Agnotism let alone, Paganism!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 September 2013
"The morning's fresh
With cold air blown
That drapes around me whole
Soothing my longing soul." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 September 2013
"With time in my hands to take things slowly, I gathered a few of my birthday wishes to read in my quiet time. I pulled out one very special card from a daughter and my heart was touched by its content. As words bring power, this one stands out!
"Mum, I don't often take the time to thank you for all the things you've done for me over the years; all the things you've sacrificed so that I wouldn't "go without." On this special day - I want to say thank you and hope you have a lovely birthday."
Thank you for being you!
Well, Girls, thank you for being my daughters. My blessings and love!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 September 2013
"Lemmy, my cat, woke me up for her early morning outing." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 September 2013
"I love music. I love singing my own music without words. My kind of composition." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 September 2013 ❤❤
"Lambie, my adopted cat has brought me 5 cutie litters JOY, born yesterday September 3, 2013 around 9am. Though I'm in my temporary indisposition, I managed to give her a decent clean place to tackle her feline feat. Even animals deserve respect and dignity." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 September 2013
"May your sweet Angel keep you safe in your pleasant dreamy slumber." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2September 2013 ❤
One lovely verse I dig from Poet's Corner Page:
"I want a warm and faithful friend,
To cheer the adverse hour;
Who ne'er flatter will descend,
Not bend the knee to power.
A friend to chide me when I'm wrong,
My inmost soul to see;
And that my friendship prove as strong
To him as his to me." ~John Quincy Adams
"Thank you dear Lord for your blessings flow. It was not expected though humbly appreciated." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 August 2013
Sunrise of the morning,
Sweet and soft.
You who uncovers darkness
From dawn-time dreams
Pressing the day on
To a day of sound rest.
Even the calling birds
Revere the silence
Of time set apart
For the day of rest
Is made for man
To praise and bless.
@Leah C. Dancel
31August 2013
(composed at Rossmore)
"Beauty lies within your heart. It shows." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 August 2013
"I always think that it's better to be poor with nothing much to eat, for sickness like diabetes, obesity, cancer, insanity due to greed, etc. is far away from me." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 August 2013
"Travels mean going through many routes while accomplishing a journey of life's feats. What lies ahead is beyond anyone's guess. Just enjoy the ride, but be ready for any eventualities. They're far too many!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2013
"You can never be an artist in an orderly space. Artists are always associated with a mess." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 August 2013
"Over-all, life is good at 63. It dawned on me why should people celebrate life when someone dies? Isn't that ironic and deliberate insult to the living? I know my kind of so-called "religion" doesn't promote "birthdays" and in no way, a part of their dogma. However, it concedes that birthdays are a "personal thing." So I decided that from now on, I will celebrate my Life while I'm still alive. Not so much about "drinking and merrymaking" but celebrating it with much Gratitude and Thankfulness for another milestone of which I am privileged to appreciate the beauty of God's mercy, forgiveness and love and enjoying His blessings of "simple abundance" as what my friend Chak called it." Thank you dear Family and Friends for coming to celebrate my Life at 63. Thank you too for all my genuine and sincere Well-Wishers. I feel wonderful! I want to stay it that way for as long as I live!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 August 2013
"Children who love their mother's cooking are the best critiques on food. Restaurants be aware!" ~Leah C.Dancel, 17 August 213
"Facing life at 63 helps me ponder with so much gratitude having blessed with two healthy children, a steady growth of family, and drug-free challenging survival. What more do I want? My desires are pure and simple, rolled-crumbs free with no sugar-coatings. The Lord knows what He wants for me and in that I submit. Friends are always few, far in between but genuine, real and sincere, who stick with me through thick and thin. Of course, I appreciate some old and new acquaintances. That leaves me no room to complain " ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 August 2013
"It's a "hard knock" kind of life being a solo parent; juggling time between family and work amidst struggles and hardships. But they are colours of life you get to overcome." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 August 2013
"Mostly, we are humble when we have nothing. Wait till we have SOMETHING... Human nature? Is that an excuse?" ~Leah C.Dancel, 12 August 2013
"Surprisingly life, like poetry, is bedecked with metaphors, similes and figure of speeches. Faith is entombed into our subconscious mind where our spiritual convictions are gradually developed through divine guidance." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 August 2013 (B&P thread on Faith)
"When littlest voices rise up from their innocent box with eyes twinkling like stars and full of wonders and their spirit is embedded with infectious enthusiasm not knowing that their crime of innocence threatens our resolve, I would count parents to be numbed and senseless if their hearts will not melt to hear as they listen to their child's so-called imploring "buttery voice". Welcome to my Marshmallow World!. Not one bit I regretted for being so because my being the person I am becomes the template of their sweetness. So are you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 August 2013 on B&P Wall Colouring Adventure Thread
"A calm sea is one of the best tranquillisers." ~Leah C. Dancel, note to B&P, 11 August 2013
"Kinship even by affinity builds strong bonds more than kins by consanguinity when everyone possesses kindred spirits." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 August 2013 - Au revoir Jean Grace. See you in Canada, God willing).
"If you do leave a mark in someone's life, let it be LOVE ." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 August 2013 (dedicated to my sister-in-law, Jean Grace)
"Our life, believe it or not, revolves around art. Think of your own creativity, your style, your creative thoughts and skills inside and outside our home which inevitably starts on our own self." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 July 2013
TV come along.Meanwhile, the sky can't stop
But spread its ethereal glow;
A scarf of love as in a rainbow
For us to remember
That God is in-charge there.
Our destiny He yet will map
In our hands one day He'll fold
As one soul according to His mould.
Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@2019
All rights reserved
August 3, 2019
Australia🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈
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"I love being a grandma. The best job I've ever have! 😘😘😘. And getting "OLD?" None of it that bothers me." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 3, 2019
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When the night frosts melt away
At the rising of the sun
And chills vanish through the day;
Warm rays of that golden orb
Encircling my soul - behold!
A promise of a beautiful day behooves!
Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@2019
August 1, 2019
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"Poetry is everything... life and death... love and break-up, marriage, parenting, children, babies, family... everything. You are a poetess without you knowing it by the way you think, you speak, ... Your emotions speak of it. Anger, smile, happiness... All.. Nature, abstract, concrete..." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 1, 2019
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"I tried but I failed … and move on … Once my doctor said, "I see nothing in your heart though I heard murmurings. Has anyone ever listened to your heart?" Naumid ako. I wasn't sure if he was a doctor or a prophet." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 1, 2019 on HEART
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"A mother is the first to wake up everytime her children move at anytime of day … and the last to go to bed when she is sure everybody is in their respective bed … regardless of how old they are." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 1, 2019
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"I would say, based on the saying that "things happen for a reason." Dahil diyan, na challenge ang leadership ni Imee Marcos. She has had proven herself as a noteworthy leader digging all her local resources to lift the lives of her people and re-invented Ilocos as a model in self-sufficiency and sustainable region." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 30, 2019 (changing opinions and views with Efelda Dongsky)
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"At some point in my life, I experienced cruelty. I worked hard forgetting them through prayerful forgiveness. Hence, I found peace. Most people who were cruel to me are gone for good. I can thank my late Father who counselled me not to bear grudges to those people who did me wrong. Love is my number one rule in raising my children. I chastised them with tender words. If they challenge my authority as a parent, they knew what I'd do." ~Leah C.Dancel July 30, 2019 on child abuse subject raised by Ricardo Perez
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"Honey,
Come beloved!
"Let us see the sunrise
Bursting like the flaming passion
Of love."
~Leah C. Dancel
July 26, 2019
A lesson on Cinquain Poetry
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"I'd rather have nature as my cure." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 24, 2019
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"As we commune with HIM, in silence we pray." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 24, 2019
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"Age of shrinkage is part of a natural process in Ageing. In the culinary parlance - it's a stage or process of REDUCTION." ~Leah C. Dancel July 24. 2019
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"Win or lose, there is always a lesson to be learned." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 July 2019 on Manny Pacquiao's WWB VICTORY
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"Soldier on Young Lady ... just soldier and march onward.... You have started the journey. You're halfway there. Untie the suspender. Go and don't look back. Not yet. Until you reach to the top. Then you may look down... to see what's below and beneath that road you have tread on. No more time to dilly dally." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 21, 2019 on Mel
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JOURNAL: INTROSPECTION
📒📖📝📒📖📝📒📖📝📒📖📝
My body clock was awake past hours after dawn, but my will to rise came much later. The golden glow of sunrise was already streaming through my kitchen window visible from my lounge bed where I lay.
The day augurs to be lovely. I'm praying for strength that I may have the energy flowing in my entire being so I can carry on some important duties I need to attend.
I seem to lose my enthusiasm since Sunday. I had few bad days which I tried to overcome with …
"The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart and the most powerful weapon is an instrument of peace." ~ Carlos Santayana
Now, what about today? How shall I make the most of it?
"I will greet this day with love in my heart. And how will I do this? Henceforth will I look on all things with love and I will be born again. I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars. I will welcome happiness for it enlarges my heart; yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due; yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge." ~ Og Mandino (1923 - )
In grateful and loving memory of my late mother, I say
Mamang, "thank you for teaching me to weather the storm while still holding the hope to dance in the rain."
Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@2019
July 18, 2019
Australia
✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻
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"We were all naive and god-worshipped the news purveyors; where in our youthful times they used to be reliable sources of good news and did possess high standards of integrity. Not since 1986 as it was getting worse. Instead of being enlightened and informed, the citizens were being fed with lies and millions of doses of poison called twisted truth that makes you wonder where they came from and to whose authority they emanate." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 18, 2019
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"A good education is a stepping stone. You get good education in many ways. It is best inculcated, cultured, nurtured and developed at home. Education is further enhanced by proper training, discipline, willingness to learn with a can do attitude to acquire experience. Thereon, success is attained by choice through a pattern of set personal goals." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 18, 2019 on Education
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"Don't push your luck. Pride eats a man. He is no worst than a worm." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 15, 2019
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"The best king to make is a peasant for his heart is among the people: the downtrodden, the less fortunate and the under-privileged." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 11, 2019
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"A sincere smile will go a long mile in changing someone's life." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 11, 2019
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"My mind is frozen that I cannot write. But my heart is still working that I can still feel love." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 8, 2019
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"It's a privilege to be a Grandma. It's heaven when you hold your grandchildren in your arms. It's paradise when you cradle them in your arms as they snuggle with you all night! Nothing can fill your heart with happiness than LOVE sent from above." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 July 2019 on my newborn third grandchild, a second granddaughter to my eldest daughter
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"In everything there are hard toils involved. By no means triump always comes with tears." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 8, 2019
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"Culture is part of every man's existence regardless of where he lives. It's embedded in his birthright, a landmark of his very own fabric of nature." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 8, 2019
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"To me simplicity is luxury. Life is longer to live because it is void of complexities." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 7, 2019
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"The simplest thing I can do with my person is simply by being ME. Pretension is not necessary. I am brought up by imperfect parents whose human values were exemplary. I am passing that down to my children." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 7, 2019 on perfection faker
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"I am caught between Love and Sad. I'm basically like a sun. Only I shine at night when I'm in bed asleep." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 7, 2019
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"Rumi got the whole world in his hands, heart and mind that everything he saw, he felt, he lived - went through his never drying pen. His translators were superb in preserving his mighty thoughts and wisdom; his philosophies in life. He got everything covered to the end." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 6, 2019
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"I agree, beyond agree... if my children didn't reach out to him, he wouldn't and never would. It was good that my children did! They made a peaceful closure with him, and now they move on with their lives and decided they have nothing to do with him as he did them. He reaped what he sowed. I would never blame my children. Right before their living spirits, he gave them a cold shoulder. I admire my children's behaviour when they faced him for the first and the last time." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 26, 2019 on Father should reach out to their children.
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"It's her life. And LIFE is HER. It just happens that Donald is rich and that she is not American by birth. Think of those who married their mothers' age. ALL THESE SHITS THAT PEOPLE JAZZ. So what's the big deal?" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 26, 2019 on melania being 23 years younger than trump.
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"Too much knowledge spoils the natural tendency of knowing a person in the absence of a microscope. I am interested in Human Behaviour but not in accordance to what the book would inundate me with pragmatic lectures and lexicons. Most Psychologists I encountered are arrogant with omni-nised catalogue of bullshits. And I knew one who fell prey into psychotic and neurotic disadvancement. No offence meant. RIP." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 24, 2019 on pschology.
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"I think of how colourful the world is when you see beauty all around." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 24, 2019
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"Salute Rado... Your light is shining. The stars were dimmed in the beginning of their conception; now slowly by slowly as they popped their heads one by one into the hemisphere, unravelled by the clouds, they rise and keep rising. The dimness of their light is now shining bright." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 23, 2019 on Rado Gatchalian's philosophy: The LIGHT is DIM BUT BRIGHT.
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"My word! So much words to describe of that given moment. I already knew it was coming. And I'm sure the audience including the honoured guests knew it too. Our lawmaking body and the justice system is the most lawless perhaps in the entire world. Hope the new batch will do better and lift up the rotten and dilapidated framework of the system if they want to save this country where others are beginning to decay. The virus of corruption injected into each governing body of every nation by the creator of corruptness is fast spreading and growing like an uncontrollable, incurable cancer." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 23, 2019 on Sherry Zimmer
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"I agree with this young fellow. He may appear a smart ass but his philosophy is logical. Once I told someone that "though I'm the mother of my children, and out from me they came, I really don't own them the moment they become adults. Why? Because they have their own minds to decide what to do with their lives. My role? A giver, a guide, a counsellor, a teacher, a friend. And I haven't even read of any Khalil Gibran's book, let alone learned any of his quotations." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 23, 2019 on Parents don't own their children
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"A very healthy gorgeous baby girl has finally arrived. A blessing of joy to behold. Thanks everyone for your best wishes and prayers. Much appreciated with LOVE! May our Dear Lord bless this new baby in my life. My third grandchild of a "graceful lily interlinked with peace". ~Leah C. Dancel, June 21, 2019
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"There was a bright sunshine this morning when I woke up. The rays looked like your beaming face radiant with a smile as you cradle a baby in your arms in her swaddling clothes peacefully asleep. Well, that was my vision of you. But when I went out, the sun was dimmed by the rain clouds... and when I came home I was followed by a humongous dark shadow of that clouds threatening to drop over my head. It's pretty chilly here too by 4 degrees early in the day. And I am still shivering with chills." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 20, 2019 - (Journal as I talked to my eldest daughter who is now in the hospital)…
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"Anong sakit ang sinapit ng bayan natin
Saang banda ka man lumingon ang buhay ay walang katiyakan
Pag-unlad at pagbabago ang tangi lamang hangad
Ito'y pinaslang ng mga ganid sa yaman at kapangyarihan."
~Leah C. Dancel, June 20, 2019 (Flabbergast's Dalawang Kulay)
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"Young as she is, she always keeps a journal and takes it with her wherever they go. She writes about their recent family expedition on the snow at Jindabyne. She values her personal space and privacy as she expresses all her thoughts down in her journal. And it doesn't matter if she calls this lake an ocean. It is nearby where they stayed." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 June, 2019 on SL's journal writing
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"His mind wanders, his thought wonders
When he sees the snow high on that rocky slopes
First in his life, before his very eyes
How did it get there?
And why are they so white!"
~Leah C. Dancel, 18 June 2019 On Marco at Jindabyne Snowy Mountains Exploration
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"A curious mind. Taking up close and personal with the roos up in the mountain. He was only a baby when the family took him to Wonboyn Lake where the Wallabies are regular habitues in my friend Chak V Walker's vicinity. They're always there for their breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes in the middle of the night. They don't knock doors and windows though." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 June 2019 on Marco at Jindabyne Snowy Mountains Exploration
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"The heart is the seat of all human emotions. Sometimes we can't control if negative vibrations control it. Example: anger". ~Leah C. Dancel, June 14, 2019
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"Been fighting very hard to overcome the rift I was swimming against. I spent the whole day doing some readings in lead up to writing an article. It is written in my nom de plume but you will know it's me." ~Leah C. Dancel, a note to Jollee, June 13, 2019
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"You really think life with (this) people are better off than anyone. We are all the same: we enjoy life, we suffer, we feel happy, we feel sorrow. We have blessings, we have curses too. Life has so many forms and shapes, colours and dons with so many descriptions the way it is being lived by; under a canopy of different circumstances, situations and eventualities. Without sounding religious, we humans are not meant to suffer a miserable life. It has something to do with our choices, how we approach life, and to apply the principle of good living." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2019 on PEOPLE LIVING THEIR LIFE
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"My children were ignored, neglected and deprived by their father. When they're old enough (unmarried) they decided to see him and see for themselves what he is like: Cold! My eldest was told they could be friends with no desire to mend his shortcomings to them. My youngest with the help of her elder sister went on her way to see him for the last time to make a closure of their irrelationship. Then they both decided they will never have anything to do with him. In spite of their inner hurtings, they grew up to be well-adjusted persons themselves. They move on. Both were matured beyond their years! Now, I'm a blessed Grandma." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12 on fathers neglecting their children
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"Most or many New nursing mothers do experience (this) stressful situations aggravated by non-considerate people. The plane is not a hotel for resting. It's every passersby temporary dwelling on the air at everyone's travel disposal, convenience or not. A baby is a passenger. His fragile body is nowhere to be compared like that of any adult and has no way of knowing he is causing discomfort to other passengers. Besides, these bloody inconsiderate passengers were once babies. Perhaps they need to be reminded by that they too had caused inconvenience to many people in their travelling time. Such a world loaded with the presence of too many bullshits we live in whether you are in land, air and sea. Not even a church that preaches love is exempted." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2019 on Travelling on a Jetplane with a baby.
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"I'd travelled alone with 2 (2 and 1 year old) children from Australia to Germany. Besides not being able to go to the bathroom for the whole duration of the flight, I was just blessed to have generally quiet babies except with my eldest who was overloaded with curiosities. But everyone was truly helpful. Their smiles of assurance gave me a relief. If I was on a plane with that scenario (of a helpless, distraught mother with a crying baby) first thing I gonna do is help established friendship with the mother through eye contact. Give her a smile and a re-assuring nod. That will ease her nerves and eventually the crying baby will pick that up. No words necessary. If she gets closer to me, I will offer her a relief by taking the baby to soothe the little angel. It will work unless the baby is colicky. The plane should have additional facility and amenity for this situation." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 12, 2019 on travelling with babies
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"Finding inspiration from this verse of 1 Peter 1:18 I read, 'Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God,' gives myself a constant reminder that whatever step and decision WE make in life is affected by the way we think, we act, we speak." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 May 2019
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"Fourteen hours running with ten stops within the New South Wales to the border and two more stops within the territory of our destination before this dolphin nosed train terminated in Roma Street. It was a fresh dawning of life's reality that age and travel knows no bounds where opportunity exists, enhanced by physical capability and mobility.
A graveyard journey is more relaxing than daytime. It gives you time alone to contemplate, to digest the silence of the night forgetting the world's travails and the vagaries of life, to embrace new experience, to welcome unexpected adventure as when and "IF HEAVEN DROPS A DATE, OPEN YOUR MOUTH" according to an Old Proverbial Wisdom.
All the way through, the bright moon shone that serves our guide. Nothing much was seen from my window seat except the deserted mountains, and, towns were covered by trees and bushes. There were few long steel bridges that connect lands where waters below were running deep and quiet in spite of the long drought we passed by. Amidst the stillness of the night, came the intrusive gentle roar of this giant blue and yellow stripey land engined dolphin and curvy turns made some groovy movements heaving a rough ride.
Gladly, soon as the Food Kiosk had done its business and the staff called it a day, all lights were turned off and everyone fell asleep (so I thought), but myself immersing my soul in watching the mystifying beauty of the moon brightly beaming at my window seat. In that long reveille poetic mode, it was ironic that no words of prosaic insanity could form on my mind until sleep itself intruded my tired being.
Time went fast … we arrived our destination at last. Four-thirty wee hours in the morning...." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 20, 2019, Journey to Queensland by XPT
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🚊🚊🚊🚊🚊🚊🚊"Two ladies, Rose Madden and I, went on an early excursion to Katoomba to see the Blue Mountains. Had our breakfast there, and Christian Valdez followed, who also enjoyed a big truckie plateful brekky. From there our journey began. It was windy and cold. I need to hang on to my hat or it would be blown away to nowhere. There's no Lyre bird in sight to whom I could plea to bring it back to me. I cherish this red hat as it was given to me by my daughter's Mother-in-Law. She's very generous and extra kind to me. So am I to her. Back in 2012, we both celebrated our joint Mother's Day right in this place called the Blue Mountains; the mountains made famous and named after its enchanting blue haze. It's not just mythical, but scientifically significant due to the composition which make up the colourful bluey hue of the mist as seen from afar." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 18, 2019
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"It is truly sad losing a mother. I lost mine six-months past her 60th. 😭😭😭. Worst, through a vehicular accident. Few weeks before that happened, she told me "I miss you Inday!" I was taken aback because she never said anything like that to me. When she died, her words finally sank in into my subconscious mind. Her death anniversary is forthcoming - May 16. If she is alive today and she is here with me, she would love Australia with all her heart and endless gratitude. For the country alone, the beauty and wonders of nature, the garden, flowers and native plants and animals, the sea, the shore, the travels, the food (cheese and all that!). She's a very appreciative (except my academic endeavours) and grateful. Very warm, hospitable, friendly, industrious, talented; in her own unassuming ways, not to mention her intelligence. Happy Mother's Day Mamang. You're always remembered. Always will be." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11, 2019
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"When I did housesitting for my friend outside Eden, the regular visitors I kept snapping photos with were the wallabies. Morning, noon and nighttime, they were always around in the front yard. They loved being photographed with. Also birds, but not as often as the wallabies." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2019
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"In my personal experience, the remedy is physical/hard work like gardening, digging the grounds to get rid of the last roots of wild weeds without using chemicals... simply keeping my body busy and eventually my mind shifted from over thinking to talking to what I was doing, ... forgetting the time, ... As I went on, I discovered and learned how to empty my mind of worries, with thoughts that permeated my mind, and, I found out, slowly and gradually, I was into my pristine meditative self. The overthinking was replaced with appreciation, admiration and adoration of every single element I kept my hands busy with. And voila! I had the best blooming garden in my entire life. Sadly, that garden was left behind when we decided to leave the place that caused me and my children misery. On leaving, I left my place and everything behind without remorse... and faced another challenge. In all those mental and inner turmoils, I didn't abandon my faith in the sense that HE is the one I kept talking too on /my mind instead of letting the world overcome my thoughts. Life was overwhelming as I struggled hard, but as I leaned on His PROMISE that HE WILL NOT ABANDON US, all screws of hardships loosen up and from there, I picked up and managed to keep going. Everything was MENTAL. The CONTROL is yours to operate." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2019 on OVERTHINKING
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"I treasure this mantel clock which is a gift from Ret. Rear Admiral Max Reid. A very lovely gentleman of the RAN whom I was privileged to work for/with. I missed his Coffee/Tea servings, our intellectual conversation, his critiquing of my poetry, his poetic narratives, his driving me to the wharf to catch a Ferry home after work. Such experience you would never get from any Filipino of his calibre. I hope you stay healthy, strong and well Sir. You are fondly remembered. I wish I remember your lovely daughter's name." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 8, 2019
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"I was in tears too when after years of being crucified in prison, she was exonerated from that wrongful verdict she had to endure... losing her dignity as a person, a human being, a woman, let alone a wife and a mother." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 25, 2019 on Lindy Chamberlain agonies in prison over her baby daughter Azaria's death by Dingo in NT as interviewed by Anh Do (In a highly emotional TV interview, Lindy Chamberlain recalled her agony over her wrongful murder conviction after her baby daughter was snatched by a dingo - and revealed her two sons' devastating reaction when they were told she was being jailed. Speaking on ABC show Anh’s Brush With Fame, Lindy, now 71, has recalled the moment she realised her son Reagan, then four, had been awake when the dingo snatched his sister and even felt it drag her away.)
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"Coffee and Cream with honey in between. Sip it slowly, gently to the mouth of its brim. Lovingly close your eyelids and smile, let alone with a gracious grin." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 25, 2019
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"The very people who helped me when I needed help most.. were the Sisters of Charity. I'm not a Catholic, and I never swap my beliefs with theirs, but we had a wonderful give and take humane relationship. I never said No to every help, however small, they asked me to do. There were times, I went with them doing a missionary work. They were a happy bunch of servants of God." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 21, 2019 on Mother Teresa - a sinner or saint
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"What a lovely wedding tradition where families and communities gather together, united in their noble intentions... helping and supporting each other! Thank you for this educational piece. Culture is part of human's identity. So is beliefs and practice. I'm in awe and so impressed! If only the whole world can abide with strict morality, our society can never go wrong." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 20, 2019 on watching A TURKMEN WEDDING
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"What a lovely capture! I feel enchanted by the early morning dew wherever they fall and anything they touch. The most solemn and vibrant description I can compare this photo with is the one line of the hymn I COME TO THE GARDEN ALONE while the dew is still on the roses... as the story goes .. it was on this scenarion watching the dew lapping at the petals where I heard God's voice ringing on my ears..." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 18, 2019 on Romeo Balicongan's dewy Chinese Bamboo photo.
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"In my drawing mode. Reminiscent of my mother's old-fashioned sketches. She was a Dressmaker in her time and she designed clothes too. It was just unfortunate that her gifts and skills were not given much exposure to find the right market. She's akin to a poet whose works were kept in the closet unpublished. This design is similar to one of my own maternity dress I wore when I was released from the hospital after giving birth to Lily. I passed that dress to an expat..." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 18, 2019 on sketching Lily's Coat Style Maternity Dress to be made to order in my country.
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"He is moving the cogs and gears of his Power now. He could no longer afford to waste anymore time." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 18, 2019 on finally speaking up for some untouchable issues way back home by PRRD
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"Try flying over Auckland NZ to Taupo, the clouds there are as dark as the monsters and as high as Mt. Everest. Makes you feel like the plane is climbing that peak on foot. It was spectacular as much as it was scary." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 14, 2019 on my memory of FOT2010
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"There was a guy I met at a Taxi Rank around my area. He saw me carrying a heavy load of grocery bags. He was pushing a trolly full of his own shopping while I was struggling with mine by hands. He offered me to get on a cab, asked the driver to drop me off first. He was a very friendly and chatty fellow. And yes! He is a Down Syndrome Human with a compassionate heart. I wish I'll see him again. I would love to give him a treat to thank him for his kind gesture accorded to a stranger. People with this unique genes have very special quality traits. So far that I knew of." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 14, 2019 on Down Syndrome
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"Reminds me of someone who did everything in her power to help her husband finds success in his studies. When he became a doctor, someone came along and turn their marriage asunder. But this man in this story is gallant enough to admit that he is wrong." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 14, 2019 on WIFE TEACHES HIM A LESSON
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"As we get older, I feel I'm lost between living my own and living for the others. While all the time, I wish I can just be an invisible shadow." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 14, 2019
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"Through the years, I have conditioned myself and I accepted with a grateful heart that I will be ALONE in my life. I'm used to it now." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 11, 2019 on ALONENESS
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"Some poets are bewitched by the beauty of the moon.
Some are enchanted by its charming view
But oh Boy! Can I just sail in your unchartered heart?
My moon tonight is so elusive.
It's too far for me to reach.
May the universe cast a spell in your dream
And in your sleep, you'll see a radiant star beaming."
~Leah C. Dancel
April 11, 2019
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"Jasmine is sweet and aromatic. When its scent wafts on a moonlight night, the garden becomes a bed in paradise. This statement is beyond poetic metaphor." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 10, 2019
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"Interesting! In the olden days, they used the sundial to check the time. The moon to check the month. When you're lost in the forest, all you have to do is find the waterway down to the sea. Then there was the smoke to signal you needed help in distress while you're in the middle of somewhere. The compass came later. All these primitive means of survival have surpassed throughout all eras." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 8, 2019 on google by Nas Daily
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"It really is unthinkable how some rich countries still have dark closets with all the energy they possess to light the whole world, but leaving some of their corners dimmed with poverty. I saw this situation in 'Jumerica" to my horror' in 2013 on the way to Reno, Nevada in May 2013." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 7, 2019
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"If there is still part of the roots that is alive, there is hope that the plant can be revived and survive. It only takes a matter of patience and constant care. This philosophy or metaphor is not applicable to human relationship, not even 25%." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 7, 2019
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"Here's what I learned from the Maranaos in Lanao del Sur about traveling: The road, the path, the waterways, the air we travel - none is smooth till the end of your journey. When you feel turbulence of any kind, a bump, a pocket of near disaster - try not to let your mind center on that discomfort. Try to treat it like it's normal, a kind of ordinary thing. I looked at them all in the eyes. I was the only non-muslim among the passengers of adults, majority were men. They noticed my fear. Their words were the best balm that assuaged my wrecked nerves, my hacking fears. Then, I was in high school studying in Marawi City. On weekends, I went home to see my parents and family in Lumbatan which is located right across Marawi City by Lake Lanao." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 7, 2019 on duoipedia's fear of travel
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"I always hear good reports of this kind man given that he's one rich guy living in the world of Hollywood. Just a rare exemplary man of the century. Bless him." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 6, 2019 on Keanu Reeves, A humble man)
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"I can only empathise. Been there myself. Sadly, only people with money can get out of a situation (country) like that to be able to seek a greener pasture. Lucky in our time, our family was allowed to cultivate someone's land with nothing to pay. In return, my dear old mother was a born farmer; she cultivated the land we occupied, and filled it with fruit trees, coconut, pineapples, vegetables and flowers. We also raised ducks and chickens just for family consumption. Lazy neighbours helped in enjoying the fruits of our hard labour without lifting a finger. It's called Stealing especially when nightdreams fell. The owner of the land was more than happy with what my mother did. Of course with our help. How I wish my mother is still alive to enjoy more of life, better than she had." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 6, 2019, on SELLING COFFEE ON MY GRADUATION ROBE - a Story of Iraqui from South Baghad who sells coffee on the street to support his family because he couldn't get a job after he finished a degree - Hussein Mashary graduated in Political Science and planned to work as a diplomat one day. But things turned out differently...)
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"Stories are made up of two sides: happy and sad. Mine was sad. In the end, I am happy. Being on my own with no one making my life more miserable than it was. Great spirits for these women. I salute them!" ~Leah April 6, 2019 on Greek Women
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"Nationality, race, religion, beliefs, and traditions - all have nothing to do about it, but a CULTURE RICH IN HUMANITY!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 6, 2019 on WE HAVE SO MUCH IN COMMON, WE JUST DON'T ALWAYS NOTICE IT (A Denmark TV2)
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"In my book, though I'm not rich, I don't mind paying the exuberance if it means "good, excellent and honest to goodness friendly service" for a treat and experience of a lifetime. Oftentimes, I observed waiters working in hospitality industry are just being taken for granted. For all we know, they even earned more than we do." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 6, 2019
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"Happy Birthday my big Girl!" ~Mum Leah, April 3, 2019
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"My First born when I was - 4 months into my 39th birthday. Dubbed by neighbours as "Little Person" at one year old. At two, she wanted to become a doctor. When she was in Year 3, she decided to become a Potter (Ceramics - and I told her, why go backward?. Then when she was on her last league in the Primary (Elementary in our term), she went higher on her dream to becoming a lawyer so she can sue her father who abandoned her and her little sister. Somewhere along the line, I read in her essay that the reason she wanted to become a lawyer was because I (her mother) said so. hahaha. I told her, "Gapataka ka lang". When she was in First Year High School, she wrote a fantasy story that is akin to Harry Potter (I forgot the title) that made her won a Golden Seal Award in English from the Principal. She's a School Debater and a Leader." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 April 2019
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"At the outback in Australia, you can find wallabies or kangaroos frequenting yards of homeowners. They are wild, untamed marsupials who do nothing but foray, looking for vegetations to eat. They are herbavores. Just leave them alone, you can be in the same place with them, but keep yourself safe from a distance. They love cameras and more often that not, you can tell them to be still while you photoshoot them. They will give you a curious look and for a while will go about their business. I bet, it's the same with bears except that they are more of homebodies unlike the kangaroos." ~Leah C. Dancel, On Bears feeling at home in people's home, April 3, 2019
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"A free spirited young lady. Her college days were full of challenging moments. As a parent, I tried to be very supportive in every step she went through both the good and the bad days. She appreciated those times when someone was behind her pushing her not to give up. She didn't." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 3, 2019 on my big girl
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"Well done Waleed! I am teary eyed and most touched by the genuine apolitical-maternal approach of NZ PM Jacinda Ardern in handling the crisis her country had to face and in her honest admittance that a global problem like what happened in her country was not the first in the world. She's calm and collected. She united the people in the face of adversity by demonstrating love and support. Her advocacy of kindness and tolerance surely surfaced. Her gratitude to everyone who gave their support is beyond measure. Peace is attainable when everyone will give it a place in their hearts, in their lives." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2019 on The Project - Waleed Interview with NZ PM Jacinda Ardern
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"Delusion of grandeur" - that's the net they throw on her, and she's trapped! Simply because she is a willing sacrificial lamb. You are right saying, "she alteady made her bed in history", one that is indelible. If only she doesn't fall into the glittering "fool's gold". That's her Waterloo. Who can really tell?" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 25, 2019 on LGR as Oppo's last hope in getting back to power
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"When you wake up to read something congenial that is a harbinger of harmony, no matter how blue your soul feels, you are inclined to be cheery!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 21, 2019 on Clarisa Guinto Romanca's cheerful post
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"Your SENSE AND SENSIBILITY is second to none. That's why because your truth is as sharp as the two blades of a sharpened SWORD." ~Leah C. Dancel, On Victor Casquejo's blocked account for 30 days, March 20, 2019
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"I must be well that I'm thirsty for LAUGHTER." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 20, 2019
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"When your mind is filled with pleasant thoughts, beautiful words are expressed in poetic one liners at random." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 13, 2019
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"We all face trials in life. Storms can be overwhelming. Strength is all we need to hang on that we will not be swayed by the torrents of despair and hopelessness. This hymnal music WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD taught by our Mother in my early years in life proves to be an inspiration." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 12, 2019
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"My PE Teacher/Professor in the first university I attended was feisty and with a voluminous body form. But oh boy! When she danced, how agile and graceful she could be! Dancing is not for a bamboo stick alone. Logs and thick slabs of woods can do it too. Dance is a form of exercise. So if you can do it, flaunt it! Just what Amanda LeCount did!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 12, 2019
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"True self is the best make up. No agents of concealment or post surgical enhancers can make you as the True You!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 5, 2019
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"I wish I had his courage and guts in my youth. I was a slave of parental curse, a bullshit tradition that when you go against your parents because of your ambition, dream or goal, you will not be blessed! What a load of crap! Anyway, .... so much about that... my children are free to follow their own dreams.... I'm behind them to give them my unconditional love and support. The fact that they got away from drugs, sex and alcohol and live a life good enough to make them well, is a success enough for me to claim success as a parent. Thank you Mr. Schwarzenneger! You are so down to earth and genuinely wonderful! Your motivation is a great inspiration!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 5, 2019 on listening to Arnold Schwarzenneger's straightforward speech on What is the Secret of Success posted by Goalcast FB Meme.
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"True beauty is found within. An ugly face is beautified by our true gentle spirit that springs compassion, kindness, forgiveness, caring, smiling, friendliness etc. You can name all the beautiful virtues and values you hold and possess. As you look yourself in the mirror, you will be surprised of what you see. No amount of commercial enhancement can alter that. That's the real Elixir of Youth." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 3, 2019; comment on The Most Beautiful Woman on Earth - Lupita Nyong'o of Kenya
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"I heard about the Potato Famine in Ireland. It was even told to me by my late mother. Interestingly years later, I bumped into a novel (can't remember the book) how potato was discovered and that farmers thought they were weeds or pests. When they realised they bear root crops and didn't know how to get rid of them and what to do with them, they brought it to the attention of the king. In those times, people were afflicted by a skin disease called scurvy or whatever it was. So to solve the problem, the king ordered that the potato crops must be fed to the people. People then started eating this root crop as a staple food, and long after they noticed that their skin condition had improved and the disease was healed for unknown reason. By eating the root crops they began to look healthy and strong. Was this a myth or a legend? But to me personally, there seems to be an element of truth in that story." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 March 2019
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"Anything can happen and complacency and being non or lack of vigilance will destroy us." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 2, 2019
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"There's no limit to an artist's imagination. He's an earthly creator what nature endows." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 1, 2019
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"Probably these spirits you've spoken about just happened to be in the same wing as you? Then perchance we all met by the gravity of destiny or fate?" - my rhetoric to Estelle Cortes' " I am a magnet for broken wings, broken people, untamed spirits and weary souls..." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 1, 2019
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🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂"It's that time when seasons get confusing between the North and South Poles. Each season has its own peculiar character and spectacles. It's may be too late to add, but in our case in Australia, the reverse of the season is true being we are geographically located down in the South Pole. While the Northerners are moving towards Spring, we are heading towards the Fall or Autumn. Soon we will be embracing the cold season." ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 February 2019
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"Appreciating life for its many blessings come in different forms even if the first thing you see in the morning, the minute you wake up, is a glorious sunrise from the kitchen window." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 25, 2019
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["When you are a young person, you are like a young creek, and you meet many rocks, many obstacles and difficulties on your way. You hurry to get past these obstacles and get to the ocean. But as the creek moves down through the fields, it becomes larger and calmer and it can enjoy the reflection of the sky. It's wonderful. You will arrive at the sea anyway so enjoy the journey. Enjoy the sunshine, the sunset, the moon, the birds, the trees, and the many beauties along the way. Taste every moment of your daily life.' ~Thich Nhat Hanh]
🌞Comment: I love his (TNH) analogy - whatever metaphor is contained therein and between the lines. Sometimes the creek is caught by the summer drought and gets dry. That's when at some point in our life, we get stuck and feel stagnant. There's nowhere to go. No drops to flow." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 24, 2019
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"The classic fashion is back. And I love her in red dress." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 24, 2019 on The Duke and Duchess of Sussex four day Royal Visit to Morocco arriving into Casablanca.)
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"Some people know other people's life better than their own. I guess we all need a mirror." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 24, 2019
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"Because we're getting old; now we have time to sit back, look back, and have the luxury to appreciate life that we have had less time or had no time to do in the past." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 23, 2019
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"I see beauty in every person's heart, mind and soul. It's reflected in their writings. People of like-mind can discern that." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 22, 2019
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"Age is an inevitable matter as we get older. Our views change from wordly to heavenly." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2019
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"Envy is a disease cursed in the earliest part of human civilisation." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2019
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"It was a very tough time for the athletes who underwent rigid training. Some complaint a lot, but here Down Under sports people toughened their muscles and stiffened their emotionsEnvy is a disease cursed in the earliest part of human civilisation. Feb 20 in the rigidity of their training routines just to get there. And there they did get by hurdling medals of their pride bringing high honours for the country outside politics." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2019
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"This Persian poet through centuries has made his followers learn to ruminate the depth of his thoughts even in the simplest form of expression." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2019
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"We need the rain more than the moon in our endless state of drought." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 20, 2019
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"The graceful blessings of life came to me. It's beautiful. It's joyful. It's peaceful. After such a long journey over a little halfway to my century." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 19, 2019
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"No regrets will come before but late
Life's pathway may hold our fate
Time passes time and time again
We can never get back to where it all begins."
~@Leah C. Dancel
February 19, 2019
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"Lemons are indeed sour. Its acidity brings flavour to dishes and sweet desserts. Life is akin to lemon. It augurs challenges and trials. Once you pass the tests of time, you become a victor. Then that itself is sweetness. You don't even have to make your own lemonade. Someone will make it for you to savour. Sip and enjoy. Perhaps not now, not too soon, but later in the days you won't expect it. Then you can sit back and sigh with relief. Open your mouth and say .... ahhhhhhhhh!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 19, 2019
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Even Nature learns from Men." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 19, 2019 on that weird Lemon (rude) shape and form.
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"Pine trees give off beautiful aroma at night time. Hope when the mountains are fully covered by these trees, the wild deers will inhabit the hills." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 18, 2019 on Mt. Cordillera Native Youths' Tree Planting
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"It has always been my desire to grow old gracefully and happy in abounding peace." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 18, 2019
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"That moment when we unleash our sentimentality that grips our heart. I did that in 2005. I flew thousands of miles away from home to release those pent up emotions I kept for years. Tears were freely flowing coming from the oasis of misery." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 16, 2019, a commentary to "A Maudlin Poem of Regret"
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"I didn't dream, the dream came to me.
I didn't desire, someone desired it for me.
We blogged all our way.
We met.
And fate would have known it.
Guess what?
We're related by consanguinity
One way or another."
~Leah C. Dancel,February 16, 2019, a memory at Airforce One in Simi Valley, Ca with Marie and Manong Vic Vasquez
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Love itself is a course of nature...
It is subjected to all forces of elements: wind, hail, rain, storm, and fire …
The ones who stand the test of time are the victors.…
For the faint-hearted, it's doomed to failure."
~Leah C. Dancel, February 14, 2019
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Consider the power of the few handful of people of Iceland (if I'm not mistaken) when they overthrew the most powerful purse string and portfolio holders of their economy. They had enough! Their own leader in their country was not even mentioned if he was behind that ouster or was it the other way around. The very reason PRRD still holds reservations because he feels the pulse of the people's lukewarmness as in Ningas Cogon attitude that prevails amongst us. There seems to be no cohesion in the advocacy of change people wanted. Where is that tie that binds us? Divided, distracted, ... you can finish the rest for me. Even the very fabric of the Law Enforcers are having their own rank and file schism. Who will protect the King in this Game of Chess? The pawns are scattered and displaced. The Queen is nowhere near him. The bishops are back sliders, the pillars are torn down... the horses disengaged, if not disintegrated..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 🤧🤧🤧 13 February 2019 on PRRD Lone Battle Against the Enemies of the Land a comment to BEYOND EDSA by Abe Purugganan via Yesu Ben
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"I always enjoy flying when I get the opportunity. I make the most of that awesome feeling being up there in the highest scale above the hemisphere. My mind plays words of such wonders I see beyond and over the horizon... the magnificence of the creation that transcends beauty! I then become poetic!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 12, 2019 on watching a video How do airplanes actually fly!
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Each journey has a colour. You chose the best!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 12, 2019
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"LEADERSHIP is a noble quality. And a LEADER is designated to live in the loneliest space and place on earth. Like a Soldier, he shoulders the onus of his responsibilty in taking care of his subjects. He keeps moving forward. He soldiers on. Marching on … his own orders." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 11, 2019
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"Many of us want change. It is coming in a slow motion. No change happens overnight. Others drag it down for as long as they can. But change this time is pitting against time. It numbs the hope of the many. Their patience is thinning and dangerously becoming brittle." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 10, 2019
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"Distance is only a measurement; a calibrated gap between two ends. It doesn't impede affection or go between two people in love." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 10, 2019
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Go slow and steady and you'll get there, said me to meself... whenever I go sluggard. Gone are the days I had to rush, I had to keep the schedules, I had to ... I had to ... good hair day, bad hair day, if I want to stop, all I do is drop everything and hey, this time it's all about ME!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 8, 2019 on give yourself a pat in the back
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"My children basically grew up being abandoned by their father. I groomed them, raised them having an open mind, healthy beings, and, positive outlooks. When the right time came they decided to face their demon, the father who abandoned them their since their childhood, 3-4 years old respectively; they no longer have memories of him. That abandonment was cemented on the day they went out their way to come face to face with him and be told they could be friends much to their disappointment. He showed them no emotion, and No, for those years he made himself unavailable to them, and them longing for a father deep inside their hearts only to be told the words he spoke to them on their meeting, they then decided that was the end of the line. That closure was made final: they have nothing to do with him inasmuch as he has nothing to do with them since the beginning." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 7, 2019 comment on father's abandonment.
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"Life is like a book. It has chapters and pages. Some leaves are torn. Others are like dog ears. But the ending, you can choose its outcome. Peace is sweet heaven." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 6, 2019
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"I prefer the dried chickpeas beans whole when I cook chicken soup. I love it green and fresh too, yes for a simple vegan dish. We got them in our home garden. My son-in-law (a Palestinian) introduced Hommus in my diet. We have your food and we prepare it like a Feast. Hommus is a healthy food." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 6, 2019
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"How come Pollies are only visible when Election Time is nearing. They make themselves transparent. They even care to send you TLC sweet letters to sweeten your coffee palate. They are like Ants that come out from their molehills when rainy season is coming." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 6, 2019
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"Blaming others is a blatant scapegoat." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 6, 2019
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"A debonaire IP in blue, chilling under a shadowy inky blue sky, smiling in confidence looking so sure that his future will be brighter. The bluish sea behind him listens carefully hushed by its own waves rushing ashore." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 5, 2019 on writing adjectives
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"Some years ago, the wife of a church minister told me, "behave yourself." It was her way of telling me "look after yourself" with undercurrent sarcasm. Australians have a way with words. And I seemly adapted that. Hence I can tell of differing opinions from others who literally took every letter of my words in every manner I expressed myself.… Communication has so many avenues in which each individual processes their line of thoughts and opinions on something we say. Some are open minded, others are judgmental, biased, narrow minded and sensitive; while others are nonchalant.
Then that I find very interesting based on how each behavioral and mental instinct reacts and interacts. I love the intellectual propensity of the broadminded people. …Anyway, back to the minister's wife, I replied her in jest: if I didn't behave myself, being on my own for 15 years, what does that tell you? Then on, she kept her mouth shut!
See that little tongue?" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2019
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"It's very hard when people only love you for your youthful appearance and get shocked when they see your future self. Time changes everything. Your looks, your status in life, your health, your possessions, and LIFE in general. Take it or leave it. Even the Stars and the Moon have time to lose their glitters and wane into oblivion. That's what happens when you are in the LIMELIGHT." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2019 on Celine Dion
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"Life is a mirror. People see the image of your actions." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2019
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Keeping our heart young is the key to live longer." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2019
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Even the Stars and the Moon have time to lose their glitters and wane into oblivion. " ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2019
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"I used to write. I love writing. My journal suffers. It's barely tainted with ink. The fluidity of my thoughts is drying." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 3, 2019
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"The caves hide the most beautiful sights and wonders you would never imagine they're there." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 1, 2019
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"Life is not all about Lollipops and Roses. Lemons can be inspirational too!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 1, 2019 on Grab Life by the Tail, authored by Donna Harvey Hall
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"Discrimination has nothing to do with the race, but attitude of the people." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 1, 2019
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"The world renown beautiful Sunset of Manila Bay has been revived to its iconic place after being rehabilitated. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers who came to clean-up the bay. Less than a week after it has been restored to its former glory, the undisciplined pigs came and started building their new pigsty." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 31, 2019
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💐💐💐
"I go with the flow
Not with the rip
Or current that will lead me astray.
I go with the flow
Steady and slow
Where I safely reach my destiny."
~@Leah C. Dancel, 30 January 2019
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💐💐💐
"When you feel weary of darkness
When you fall, blinded by darkness
When you can't see the mystery
That darkness wraps; and you feel
Something is amissed
Something is not right
Until you reach your destiny.
Somewhere something is glowing
Somewhere something is shining
It's love that shines forth
Its ardour rises to passion
It leaves you breathless
It makes you feel amazed
As darkness fades away."
@Leah C. Dancel
January 28, 2019
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"Outside social media, I tend to believe that the people are now forming a cordon of trust to follow the man who leads them. The example they set recently is their voluntary cleaning of the Manila Bay. Hope it will continue to manifest in other areas that need purging its political filth." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 28, 2019
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"If only we can encourage everyone to write. Writing can be intellectually intimidating, let alone overwhelming. I started writing for myself. That is selfishness of course. Then each time I re-read my writing, I see lots of errors. But I can edit them. Then my greatest enemy is self-doubt. If not, the doubt itself. I just keep going, albeit." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 27, 2019
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"My brain has been stalled by the extreme heat of summer." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 23, 2019
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"If only everything around the world is evil free, then that would make us all feel wonderful!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 21, 2019
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"Sometimes I can't help to wonder if all the teachings combined by/from different philosophers/authors/motivators are not in vain. The more Peace is preached, the more conflicts, wars and troubles we hear, and see around us, and the world at large. The UN is infiltrated with non-peaceful aliens and in alliance with HR whose primordial duty is to protect the criminals. The Bible said: "they talk peace and peace they know not." So something is going amiss." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 19, 2019
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"People walked away from me because I asked them to get lost without words. Then my world brightens. There's light around me and peace within my heart. My life is beautiful without them." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 19, 2019
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"A child raised in a cocoon of over-protectiveness will find it most difficult to adjust and adapt himself in an environment alien to his own. We have to help them be aware that the world at large is different as they step out from their cage so they will learn how to develop their skills and strategy in coping themselves in anything strange outside their normal upbringing." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 19, 2019
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"Life is all about gain or loss; acceptance or rejection; giving or greedy; blessing or curse. If you get through them all with your head still above the water, you know why it is called "survival of the fittest." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 January 2019
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"Peace is gained through forgiveness. And peace is happiness." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 17, 2019
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"Laughter is the best brand of fashion I can wear, if possible, every single day." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 17, 2019
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"Nakakalungkot kung pakakaisipin ang mga paghihirap na dinanas ng mga ninuno natin sa kamay ng mga dayuhan; magpahanggang ngayon. Mangmang man o may pinag-aralan - halos lahat ay patuloy ang pagpa-alipin sa mga kasinungalingang ipina-ilalim sa krus ng mga walang turing na mandaraya. Kailan pa ba imumulat ng mga tao ang kanilang mga mata. Shame and guilt, but theirs, ang binakuna nila sa mga Pilipino kahit bago pa sila isinilang. Nagpapa-uto pa rin. Nagpapaloko pa rin. Di ba sinabi ni Rizal: "Sa bayang walang magpapa-alipin ay walang mag aalipin." Mismo mga kalahi ang siyang umaalipin sa kapwa ni kalipi." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 13, 2019
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"Change takes a long process to eventuate. A long, hard and deep overhaul is much needed. Discipline is paramount and that what is lacking; which is a big IMPEDIMENT to the change PRRD wanted to happen." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 13, 2019, On Federalism
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"It's just a happenstance that she grew up the way she did, being in a melting pot and caught in the crossroad of diverse cultures to which she is keen and adaptable with an open-mind. However, as she gets older, she found her heart in the Philippines, the home turf of her mother; when she could possibly choose to be a Scottish. A very well spoken young lady with brains on her head indeed! Very admirable traits she got!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 9, 2019 on Edwin Jamora's video post of Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray
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"I'm from Mindanao: Iligan, Marawi - born in Cagayan. I may have been away for three decades, but it is my dream to see Mindanao prospers like any other progressive places where wealth is neatly hidden in its natural habitat. Without peace, my dream will not come true." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 6, 2019
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"My girls, whom I raised alone, and I had our first 2019 get-together yesterday in the Blue Mountains along with my two little grandchildren, in conjunction with JP's 36th birthday. It was his best birthday according to him. We could never underestimate how a small gathering can mean a lot and make a difference to someone's life. He and my eldest daughter are expecting their first child in wintertime Down Under. I'm blessed to have good rapport with my children-in-law." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 5, 2019
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"May God's bounty forever be yours and your loved ones." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 1, 2019
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♥*✿*•♥💐💐💐♥*✿*•♥
END OF 2018
"The sun comes shining through, with me , as I rise each morning." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 29, 2018
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"Earlier tonight as I was in bed ... sleep has been elusive. I was thinking of my mother, my father. I was thinking of the old downtrodden days. I was wishing in between tears, I was wishing … that I wish my parents were still alive. They would have been with me; enjoying and appreciating many beautiful things I knew they would love like nature. They would be admiring different beautiful flowers, the Opera House, the harbour... and many more. My mother loves food. She has an enviable appetite without stretching wide her weight. In her 60's she has a lovely curve. But she never was vain. She was very plain and simple that hides the immeasurable depth of her secret wisdom. No one knows until they speak to her. Mahiya ang professional sa iyaha. Very talented and gifted. A good cook. A delightful conversationalist, and how I wish my children meet her, know her. Not just her, but our father too. We are wrong people set to exist in the wrong time..." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 29, 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"When parents are only parents in name. When children are seen, not heard. When a house is not a home. When a family splinters, disintegrates and become dysfunctional ... When love is lacking in the center of the lives of the people... and that love is GOD... surely makes a community, society, and country miserable, chaotic and in constant turmoil." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 27, 2018 on peaceful parents
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"The bracket of old age is going higher and higher, but I don't mind. I can still walk long hours, and run in seconds. I can still climb mountains, hills and peaks and jump on boulders to boulders. I can even skip a rope, also meals. I can cross rivers except when there's big and foul-mouthed crocodiles hiding under the water. I can still wash clothes by my hands, but I don't iron them. My mind is still functional. And my heart is young. I am a Middle Earth.... which means I'm not disposable yet." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 27, 2018 on how old is old.
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Nature is never complete without plants and flowers, let alone a garden." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 26, 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Hairs naturally fall to be replaced by new shoots of hair growth. They are constantly pushed out without us knowing. The technique is in the management. One fellow FB friend said, "women are like cats, you see their hairs everywhere." When I comb my hair, my left hand is always on the receiving end to catch the falling hair pushed out by the comb. I followed my mother's style so as not to let them mess up the floor and fly everywhere. I comb very gently from the tail end and up, instead of up then down. Yes, tying them makes the hair bad, but I have no option. I rarely let my hair down. There are times I would think shall I get a new haircut? Other than that, it's really very expensive and I love to see my natural wavy hair each time I look myself in the mirror. At home, I just push them back, combed with my hand, and cover with bandana or kitchen cap especially when I'm cooking. In spite of taking caution with my hair management, conditioning it with coconut oil, I still find it amazing how hair can still stuck on the carpet floor each time I vacuum. So just enjoy the crown on your head." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 26, 2018 on SUKLAY by Rolaiza M Singayao
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"I got the chance to surreptitiously take a photo of my grandchild at a close range. Like her Auntie and her Mother, she is matured beyond her years. A very cautious, sensible and loving sister to her little brother; and, yes, she listens to her mother and father. I saw her since birth, spent time with her on our alone-moment bonding, witnessed first hand her first step, our book reading and story telling time. Her growing years are pretty much productive. Her zest for life is profound. She's an amazing school student, active, athletic and a leader. I'm very proud of her. She calls me Lola. Always polite. Always respectful. Always considerate and understanding." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 26, 2018, On my first granddaughter at Taronga Zoo
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Every garden is a dream ..." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 26, 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Their deliberate and rebellious action is a blatant assault to FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY that the government of the people is trying to espouse. I don't think this is the doing of anyone who supports the President. If there was, then shame on them." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 27, 2018 on messing up Luneta Rizal Park on December 25, 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"I don't necessarily believe in spanking. I believe in communication whereby we tell the child that irresponsible action can do us harm. The reason, we as adults must set fine example to our children. Crying is okay when a child doesn't feel well. The difference is, there is a crying tantrum that children cunningly employ to get what they want. No matter how good you raise them, and how good they generally behaved, there will always come a time when they display their brand of "moment" that is embarrassing. They also test you big time. So, in my case, I'll employ "spare the rod and spoil the child not." I spank my children, yes. How? And where? That's where a parent should exercise control over her/his emotion in case anger sets in. How? Give the child a once "hit hard" in the bottom - pak! Let them feel it. Where? In the privacy of your home. Door must be closed where no intruders can see that you punish your children. Let them cry, go away to give them time to introspect. It hurts you of course. When crying subsides, look them eye to eye, talk to them straightforwardly, explain why you did it. I give my children warning - only 3 warnings. If they overpass the 3, the moment of truth must be carried without compromise, without bribe. Maintain eye contact but your voice must be firm but without anger. It will calm the child, and make sure he understands the whys. Culminate it with a hug and a kiss and let love be the wrapping conclusion. By the way, I'm a single parent. When my children left me to find their nest, my eldest left me a letter, appreciating and apologising ... this what gripped my heart . She said: "you're as tough as a warrior, and as loving as a lion." Today, she's an expectant Mother at 29 years old. The younger one has given me two grandchildren. She's a naturally wonderful mother." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 23, 2018 on Dr Phil (A man who believes in spanking says he offered to "take care" of a stranger's crying child. December 21, 2018)
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"In 2011, two weeks after I came back to Australia from the Philippines, my hometown was drowned in flood coming from the mountains. It was a slow, dragging non-stop rain that could not find a gutter to which it could flow and drained down to the sea. Reason being, the pathway of the swelling water of the river overflowed caused by the blockage from forest logs, the irresponsible unlawful logging operators left in the denuded areas. The water escaped to the lowlands where the community lives in a vulnerable spot. In the middle of the night, in their deep slumber, hundreds of people were floating in their dreams dead in cold mud that were found among the debris of their shattered homes. Yes, the lumberjacks, the greedy operators and the corrupt government officials were answerable to that unfateful night befallen to the sleeping community. Deforestation? Yes! Climate change? Yes! Who controls the Weather? That we should know who." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 20, 2018 on Deforestation by Maximu Tumbali
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"It's the down to earth attitude that made Miss Australia 2004 won the Miss Universe title. Compared to Catriona Gray who was fully prepared, Jennifer Hawkins was actually inexperienced about this beauty pageant stuff. Remember her ladder was only through being a Cheer Leader. Beauty contest in Australia in my understanding is based on fund raising; not really a "strictly ballroom" by metaphors. In fact nobody gave her a shit when she left the country to compete in the Miss Universe Contest. She was all on her own. I didn't remember any single media buzzing or fussing on her. Australians are not typified as material girl, so they don't really care - in my opinion. Of course, they were all proud of her when she won. From a nobody, she became a Somebody for all her merits and hard work." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 20, 2018 on Miss Universe bruohaha
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"I love her. I'm touched by her own brand of WOMAN POWER - a NEW POWER she brought with her to the CENTRE STAGE of the MISS UNIVERSE Pageantry! She has proven to the world that language and poverty is not a barrier for her to exert influence in empowering WOMEN across the universe. Her own life replicate that epitome of a true and genuine model. Her humanity and humility excelled in that field of endeavour." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 18, 2018 on Miss Vietnam- Miss Universe 2018 Top 5.
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Wow Cris! Magnifique! If you allow me I have a few blog to where I can spread this across. Don't you have a blog? I can see you are a prolific writer. There's a couple of thing I'd like to edit. Nothing grievous. Just a typo. I like your style. Free verse is really effortless on your part to do. Your thoughts just flow..." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 18, 2018 on Crispulo Bacud Tappa's article
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"I was pretty much like you in my younger days. But due to limited availability of intelligent adults, we were always encouraged to read good reading materials. English Magazines in our time were written by qualitative and competetive writers. No wishy-washy and junkie journalists in those days. Even dialectal magazines were of high standards." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2018, On reply to Kathleen Valleser
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"When momentum strikes indeed. Fluid thoughts in progressive minds dwell. They just flow ... and flourish." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 17, 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Years ago, for the first time in my life, I dreamed of snow in the middle of Australian Summer. A year after that I traveled to The Land Of Beauty and Splendour draped with Stars Spangled Banner. It was their Summer over there. I didn't get to see the White House due to searing Heatwave! I missed out a lot of the opportunities in joining the local tour amidst the insistence of the Filipino Community led by Rachelle, the granddaughter of ex-Senator Tanada, if I remember her name right." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 15, 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Happy Birthday my little one. Lola is blessing you with much love and more love to her sweetest darling Lola's boy." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 15, 2018, also the anniversary of Sydney Siege at Lindt Cafe, Martin Place.
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"The older we get, our vulnerability makes us prone to anything we can't bargain should time calls us there. In my case, I just hope I'm ready to face Eternity. God is our protector." ~Leah C. Dancel,December 13, 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Sometime in life, there are parts in us that we need to leave behind. Else, we remain stagnant and we won't grow." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 9, 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"More than in many ways you have affected, influenced, moved and inspired me for everything you have shared on FB. I must admit too, how much I miss (MSU-Main Marawi City) Marawi where happy and sad memories were left behind.
Your friendship is the bridge that reconnect me to that cold, rainy and evergreen highland where beauty sleeps at night in peace." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 8, 2018 to Dr. Rolaiza Mimi Singayao who works in Qatar
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Parents who act SUPERIORS to their children will reap rebels." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 7, 2018
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"Today is my 31st years celebrating Gratitude and Thankfulness to God and Australia! I was lucky to be able to take part of its Bicentennial Year! After which along came my two awesome and wonderful daughters just about when the sunset of my life was about to fall. At the twilight of my years, two grandchildren followed and one more is on the way!" ~Leah C. Dancel, December 2, 2018
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"The sea rocks are as big as hills and mountains with vacuoles in them. The surge of waves coming from the open sea is pushed into these cavities by the southerly wind that got open holes visible from the top, and once they (surges) hit the wall of each cavity, the water blows a spectacular mist through the hole! What a thrilling scenery it makes! The powerful crashing of waves against the rocks create that nouse from the sea!" ~Leah C. Dancel, December 2, 2018 on Kiama's Blowhole
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"And what of this glorious sunrise covered in mellowness of the sacred time? Doesn't it perk your poetic spirit? The throne of glory is just across that lingering horizon enticing its charms and beauty... hoping it will last... in my memory... when I'm gone from this place." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 2, 2018, East Beach, Kiama on Morning Sunrise
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"Our life is undeniably and constantly changing. Whether we like it or not, we all get old, we all suffer what our elders suffer, no matter what. Some get proper care to their last breath preserving their human dignity. Some are deprived and neglected. Some die unforgiven and forgotten." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 27, 2018
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"In the face of aridity, there flows the flood of sorrow, running in silence, chasing comfort on pillows." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 26, 2018
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"It is true that some Chinese are arrogant and some are even ruthless. But we, humans, are all the same in attitude, behaviour and character regardless of creed and race. I have my own unforgettable experience with older and traditional Chinese women that made others silently and openly envious of me. I have that beautiful part of a memory." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 26, 2018
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"How many parents would take time to really sit down and teach their children lessons? I had my fair share from my late mother when I was a child. She did it very diplomatically without shaming me and that still deeply imprinted in my memory, let alone in my soul. So when my parenting time turn came, I did the same to my children chastising them in a way they will understand and learn. I earned respect and love from them." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 23, 2018
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"The sweetest life to live is when we have Peace in our heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 23, 2018
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"Bamboo as a general rule is a national treasure next to Narra tree. Everything is useful. From the shoots to the trunks and to the leaves." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 22, 2018
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"I can only look back how my country went downhill by the inception and adoption of "kumpare system" in running the government through personal network of influence … where opportunities and privileges were only for those who held the ladle much less with those who were near the cooking pot." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 November 2018
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"I was talking to a guy with a deep pleasant voice who spoke in articulate English on the phone. I couldn't help asking if he was Irish or Scottish other than being American. He laughed and said that he's a Filipino. While that thug working in a Call Centre in the Philippines was downright impudent to an English client per video that I shared yesterday, the guy I was having a conversation with was very courteous and helpful. He must be in his 40-50's. Most of the Customer Service Staff or Attendant I talk to were very nice. I have never encountered a rude one yet." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 13, 2018
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"No one can politically analyze the enigma of the President way better than Adam Garrie. After all he is equipped with foreknowledge he gathered while doing his close observations about this man. His accuracy cannot be defaulted." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 11, 2018
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"Don't keep your tears inside
Let them flow from your eyes
We all get hurt some time in life.
Make the wind your friend
And tell him all your woes
He'll help you trouble free.
~Leah C. Dancel,
A lonely bard in Hermitland, 11 November 2018
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"In his duty and service to the country, he never forgets his humble beginning - despite his success." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 10, 2018 on Manny Pacquiao at Oxford University, England
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"The honour itself by being asked to speak in that podium is beyond distinction. Manny can do better with the help of a tutor in public speaking. Meanwhile, Manny is true to himself (to the word of William Shakespeare)" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 10, 2018 on Senator Manny Pacquiao as a guest speaker at Oxford University, England
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"Welcome sunshine!
What a shame I miss you
When you rise up in my morning dream"
Leah C. Dancel, 8 November 2018
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"Manny may not have written his speech, but what he spoke on the podium was certainly not a laced-decorated speech. He talked about his LIFE! How he connects himself to the poor masses because he'd been there. He saw himself in them; their struggles, sufferings, determination, hopelessness and more. Hence, his educational background gained from the OPEN UNIVERSITY OF LIFE becomes an advantage for him TO BE AN EFFECTIVE LAWMAKER." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 7, 2018
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"This world, this imperfect world is damned by many of them, the so called "self-righteous". They quickly judge and harshly. But you know? The once richest man in Australia (RIP) was himself a victim of some judgments. His being the owner of a Media Empire didn't shield him from destructive critiques to which he took it with stoicism. When he died, that's when ALL HIS GOOD DEEDS were revealed. Just as all the quiet charity deeds of George Michael. I loved his music Careless Whisper." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 6, 2018
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"There is only one MAN who stands in the multitude of 7 thousand islands inhabitants.... he must be the ANOINTED ONE to lead the throng of fearful, uncourageous, submissive to the deceptions and subservient to the oppressive regimes since the inception of colonisation of the country all in the name of God whose name is taken in vain." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 6, 2018 on PRRD
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"Garden beds are ideal for yards with dying grounds. This is what I've been suggesting to my daughter as I was looking at their dull place. Plants make the surrounding alive with the presence of nature's spirits and beauty." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 4, 2018
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"To me, all beautifying agents are found in nature. Foremost it is found within you. The usage? It's all up to you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 3, 2018
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"I always hold on to the premise that "Education starts at home." For the school to give a back-up re-enforces that what parents teach at home is right. I'm keeping my ears on the ground with our little girl as to what she will be up to when she reaches Year 5 up. So far, all good." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 2, 2018
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"The para-militarisation of any anomalous bureaucratic offices such as COMELEC and the shovelling out of its equal partner Smartmatic, will be of good advantage to the country ridden and rife with cancer of corruption and scandals. The taking over of the Military to manage the BOC sets a precedent that mounting problems hurdled by the current government under PRRD will soon be eradicated; one step at a time." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 November 2018
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"Happy Birthday Mamang!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 November 2018
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"Elitism will forever be with us invisibly seen right in every cause we are fighting for. Elitists who are in the midst of this cause in the guise of a patriotic spirit will not diminish the angst and pangs of the people, impoverished by their own subtle self-serving interests." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 1, 2018
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"I'm amused how people react: There's the intelligent ones with common sense who laugh things away. Then there's the not too sure class who just LIKE out of respect. There's a few who are surprised enough to believe, there's a couple who take it seriously by marking a heart... Let's just loosen up a bit and enjoy the ride." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 1, 2018 on emoji
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"I have stuff to show with a story to tell." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 1, 2018
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"It was in 2011, just a week after I arrived back in Australia that Typhoon Sendong hit my hometown, Iligan City. The devastation was heartbreaking with some people died in their sleep mud all over them, around them. I didn't hear much if the government help that place, but surely a blame game as always was the order of the day. People asked "where are the Calamity Funds?" … Finger pointing begun. However, nothing has prepared me to see the horrendous destructions Typhoon Yolanda brought upon Leyte and its neighbouring places as I watched the news from my loungeroom screen. It made its landfall on the 8th of November 2013. The enormity of the damage was beyond repair. And when the world rushed in to send aid, I was speechless … and prayed that may those aid help the victim; rebuild and reconstruct the broken city. Nah, what was appalling? The government at that time did not act swiftly and what's more, they did not allocate help to the victims. As what I heard, much was politicised because of the hatred of the A to the M through the R. Some voluntary help from the private sectors and other local governments were even blocked to enter Leyte. That was what had come to the fore. The people? We knew who were there for them. The donations? We also knew where they're gone. Greed, greed, greed … is beyond the grave of the corrupt. I'll end this with a quote: 'Evil began with money, and ends with money.' ~HRM Salvacion Legaspi Y Espiritu Santo (Divine Feminine)" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 31, 2018
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"Generosity is a virtue … when given to genuine recipients in need." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 30, 2018
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"I'm sad because not only she is beyond stupid, she's the worst living puppet I've known in Philippine Politics. At least, you can teach a parrot how to be diplomatic. Her?" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 29, 2018 on FVP-LGR
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"I'm a baby boomer generation. To what you say was the thing I saw in my innocent youth, and I agree with you. The marriages I observed in those days made me an idealist how a wife, husband and a family should be. It formed a wishful thinking in my mind and heart or call it a dream that when I grew up all I wanted to be is a loving wife to my husband and a doting mother to my children. I did that even my marriage happened at a late stage. Sadly, my ideal family dream was cut short in an abusive relationship. I was left with two beautiful children whom I raised in a loving environment in spite of hard work compounded with many challenges. If I were to go back and be married, I will opt the same pattern of Ideal marriage. The social order in those days was more of congenial and harmonious in the community we lived then. That is why 1950-1960 are referred to as Golden Oldies." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 October 2018 on WOMEN of 1950s-1960s
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"… but when he is limited to only a few people he could really trust, it's been rough going for his governance to really take off." ~ this is where the country get stuck! But Duterte is a warrior. However, his supporters are slowly splintered, divided, scattered and some unknowingly are already siphoned by the ideology of the opponent through surreptitious sway in subtle disguise of being dissatisfied of the less miraculous desire of change they want to happen. Some seeing that nothing is moving or happening or impossible to happen as other elements (purporting to be pro Du30) are blocking their agenda so that doubts and votes of no confidence are sown right there. Assertiveness is a weapon. Reason and logic too. And strategic moves are even better. Hanggang sa pa meeting-meeting lang ba? Compounded by miscommunication or lack of communication. Kulang sa coordination. Mahulog sa "each on its own …" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 28, 2018
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"I would love to go to a deserted place where I can be alone in a paradise of peace surrounded by nature: to soak myself in the serenity of the moment; go into introspection, meditation; bush walking, jumping on rocky platforms in the river, go for a riverwalk; stroll along by the seashore, chase and dance with the waves, dreaming castles in the sand; climb hills, mountains and trees, talk to the plants and flowers; play, sing with the birds and noisy crickets, recite poetry, clear my head and open my heart to all possibilities (good ones), ... and write what my heart is telling me to write." |Leah C. Dancel, 27 October 2018
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"It's all in synch as it appears. Tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption... It looks like Nature will wipe out the wicked before the WICKEDS will WIPE OUT them to SUIT their AGENDA. Nature, weather and climate are CONTROLLED by GOD. That is the premise of my personal belief based on my understanding from the holy book." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 26, 2018
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"When the hammer hits the nail on its head, the nail is buried." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 26, 2018
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"Like what PRRD said that we should learn to be assertive for our rights instead of being submissive to the wrong principles. It is Catholicism that is the cancer of all the ails and curses we all suffer by keeping us from the dark and darts of their manipulative lies. It's not too late yet. There is still hope." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 October 2018
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"The government that cares help improve the well-being of its citizens; rather than going about interfering with their family domestic affairs which plagued most Australian homes in the past. I defied it, being a Single Parent. It is my moral duty to discipline, protect and bring up my children in a loving family atmosphere no government can provide, the way a parent should." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 October 2018
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"No one else will protect my children, but me with the help from above." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 24, 2018
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"I'm looking forward to do another not so distant travel which I like; to being able to get out of the city and soak in the fresh blowing breeze of the mountain air. I'm still enjoying life in the company of my beloved grandchildren. They are very lovely to see and be with. It's good to be productive spending my time with them." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 24, 2018
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"I can give my best to most things, but there are certain things that I am trapped with my own limits." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 24, 2018 on Calligraphy
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"When husband and wife listen to each other and that none of them is SELFISH... it is certain that their marriage will last to the end. Today, what is thrown away ... is thrown away. Broken ego is irreparable." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 October 2018, On long lasting marriage
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"Peace is all I want, I wish, I dream." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 21, 2018
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"Politics is all about personality, character, connection, influence, and, principles which are often times wrong, compromising, inhumane, insensitive, brutal and self-serving." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 21, 2018
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"I would never let those who betrayed, and hurt me ever come back to me. Peace is all I want, I wish, I dream." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 21, 2018
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"When everything feels like an uphill struggle; Just think of the view from the top." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2018
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"Sometimes we turned down invitations not knowing that they could be doors of new opportunity. My late parents knocked it down for INFINITI on my behalf, and I had no bones defying their decisions being so young. I didn't know about ASSERTIVENESS then." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2018 on lost opportunities
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"Life is in the real world. Economy thrives there. As always, the saying goes: it's business as usual. That's why the BUSINESS WORLD just do what they "gotta do". Mainstreams will stay as they are, but no longer as influencers they used to be. We can only thank that through internet connectivity, people brainstorming facts and fictions on social media as to the like of FB are indeed the prime movers of the good cause of PRRD. The shakers? They may continue to rattle till thy kingdom come. Change is the only thing that is permanent. With some bleaks leaking through the cracks, the sun keeps shining behind the silver linings. People you are doing a great job. My only plea is, get out and do voluntary outreach program to help PRRD through active forums making the less educated citizens understand the importance and benefits of FEDERALISM. They are the most vulnerable ones easily bribed and persuaded by the enemies who do not want change." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2018
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"It is always the beautiful that attracts. But only the ordinary that captivates." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 October 2018
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"I was pretty much like you in my younger days. But due to limited availability of intelligent adults, we were always encouraged to read good reading materials. English Magazines in our time were written by qualitative and competetive writers. No wishy-washy and junkie journalists in those days. Even dialectal magazines were of high standards." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2018, On reply to Kathleen Valleser
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"I got a crush on my college professor. He was truly gorgeous and free. But I was too young then and didn't know how to flirt, let alone understand what it was about. One day, when I was out of school and working in a pharmacy, he came by chance with a fellow professor. Out of the blue and without malice, and naive as I was, I innocently blurted a question; "Sir, are you still single?" To which he blushed and smiled. Then his companion answered for him "why? are you interested?" with a knowing wink. Oh what a tease! And I blushed. Lucky none of my workmates overheard us. That was fun memory. I still remember his name. Thomas Goodrich. Yes! He is American. My English professor at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, circa 1969." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 17, 2018
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"As the saying goes: United we stand. Divided we fall. People need leaders. Leaders need followers. Lead justly and humbly, you will have faithful and loyal subjects who will give their all to make a unit, organisation or company you lead successful. I think I have in mind the little Kingdom of Bhutan set as a prime example." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 12, 2018 on Leadership
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"I love taking big ocean liners when I was a student in Cebu, travelling from Iligan to Cebu; Cebu to Manila. I love going right to the top deck doing my own meditative survey, then have a quiet space somewhere in the nook to write and write and write about anything. Those writings are nowhere to be found. But the experience stays in my memory as vivid as day." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 October 2018
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"I am a Grandma. And I will always love my children and their children for all eternity. My heart is full to the brim loving my family. They are all I have. And I won't expect much from them. Loving me back by them is God's way of telling that He cares for me. In two years time I will be a Septuagint." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 9, 2018 on being a grandparent
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"Two days of slow steady rain and cold, and, today it is still gloomy - with quietude I love the most... I go for a nice cuppa for a company. While sipping, I'm thinking how happy our farmers (in the areas hit by drought) are, having received some pouring rain like manna from heaven. I'm still praying for those areas that didn't get any yet." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2018
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"There was a cat in the neighbourhood who never gave up on winning me; until one day she slayed a mouse and presented to me while I was out in the backyard hanging clothes on the line - with a convincing look that she would make herself handy and useful. I said, alright.... and before I finished my sentence she dropped the dead mouse at my feet and quickly jumped off to the back verandah door ... waiting for her reward. Since then, she never left us. She melted our hearts: my little girls and I... and we spoilt her rotten, but she did prove to be a good cat lady." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2018 down memory lane in Orange NSW
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"My Granddaughter gave me a Thank You gift of a fancy potted plant. She made the decors herself. She reminded me to always give this plant a generous spray everyday. I give it a special place in my kitchen window where it can catch the much needed morning sunshine. I hope it will grow beautifully and will bloom soon." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2018
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"It's raining when we left Kiama. Then we stopped at Shellharbour Village Green Poppy Cafe. It rained when we left. As we turned off to Picton Road towards the Hume Highway, the rain stopped. We passed by Mount Kiera and Mount Ousley in Wollongong" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 26, 2018 with a Family of two kids
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"The best art canvass is a woman's face. Figure those palettes of colours she paints on her face. Consider the colour harmony, the contours, brushes, puffs, ... The art work is just magical depending on the eye of the beholder." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 25, 2018 while watching women doing their make-up inside a running train under the watchful amusing look from men; some with questioning look, wrinkled brow and frowning face.
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"Farewell my dear brother Sam. May your soul rest in peace. Till we meet again at Jesus feet. Thank you Astra for sending his burial photos. Grateful to everyone's help in laying him to rest. To his children: my children and I convey our heartfelt Condolence." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 September 2018
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"Believe me, this was the old time scenery so precious that I treasured in my memory. I was only very young at a tender age when "Harana" was considered a trend among those young men resplendent in their neatly crisp starched-ironed attire with "pomade" grooming clutching their guitars as they journeyed onto their romantic rendezvous strumming and crooning timeless songs below the window of their female heartthrob and heartbeats. Your very own rendition speaking of your singing voice in the accompaniment of your melodious guitar is a perfect epitome of that harmonious company. Pleasant, sweet and dreamy to listen to. I explained this tradition to my growing children and to some Australians how courtship was practised in our country that many has led to a lifetime marriage. I know because for sometime, I'd been personally in touch with the offsprings of the people in my youth. Thanks to FB. Thank you for the beautiful songs reminiscence of my childhood days." ~Leah C. Dancel 5 September 2018, on ELA Kundiman's versions at YOUTUBE.
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"Strong leaders are not afraid to push boundaries". What a historic compliment for our PRESIDENT!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 4, 2018 on PRRD's visit to Israel
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"Wish you a glorious, eventful, and safe journey to our beloved homeland and back. May you have fond memories of shared joys, fun and laughters with families and friends. Praying for God's protection over you. You know who you are." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 3, 2018
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"I have read through the website of the outback vision protocol which explained that our vision affected by glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration or disease can reversed by eating food rich in luthein and zeaxanthin. Most of our local produced including that of the backyard garden do have these nutrients. It's up to us to make the most of it. Seriously, everything about our health redounds to our dietary habit and our lifestyle. If I can get away from having operative surgery, I would be most grateful." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 3, 2018
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"The tree may not be able to bark back to a pack of wolves, but it can give them lots of lashings and endless whips till they perish to oblivion. It can even be used to make their beds for eternity which they lay 15 feet below the ground." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 3, 2018 (Philippine Politics re:Amnesty revocation)
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"Humility has many forms and ways which we are taught to learn our lessons from experience. A virtue which my family back home has none." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 19, 2018
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"What God created for His divine purpose, man destroys. What man destroyed, destroy mankind." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 14, 2018
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"My case of family break-up over opposing views has got more to do with human pride. I bent, even if I am older than them, but was not accepted, so I keep my own peace. Simple." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 14, 2018
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"In bed with a fever, I can't help thinking the recent happenings in my country of birth being inundated with relentless rains, storms and typhoons. In concomitant to that natural disaster along came the incredible unsightly flotsam and jetsam that awashed the shorelines, worst the avenues of once sophisticated Manila. Not only there, but its internal linings as well where rivers and water runs... How could the Philippines turn out this way? We are nothing worst than a fourth country classified with undisciplined and nonchalant citizenry coupled by bad governance in the past 30 years before PRRD. Poor Digong! He got to swallow the pill of blames from every quarter possible who desires nothing but kick him out from the unteachable territories.//Maybe it's time we should emulate how AUSTRALIA did it their way. No one waits for the government to do it for them. If IAN KIERNAN did not step up and step in to initiate what he started in 1987 on his return from a yacht race where he noticed how the oceans were befouled with rubbish, maybe AUSTRALIA would be in the same predicament as in any other place, of any country in the world besieged with this problem." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 August 2018
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"Lemmy, the cat, can be trusted with anything I tell her. She won't ever tell anyone what is being confided in her. Not even the wall she rubs herself on. Not even the floor she rolls on. Not even the roof she stares on." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 11, 2018 on When Your Cat is Your Best Confidant
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"Was there ever a point in your life where you don't like and/or even hate your name? I did! Until one day I met an Israelite who assuaged me that my name actually is very popular in his country. And that it is soft and gracious and beautiful. I thought he must be a DIPLOMAT in disguised." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2018
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"When I was inside the Post Office yesterday, I saw this dear Old Auntie, maybe about my age, pulling out some pre-paid letter envelopes from the shelf. When she came near me, I smiled and said, oh you're writing too? And she mumbled that it's her only way to get in touch with her loved ones who live across the miles." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 9, 2018
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"The kindness of a stranger was far too good to turn down....It came unexpectedly. Angels do still exist." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 8, 2018
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"Intelligence can be acquired. Attitude can be changed from wrong to right if a person is determined to succeed." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 8, 2018
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"I always believe what the old school says that "education begins at home." It has nothing to do with expensive material resources but just the everyday thing we live that our children can learn from. They can learn from us: the way we talk and speak to them, they way we care for them, the way we do things at home, the way we interact with people, the way we care for each other... within and outside the family, relatives, neighbours, friends and strangers including." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 8, 2018
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"I agree about LEARNING IS FUN. That is why the children today starting from Day Care Child Little Schools are engaged into both visual and real facts of basic learning. And it should be encouraged and enforced at home for continuity of their learning processes in the form of play and interactions within the family." ~Leah C. Dancel,
August 8, 2018 on Early Childhood Education
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"We believe in the falsity of things and doubt in the truth." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 3, 2018
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"I'm sure you're now in your quiet night slumbering in your dreams. I realised the calendar schedule I've proposed is too soon and quite close to your flight back home to the Philippines. And that you need ample time to prepare before that time. While I remain thankful and grateful for the unexpected invitation to my surprise, I consider the following things: First, I want you to feel relaxed before you go home so you can enjoy your plane trip and think better about your priorities in regards to your homecoming. You can't do that when I'm around because you will be attending to me as your visitor and your mind might wander off away from things you are supposed to attend to. Second, if I go there next month, it is still your summer. I have been wanting to experience your winter. You said you're going back to the States in Christmas time." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 July 2018 a letter to ELA.
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"Death knocks at your door, at any time. We cannot know. We cannot tell." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 28, 2018
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"On growing up: one time when my girls were suddenly quiet I found out, they're hiding behind the bedroom door with my eldest cutting her little sister's hair. The outcome wasn't too bad. The little sister still looked delightful with her new haircut. They copied me because I was the one who cut their hair. It was too expensive to send them to a hair cutter." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 28, 2018
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"In the absence of NEURONS, MORONS are what we have..." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 28, 2018
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"They always kill the good man. Others are spared for a sublime purpose." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 27, 2018
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"Pride is swelling in our hearts that the principled leader of my country where I came from, is from our very own island, Mindanao, whom the Imperial Manila snubbed for years and years; strapping its resources, sucking its saps at the price of merely tapping the backs of its equally corrupt, fellow politicians." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 27, 2018
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"A couple who prays and sings together love forever." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 26, 2018
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"One day, together, they (Sara D-C, Gloria MA and Imee M) will rule the nation. They'll make a new chapter, LET ALONE, re-create and rewrite THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 26, 2018
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"It needs someone with IRON FISTS to lead and restore broken matters to order." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 26, 2018
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"He's wearing his badge of compassion in the right sleeve." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 25, 2018 on PRRD
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"A leader has the loneliest place to live... it's true." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 25, 2018
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"Some rain drops in the wrong places. Some places are denied of that much needed rain thereof. Yes, that's how bad drought hits AUSTRALIA... time and time, after time ... again and again and again. It's heartbreaking to see farm animals dying in a parched paddocks. I say this because I witnessed it at the outback sometime in wintertime of 2015." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 24, 2018
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"PRRD is bold in risking his life and presidency in fighting the oligarchs. He knew what his battle would entail. All I could say, his presidency comes as a precedence due to the power of Divine Intervention. That's a miracle per se. He's a David with a slingshot against the power of Goliath." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 24, 2018
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"The sort of attitude, behaviour and character the BIBLE unlocked (gossiping, whinging, enviousness, stealing, lying, corruptness, etc). The modern Living humans who are as flawed as them are just a MIRROR IMAGE of them." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 23, 2018
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"The earth, after all, was pure paradise before humans subdued it." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 22, 2018
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"Wolves are portrayed as devils. Angels are portrayed as harmless. Consider this: there is an angel called DEATH." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 21, 2018
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"My mother was educated by American teachers in her time. She had a very good command of English. Yet she was only Year 6. What I admired in her most was her ability to read and sing complicated musical notes without musical instruments.' ~Leah C. Dancel, July 19, 2018
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"My love of poetry was influenced by my mother. She taught me to appreciate it along with many other forms of art like music, painting, writing, that extend beyond the norms of daily grind like cooking, and gardening. She was a very gifted and talented woman. Regretfully, I didn't get many of her abilities. But I have managed to learn to appreciate my own limitations and just feeling contented about it." ~Leah c. Dancel, July 19, 2018
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"My sense of identity is bit of a shamble. My parents were born from two different provinces with each own ethnicity and language. They married outside their home births and nested in different places somewhere in the southern island. I was born in a place where I can't even call it my own, let alone home. No one knew me there. And I never grew up there except on few childhood years. I speak a few dialects. Having spent most of my adolescent years in Lanao made me identify myself there. It's quite confusing and a mixed-up. Lost identity? ~Leah C. Dancel, July 18, 2018
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"Family is the core of the society. Everything begins there. How our parents brought us up; how our intellects were instilled, our characters were moulded , our spirituality nurtured, our interactions within were developed.... that's how our individual person become once exposed to a new environment called Society." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 12, 2018
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"Nothing can substitute an old school wisdom. But the millenials frown the "unscientific" knowledge of the olds that saved more lives than the modern commercial medicines." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 July 2018
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"Our thoughts are unspoken words. Once, they're out, they can be measured against us. Anything we preponderate or things we pre-meditate will either conceive and produce a good or unfavourable outcome." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 8, 2018
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"The Blossom of Time indeed.... I pray to get inspiration from your daughter's beauty to write a poem based on your suggested title itself. Not only that, it's that pulchritude that springs within like eternal." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 3, 2018 on Jollee Baeyen daughter's Roxanne winning the Crown Miss Silka in Baguio City
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"I wish I could speak The language of your heart and mind that I don't need to ask Dr. Google." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 July 2018
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"He is One respectful leader who doesn't shove his religion down your throat, but you can't disagree with his thoughts." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 2, 2018 on Dalai Lama
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"Before you close your eyelids at bedtime....
And the minute you open your eyes as you wake up...
In between those moments ... morning till night"
Photo: Grabbed from YouTube
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"Masafumi Nagasaki's docastaway story is a beautiful story of survival: living, loving and protecting Nature. His wisdom transcends time. We need more people IIke him to protect what God has purposed in His creation. I got mixed feelings as I listened to him spoke." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 29, 2018 on Masafumi Nagasaki living in the island for 30 years.
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"If just for one day I could be invisible or fly, I'd choose to... be a Magic Snow Queen, so I could make everyone on FB hibernate... and deliver them from STRESS of any kind. " ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 June 2018
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"When my little sweet boy of 3 came to visit Grandma in her little home, he gave his all .... hugs and kisses that all he knows what to please his old granny. Isn't Grandma-hood the most rewarding job on earth?" ~Leah C. Dancel, June 21, 2018
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"I'm glad that there are people in my country who still care so much in maintaining the ecology. What more God's bounty they can enjoy without destroying His creation." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 21, 2018
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"I enjoy peace and quiet. The only noise I experience is when I log in to my FB." ~LC Dancel, June 20, 2018
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"Some paths we are treading are rugged and steep that may even lead us to the cliffs and ravines. The next thing you know, it even lead others to a point of no return. That's a painful one." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 19, 2018
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"VIVID SYDNEY is getting better and better each year. It was perfectly organised. The transport system and the flow of spectators were orderly. The Police Officers were everywhere to keep the safety of the people and oversee Peace and Order. The weather is as twice as harmonious to a balmy night and to a well-disciplined crowd. I'm very proud of the entire Event Management. I give it 10/10. Well done Sydney. You did it again!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 June 2018
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"Only people who walked the same path the oppressed had trodden can emphatise with the downtrodden." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 14, 2018
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"There's more FREEDOM and HAPPINESS in being SINGLE. Just re-align your perspectives and priorities in life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 June 2018, on broken-heartedness.
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"I was game on with my ex. No drama. I gave him his FREEDOM and LIBERTY to CHEAT more - to himself. Then I felt the FREEDOM to SING as loud as I COULD - to be BORN FREE!!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 June 2018 on what it feels to be Independent when your ex cheats you.
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"Sometimes one stroke of a human flaw can wipe out all the good deeds of a good man. People just love to delve and dwell on other's flaws." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 June 2018
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"Our last farewell to Lee. Peach Roses and Purple Irises... to send off with all our love and tears for the profound memories you left behind. Even the wind stood still. And the cold weather melted being warmed by your immortal smiles conveyed by those immaculate dense cumulus clouds with sun rising in the epicentre of the blue sky. A symbol of your spiritual presence as we laid you to your final resting place." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 7, 2017
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"Good Samaritans are instruments of other peoples' success. "Opportunity knocks once" as the saying goes. When genuinely offered, give it a thought, and take it with no buts and ifs. And be ready to concede with earnest humility and make a compromise to sacrifice personal duties and comfort; and be thankful. Those who endures to the end win. One of mine accepted that challenge. And she triumphed, not without tears." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 2, 2018
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"Our personal trials, blunders and mistakes taught us humility. Faith and trust in our ability and capability by others encouraged us to build our self-confidence. Success and triumph over adversity make us grateful persons." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 2, 2018
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"We saw how you conquered life's challenges without complaints.
We saw how you climbed the mountains with steeped impossibilities.
We saw your hidden agony, unwiped tears, and
We saw your opened laughters
You made it Mate!
You've done it!
Well done Girl
Well done!
We're so proud of you!"
~Leah and Noemi Dancel
On Lily's Graduation Day
31 May 2018
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🌼💖🌸🌻🌺🌹🌷
"A big CONGRATULATIONS to my daughter Lily on her Graduation Day! What a momentous day for everyone and a memorable night to be had by all!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 May 2018
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"If the world leaders will just abandon their warring spirit and encourage people instead to doing things what you're doing, this surely will bring complete peace and goodwill for men to dwell on earth." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 May 2018 on Nightscape Images
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"As you get older, procrastination is a temptation. Things you can do today are being put off to another (many) days." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 25, 2018
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"There's always rumour on wars. I heard that since I was a child. Yet, wars never end in rumours only. They happen every day.... Aside from the family, FB is one battleground I know of having wars day in, and day out. The nuclear war on a global scale is inevitable and is to happen yet. Live or perish." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 25, 2018
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"Today is my late Mother's 37th Death Anniversary." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 16, 2018
♥*✿*•♥
"Well, I miss the snow. I only brought home one Rockery plant from Lily, three postcards purchased from Orange Post Office, a couple of home baked Bagel bread, and the freezing temperature from the mountain. It was sad to see the naked trees up there burned down three months ago during the surging height of a fiery summer. The fire that razed the beautiful Mt. Canobolas was treated suspicious." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 16, 2018
♥*✿*•♥
"Thank you Readers and Visitors for coming, or stopping by ... I hit 450 views yesterday which is a big bonus for this humble quotes blog. I genuinely appreciate your visit." ~Leah C. Dancel, Blog Administrator, May 16, 2018
♥*✿*•♥
"Mother's Day was co-celebrated by two families in one sitting, a collaboration of two brothers. It was our second time since 2012 which was held in Katoomba of the Blue Mountains. This time the husband of the other mother joined us with the addition of one of their family members. It was a joyful gathering held at home of the host with simple food to share and happy conversation to go with. No booze, no alcohol, no dessert even. Mrs. W. C. gave me five beautiful colourful scarves." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 13, 2018
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"It was good to be away from the mundane routine of the city, feeling unwell and sick aggravated by the instability of the weather and irregularity of the season; plus that irritating chem trail spray that covers the oftentimes cloudless blue sky above our head as we walk by the street. It's good to feel and breathe in pure air from the mountains. The country view of the hillsides in Brown and Green are dominated by the presence of the sheep and the adorable and cute little lambs prancing here and there beside the Ewes. It's Lambie Season! I also spied goats, cows and deers along the way." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 13, 2018
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"Orange is bursting with colours. Once called an Apple Country, it was renamed the Colour City. This place is well-known for its avenues and streets lined up with colour changing foliages. They make the town/city come alive in Central West (Tablelands) at Autumn Time." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 12, 2018
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"Heavy downpours overpowered the snow. Nothing was left for me to see when I arrived Orange, a progressive country town/city in Central West, four hours drive from the big smoke of Sydney. It's home to the famous classic Australian poet Andrew 'Banjo' Patterson who popularised "Waltzing Matilda" and "The Man from the Snowy River". ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11, 2018
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Sometimes life hides its meaning either in words or pictures.
Dream - Hearse
To see a hearse in your dream indicates that you are moving into a new phase. You need to carry away and let go of some unfinished issues. Start taking action and making the necessary changes that will carry you into a new transitional level.
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My Story: May 10, 2018 (7:30am)
Last night or perhaps, sometime in the ephemeral sheet between dawn till the wee hour of this morning, I suddenly woke up to find that my neighbour's door is wide open and empty. And the entrance glass door in the foyer is as wide open as well. Safely as I could see, I say that the door is not there anymore.
Then I saw a hearse, empty but carrying tall wreaths of beautiful fresh roses of assorted varieties and colours. More of vibrant air than gloominess. There was no driver in it, but I saw it coming in the pathway and stopping right outside by the empty unit of my neighbour across my foyer's side door.
Then I noticed that the footpath became a one way street whereby there were brand new houses lining up protected by a uniform white fence all through the end.
I went out to investigate what was going on for I barely go outside and hardly seen by my neighbours. When I saw one neighbour to whose face I didn't see in my dream, I asked, "why, what happened to Larry?"
"He died," the neighbour replied. "He died of heart attack."
That's when I woke up.
~Leah C. Dancel, May 10, 2018
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"I'd been complimented about being a strong woman many times, including my two adult daughters. When they said that, it made me more sentimental and wanted to cry than to smile. Then I told them, if only you could see what is inside me. My heart is not there anymore." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 9, 2018
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"It's tough luck to destabilise a country with a knowledgeable President like Duterte." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 6, 2018
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"Today, the 100th Years of ANZAC DAY commemoration (2014-2018) will continue its spirit to live on. It will start with Dawn Services followed by post service breakfast, parade and will culminate with another Memorial Services all over the country in tribute to all our World Wars veterans - both men and women in uniforms." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 April 2018
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"Life is fleeting. We all live a borrowed life in transient times. Our echoes can either be in disconcordance or in harmony with how and what we are really made or purposed of. As what some friends at MySpace days said, "if we die, how are we going to be remembered? What dash would we want others to write to our name? Do we have time to hear them good or bad when we're gone? Will it matter? Yet as one hymn I am most familiar with as to the time we go, 'We know not the hour.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 April 2018
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"I love the tranquility of the place. You have poetic space there beautifully captured in lens." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 20, 2018 on The home of the rare and wonderful - Lord Howe Island's twin peak mountains as captured by Morten Ross
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"Children are the only human beings left in this world with clear conscience and common sense. Truth is embedded in their soul and etched on their face." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 7, 2018
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"The trouble is when adults act like "holier than thou" as opposed to what they do and they expect children to be prim and proper, in front of the visitors? Prayers should be lead by the Man of the House! But if you pray piously only to be heard of, in the absence of a contrite heart, then something is wrong there." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 5, 2018
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"In my opinion, one of our failings as a country is our being UNTEACHABLE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 4, 2018
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═══════════════
Photo Credit: Collector's Plant Fair, FB
"Say it with flowers even when half of the world is still dreaming.
Soon they'll reopen their beauty to the thrill of the coming sunrise.
As it rises and beams its soft glowing rays
To the coolness of the morning mist
Showering their cheeks with kisses."
~Leah C. Dancel
March 29, 2018
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"The best episode of Australia's ABC QandA program recorded at ABC Ultimo Studio. Great to be part of the audience with Rado Gatchalian of DU30 Correspondents. Watch for Michael Sandel, American Political Philosopher on a public discourse about "Democracy in Action" hosted by Tony Jones on ABC Channel 21 and iView telecast on Monday 26, 2018 at 9:35pm." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 25, 2018
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"Given our personal surrounding, it is a good idea to turn our interest to writing. As I've heard before, there are only two reasons why we write: when we're in love, or/and, when we're in pain. We experience this thing over and over ... time and again. My children keep pushing me to write, so I can be productive in my aloneness. Those messages I've been sending away to anyone, I keep them too in my personal journal." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2018
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"The sunrise looked beautiful in this bright morning when I woke up. I opened the glass doors and the window curtains to let the sunshine in, and, as the fresh air was freely coming in, I loved to savour its breezy scent." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2018
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"Thank you for keeping an eye on me while I was walking alone last night. Though our street is exceptionally quiet and safe, the presence of the church in the area makes me feel more secure even at nighttime. I always think that God is in His Holy Temple." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2018
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"The leaves of the trees at the back haven't started changing colours yet. Soon my backyard will look like a carpet of coloured mess. Though it won't be as spectacular as ours in Orange, where we lived for 15 years before coming down to the Big Smoke." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2018
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"Miminsan ka lang makakita ng taong matatag humarap sa katotohanan at tatanggapin ito ng buong puso, ngunit tahimik na tatalikod alang alang sa mapayapang paghihiwalay." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2018
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"The husband is the anchor and the sail. The wife provides the balance so when the storm comes, both strength combined can overcome the odds and prevent the boat from capsizing." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 23, 2018 on HOW TO UNDERSTAND A MAN
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"A song is poetry with notes you can sing with." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 22, 2018
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"I would never allow the wrong people back into my life again. I forgive them but they can stay where they are. Good for my peace of heart and mind." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 22, 2018
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"Something to learn how politics become a dirty game!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 12,2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"When you can't sleep and you think Insomnia is bugging you. Suddenly, someone's status took you by storm:
Today marks 4 weeks without sugar. Also, no meat, dairy, flour, or caffeine. I'm running 2 miles every morning and working out every day. I feel fantastic! This whole gluten-free, vegan, low calorie diet is really working for me. I don't know who's status this is, but I was really proud of them so I decided to copy and paste it.Boy, wasn't I caught by that folly?" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 8, 2018
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"PRRD is their soulmate. No politics and trash in him. They see his works in Davao. They see in PRRD what fits in their eyes. Their handshakes are handshakes of trust and confidence in him." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 7, 2018'on Davaoenios
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"That walk on the beach... my alone time to ruminate about life... its rights and what went wrong, still thankful I live to this day. There I soak myself in poetic thoughts washing away the hurts and pains in my life with healing portion coming from the salty waves by the sea." ~Leah C. Dance like, March 2, 2018
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"I do look at people and speak to them through the lens of my eyes and give them a smile. More often than not, they seem to automatically smile back. That's a wonder!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 26, 2018
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"Smooth and velvety
Blue Moon is her name
Sweet as a red rose
Its beauty rises to fame."
~Leah C. Dancel
February 25, 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"My friend promised to pick me up at Oklahoma City International airport only to be told to take another plane to Love Field Dallas Airport in Texas. I really loved that adventure flying solo over there in the night. The city was all bright with neon lights. No wonder they say America is called a powerful country... so much energy power to waste on. Then Lia arrived and we got home to their beautiful place at 10pm. I want to do it again!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 25, 2018 (reminiscing)
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"When I was younger, I read a lot of articles on Women's health. Then I came across about PMT and it says it's ruled by evil hormones and can be controlled. I kept it in mind. Anyway, I didn't have much of that problem for one reason or another. Even in two pregnancies I never had any erratic behaviour at all. I only became erratic after two childbirths when my babies and I were treated like shits by someone who was supposed to be there to provide us care and protectIon." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 25, 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"The nonchalant attitude of "I don't care anymore" by the Filipinos was due perhaps to the numbing and damning uncontrollable influx of political oligarchs in the country which contributed to the never ceasing constitutional over-flaws. Just look at how the bicameral institutions are being run. Who mans them and who minds them? They themselves are slaves of their own trade, which is? Right, "money making trade". Politics become their getting rich quick machinery that people have no hands on with. As you have said: "rotten system". One day, the table will turn on our favour. Meanwhile, our young generations need to be rescued from the claws of the vultures being penetrated by immoral politicians. They have been overly manipulated by." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 February 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"From nowhere
A shadow sows
A seed of dream;
In summer,
it turns into a tiny bud.
A simple bud pushes through
The stem as dawning passes away
And the sun creeps through the sky.
How it creates beauty
As gently and as softly
In a blossom of time;
Becoming a golden bride
Of A Dream Yonder."
~Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2018 Australia
20 February 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"It's a wrong notion for anyone to say they get wiser as they get older. Because I find myself still learning, in fact, there's a lot more to learn. Lessons never end, and some are never learned, whether you're one year old or 100 years old! Human behaviour alone is a broad subject to tackle per se! I have so many WHYS and I can't stop questioning the WORLD!" ~Leah C. Dancel, February 18, 2018
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"The nonchalant attitude of "I don't care anymore" by the Filipinos was due perhaps to the numbing and damning uncontrollable influx of political oligarchs in the country which contributed to the never ceasing constitutional over-flaws. Just look at how the bicameral institutions are being run. Who mans them and who minds them? They themselves are slaves of their own trade, which is? Right, "money making trade". Politics become their getting rich quick machinery that people have no hands on with. As you have said: "rotten system". One day, the table will turn on our favour. Meanwhile, our young generations need to be rescued from the claws of the vultures being penetrated by immoral politicians. They have been overly manipulated by." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 February 2018
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"I used to look after two elderly ladies both in their past 90's. One was agile until she got a fall, and was forced to be taken to a Nursing Homeu only to die. She died rebelling that her sense of independence was taken away from her as she was used to living ALONE on her own; and I having lived one door away from her had witnessed that stubborn determination of loving her space and independence. She died two or three weeks soon as she was moved in there, apparently not feeling happy. I attended Mum Mona's funeral somewhere in Central Coast.....
The second elderly lady I looked after was far more gentle and with uncondescending spirit. It brought me joy and pleasure to serve her when she showed appreciation by eating the food I prepared for her at her own choice. As her GP would have it said, she literally didn't eat any food for a year prior to my take over. She died in the hospital when she was admitted for flu and later diagnosed with pneumonia. She died when I wasn't around with her. By special request, I went to visit her not knowing it was my last to see her and hers to live on earth. With me was a bunch of fresh flowers and a get well card. When I went to her ward, her bed was empty. That left me puzzled why she wasn't there. Then I was told that she was transferred to another room. I found the room, and there she was! She was surrounded by her family, crying. Seeing them in that scenario, one thing definite came to my mind: the room she was moved in to was a room called a point of no return. It was her final hour, by her side were her beloved family. Consciously knowing that present circumstances, I thought it best not to intrude in their sacred family privacy. (Though later, Mary, the eldest daughter told me I could have go in). So I slowly bent down on my knees, dropped the flowers and a get well card on the floor at her door, unnoticed. Then I walked away quietly. Tears found their way flowing on my face and heartache in my heart for the sweetest lady I'd ever met in Australia whom I fondly called Mum Rosemary." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 17, 2018, IN MEMORIAM
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"I have witnessed death far too many times in my life. Hospital or out of hospital. I saw my father lying dead on his bed at home. He was already gone before I arrived home after receiving notice at work from my favourite sister-in-law. He died shortly after he was being prayed for as if that was the last moment he waited for. I held my hands over his head down to his face and his eyes were completely closed. It was the same with my mother who was already taken in the hospital morgue due to a dreadful vehicular accident that took her life. I witnessed my own, shouldn't miracle didn't happen. Death... is simply the end of point of no return. Some are painless. Some are painful. Some are quick. Some from death came back to life, like that story of our old neighbour. On his second death, it was forever when his journey on earth was completed." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 17, 2018 on Rolaiza Mimi Singayao's I SEE DEAD PEOPLE.
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"I appreciate ALONENESS where my bathtub of silence is filled." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 February 2018
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"When you're in that mood past midnight with only a niggling heat for an inspiration and a nice cuppa to burn your fury..." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 13, 2018
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"We do learn from our enemies. It could be about a discovery of how vile they can be." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 11, 2018
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"Fight a good fight. But there's no use fighting with a fool." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 11, 2018
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"The rumour mill is grinding of the looming WWIII. While I have no intention of becoming a darkling advocate, it has been said that when it happens you can run for your life, but there's nowhere to hide. Then I discover that there's such a place I can hide: a Wombat's pouch." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 10, 2018 on humour
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"After watching the video - What would happen if all humans disappeared?
My answer:"
It's possible. After all, how many ancient cities were buried and excavated? Humans are dying now. Not just physical death but spiritual death as well. What man made, man destroys. The world exists in circular order: up, down and sidewise. The years may come and go, move, advance and forward; while morality erodes. All in all, everything is under the control of God. He has the ultimate remote control in His hands. One click, one touch, You Go! No turning back. Either to Kingdom come or to the brimstone of fires.~Leah C. Dancel, February 6, 2018
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"God gives rewards to the faithful. A ripen good old age is one amongst them. So many are getting sidetracked and are caught in the world... that includes me. Balance is the key." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 4, 2018
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"Is UP becoming a Sorry State University? Where's the "Class"? Where's the so-called "scholarly intelligence?" The stream of media is overflowing of meanness that the millenials are quick to embrace and adapt." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 3, 2018 on Scholars' Rally against the Government who support their education through peoples' tax.
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"You may find it hard to explain a poem, but if you personally happen to travel their road of thoughts, the understanding will itself emit from within your heart.." ~Leah C. Dancel, On poets, February 2, 2018
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"It's a man's ingenuity that can save life." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 1, 2018
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"When meaty thoughts are substantiated with experience in living up to what we say; words and deeds do go together if we aspire for harmony amongst humanity in consonance to our surrounding. Sometimes they may not be compatible depending on certain factors and circumstances, but it's up to us as individuals who will make the ultimate difference." ~Leah C. Dancel, February 1, 2018
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"When I was 5-years old, I used to sneak out from our house; climb up the hill to go to where my older brother's school was. There I would peek by the open latticed-window to listen to what the kids were learning. The teacher noticed my almost everyday presence that she eventually allowed me inside the classroom." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 31, 2018
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"Follow your own peace and keep your sanity intact. Preserve your heart from pain and mind from anguish. You don't need it. Just go back to where it was... it may afflict you for awhile... but in the long term, it is for your own good health and well-being in giving yourself that favour. Go in peace, thus my constant reminder to myself." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 31, 2018
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"Her light shines brightly like a star on a noonday!" ~Leah C. Dancel, January 25, 2018 on Mocha Uson Blog (Presidential entourage to India)
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"A country's progress unopposed means prosperity. A country who enslaves its own people is doomed to failure." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 January 2018
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"I am a strong advocate of "good health; where health is wealth" through the food we eat. The qualitative dimension of good food lies in its freshness, availability and affordability. And I still have in mind the simple pyramid of the 7 Basic Food Groups that I learned at school in Home Economics. I grew up in a rural environment where home gardening for growing vegetables was part of our living regimen. We raised our own poultry for meat and chicken and ducks were fed on corn kernels and vegetables grown organically. Depending on where we were stationed, there was even a time we raised goats and ducks. City food didn't impress me at all. But I cooked, so nutrition was and is still is of paramount importance as part of my kitchen rules. I studied Pharmacy, so I can understand the apathy and prejudice about commercial medicines to which I agree could result to a negative impact on our health. Food consumed for the right reason is the most effective nature's medicine. Nothing can beat that. It's no wonder why the things we need to eat to help prolong our life are even mentioned in the Bible." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 22, 2018
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"The best prayer is humility put into practice." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 21, 2018
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"Suspicious act is not far from the truth: planned, pre-meditated, strategic rebounds to no avail, the devil's claws are getting longer and sharper." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 18, 2018
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"Everyone is Jewish. Even the Filipinos are Jewish. Try doing the wrong thing there, let alone betray someone and they'll tell you straight on your face without blinking: Hudeo Ka!" ~Leah C. Dancel, On NAS Daily re:DNA, humour is in my blood; January 16, 2018
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"Years ago the flowers were shy and looked almost like flat tires. These days, their petals burst into calyx. Time have changed." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 15, 2018
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"Nature has the element of empowerment. And we know who the POWER behind that energising matter." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 January 2018
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"In organic farming, farmers plant flowering plants that attract bees and butterflies. This encourages pollination and promote the harmony of growth amongst the plants and these beautiful creatures. At home in Orange, where I planted Sunflowers hoping to gather seeds for propagation, the birds harvested them before the seeds become matured. Those naughty birds saw to it that they had their best interest being served first. Sunflowers and fruits in the trees, I didn't care. It was a delightful experience watching them feasting in the abundance of nature." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 January 2018
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"It takes a week, a month, a year to earn a living; and only one day to spend it all." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 January 2018
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In the morning I shall rise
Thanking God for All His Might
By His provision I shall live
In His protection I am safe.
~Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2018 All Rights Reserved
12 January 2018
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"My country is gone. I've lost it in as much as it has lost me. Nothing was the same anymore when I went home. It was no longer the place it used to be. It got disoriented, chaotic and too much fracas of disorderliness and everything under the sun that disfigured it. Until ONE singular brave SOUL came who is trying his best to mend and patch up the brokenness, dislocated, seared, torn and wounded nation by corrupt, greedy, wretched men in powers." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 January 2018 on PRRD
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"Sorry to see you go. But you took us to the many spots in my country that even "the angels are afraid to tread" so to speak. You're one dare devil who broke the spell of black magic, figuratively speaking, that dimmed our hopes by showing us the best of your positive vibes that brought us many memories of our dear old and beautiful Philippines and re-living the goodness in us. Bless you Kulas wherever you are and hope you'll go back there again. I'm looking forward to your published Travelogue of my Philippines." ~Leah C. Dancel, On Kyle Kulas Jennermann founder of BecomingFilipino from Canada, January 12, 2018
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"'Sarcasm is healthy and it adds years to your life', so I heard. Will this statement add years to mine? Because based on someone's post, I was thinking of similarity between politicians/voters and church makers/church goers. Politicians live in mansion while voters live in ghetto. I think it's no different from how church makers go richer and church goers make poorer. That's how power grips to subdue Fact and truth which is beyond sarcasm." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 January 2018
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"In 2011, when I was in Baguio City attending a church feast, there was this lady member who kept looking at me. One morning before the service started, I had a brief chat with the church pastor's wife when this lady sat nearby and really looked hard at me smiling. Perhaps she could no longer contain her curiosity, she asked me: "are you really 61 years old? Maybe you don't have problems." I was choked with her surprising comment, nevertheless I just smiled and couldn't say a word. The Pastor's wife broke my silence and told the lady, "of course she got problems, who doesn't? Only she knew how to handle them." If there's another chance I can go back again, I will look for that lady. Sorry that I forgot or didn't make an effort to ask her name." ~Leah C. Dancel, In my reminiscing mode, January 11, 2018
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"I've learned the tomato cure for burns from my mother. Now I learned something new from Tetz that the best cure is flour, preferably cold flour. It even leaves no scar of burned wounds. And no pain." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 January 2018 on remedy for burns
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"There is no country ruled by Catholicism that is prosperous. Don't count Rome and Italy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2018, comment on THE RISE OF THE PHILIPPINE OLIGARCHY & POLITICAL DYNASTIES (PART 1) by Caloy Bueno
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"Lightning and rain on a roll call in my dawn time dreaming." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 8, 2018
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"Staying positive is like a day that never grows dim." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 January 2018 on Sunny Disposition by Don McKinley
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"I remember very well my teachers who have positive impact in my life. My number one teachers first and foremost were my own parents and my Auntie Merriam Oliva Casis, wherever she is." ~Leah C. Dancel, January 2, 2018
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END OF 2017
"In the absence of a Diary, I keep my journal on my mind. Write my thoughts in the tablet of my heart. If I can bear a bad hair day, I just comb it with a smile. If I can bear it more than enough, I let out a good laugh. Pen, paper, envelope, postage and postmark makes a chorale band in tying my journalled notion, dream, illusion and vision. Or even some unsolicited nightmares. A line a day, a paragraph?... If possible, I just want something pleasant. The best life to live is one which is rich with love and peace. Cheers!" ~Leah C. Dancel, Dec 31, 2017
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"Food sustains our survival." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 30, 2017
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"'Auld Lang Syne' befits the translation of "old long since" 'a cup of kindness' was the trend in those "days gone by". Today, we heard more of "bowl of hostilities" spread across the world and throughout many lands, the skies and the air; killing, if not leaving humanities dying. It's being whipped with cream of pseudo peace and truce in the name of humanmade tradition called "peace on earth, goodwill to all men" which is not universally happening." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 30, 2017
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"Music is my best companion. I go for classicals; I don't have to worry about the lyrics." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 28, 2017
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"My watch is the sun, unless it's dark, stormy and gloomy." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 24, 2017 on wristwatches
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"You will not get confused if you do not entertain other confusing matters. Satan is confusing you with sweet words. Honey is very enticing to the mouth. It's you who need to get away from all these confusions. Meditate." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 24, 2017
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"Sometimes I often wonder para que na may batas. Yong philosophy na Sed lex dura lex na yan... is abused at the helm of the maker, executioner and dispenser." ~Leah C. Dancel, Dec 21, 2017 on Evidence
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"Stirs up memory ... as I was privileged to visit his homebirth. The house where Albert Einstein was born is now occupied by a community square (plaza) and a statue of his bust was erected in his honour." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 14, 2017 on Albert Einstein
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"I'm accustomed to being alone through many years around this time. Much as I'm personally and silently sharing and grieving for those who met misfortunes this year, much as I wish everyone Good Will, I do not keep or observe the festive season you're having. Please be safe and be well." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 24, 2017
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"My To Do List:
Meditate.~Leah C. Dancel, December 23, 2017
Clear up your mind.
Keep praying.
Stay focus on your priorities.
Look into the future.
Follow your dreams.
Be loving.
Take care of your heart.
Listen to your inner voice.
Obey instructions.
Gain wisdom from experience.
Embrace your family.
Help the helpless.
Be grateful.
Life is good.
God is Love.
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"Only people who have trodden the un-passable path can relate and understand what it is to survive a hard knock life. I was there before. But, Life is a tapestry of miracles." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 22, 2017
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"In the beauty of her soul
In the beauty of her heart
In the beauty of her mind
In the beauty of her friendship
Trusting, knowing, loving, understanding
Lives the fullness of her whole being."
~Leah C. Dancel, December 17, 2017 on Irene Mocalłay
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"Sorry is not enough and cannot recompense the irreparable damage done. Let's just hope for due justice to be dispensed in favour of those who were wronged. Lives lost are unredeemable by human power." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 December 2017 on Dengvaxia
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"Dream is free! A long way to go yet. In nation building, educating the underschooled would be paramount." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 14, 2017 on underprivileged, in-educated Filipinos who are under the bondage of political manipulations and oppressions
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"My espouse left, didn't bring the children, didn't support them, got nothing to do with them, bypassed them on rainy days soak and wet, married someone with MS, he's still alive, my eldest told me she wanted to get to know him better... my eyes spoke to her... he's all yours now that the crisis are over. You're free!" ~Leah C. Dancel, December 14, 2017
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"When ONE Tree shields a thousand sheep...... One of my nightmarish memory of the outback looking at those dying animals with no water to quench on under the open cruel field of burning sun. Some were lying dead on the ground at the height of a summer drought." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 13, 2017
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"May katapat ang dunong ng matanda sa matalas na talino ng bata." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 December 2017, hinggil sa Kwentong Barbero
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"I slept through the night
while the beautiful rain
softly pelted in my dreams,
copious and generous
as it fell to the ground.
I spied my garden
through the window
looking fresh and green;
and the roses once more
are blooming, beaming
wide like a grin as I
woke up in the morning.
@Leah C.Dancel
9 December 2017
Cottage Garden
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"When the evening dew bathed my face
Like a heavy shower of the morning rain
My petals curled in dark pink hue
Such irresistible beauty demurely glow."
~Leah C. Dancel
Copyright @2017
All rights reserved
Photo: Rose in Summer
9 December 2017
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"My Chilean friend, Yani Maya, gave me a pot of wattle tree as a gift when my children and I moved to a nice big rented house (at least in our humble standard). The yard both front and back were bare. I planted it in front thinking more of summer and a shade it would provide. What a surprise to see it growing so quick and flowering almost non-stop. Fancy memory without a photo. No camera. No mobile phone camera. That's regretful." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 5, 2017 a memory of Pimpala Place in Central West.
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"Sitting down among my souvenirs of Scrapbook of mementos, letters, cuttings, newsclips, and cards. When time favours ALONEness, that's where my creativity is induced. I find it quite a seductive past time." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 4, 2017
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"I suddenly remember the Supermoon that was predicted to appear tonight. I never realise it can be viewed in the northeastern sky where I live. So when I first spied it from my kitchen window, I took my iPad and aimed its camera skyward through the glass window. Then I tried it from my dining section through the glass wall. I should have done this earlier, perhaps the moon would look bigger. Very bright indeed! The one a little above the light post was taken inside my abode as it's inching higher towards the centre of the earth." ~Leah C. Dancel, on midnight viewing of Supermoon, December 4, 2017
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"When your morning looks sullen at 18degrees after yesterday's scorching temper - and you treat yourself to a Tim-tam mode with creamy coffee to match the sky. Good morning World!" ~Leah C. Dancel, on crazy climate change, December 3, 2017
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"I trust PRRD's diligence, patience and persistence- that the PATH he leads us through will take us not just anywhere, but SOMEWHERE we can find ourselves. It's slowly emerging now. Slowly but surely. There are still thistles on the way that need to be cut off. Like beheading those ... heads." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 30, 2017
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"I would imagine PRRD virtually screaming for everyone to stop. Stop from being stupid, to stop bickering, finger-pointing, arguing. He wants everybody to SHUT UP and help him solve the never ending problems that plagued the nation that he inherited from the old rotten and derelict regime of Aquino. He wants each one to CLEAN their own backyard. He is not GOD; he cannot solve ALL the Problems of the country which was poorly governed by the previous administration. He wanted CHANGE like everyone else. But CHANGE doesn't and CANNOT HAPPEN overnight. Most of all, CHANGE must come from within US. People talk too much, criticise him, slander him, while he WORKS non stop." ~Leah C. Dancel, On PRRD November 30, 2017
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"I genuinely like the way YOU THINK! I like the WAY you Present YOUR argument. You have stood your ground. You stay where your ground is. I like you when your post is likeable. I comment when I find it comforting to comment especially on matters that directly hit us or concern us being a Mindanaoanon. We knew, we experienced life there that others can only opine. I don't like RIDING on either. I simply find people with interesting personalities and it shows where they feel privileged to show. Keep going Mate. You're no smaller than any atoms to the molecules of them that stir the water with pebbles that causes ripples." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 November 2017 on Bryan Ng Co
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"Hope is getting stronger for humanity to lean on as we keep holding onto the anchor of faith that there is tomorrow to follow when the stormy night is over." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 25, 2017
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"I actually didn't let that experience get through my head for some unconscious reason. What was in my sense was survival. Hence, as a teenage girl growing in those environments, two things came to mind why I never wanted to go big, fat or obese: so I could run fast, and I didn't need to change wardrobe. I wore the same clothes throughout for as long as I can remember because we couldn't afford. Now, I can look back and just mused over that part of my memory." ~Leah C. Dancel, my memory of Ganassi, Lanao del Sur on its warring tribes as a response to Rolaiza Mimi Singayao's fox holes thread, November 25, 2017
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"The sun rises in the morning. Then it goes down at sunset. So with everything. Humans, animals, things - animate or inanimate. Even the watch or clock that gives us time stops. So is power, be it human or electrical. Kingdoms rise and falł. Governments change. Climate changes. No man on earth can grip to his power in the world forever, no matter how rich or influential he is. Their final curtain falls when the time is up." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 November 2017 on European Leadership
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"The gloom continues to dominate the sky, but at least more fresh cold air is coming in to keep my home refreshed. The plants are happy being watered everyday. Sad for the old Palm Tree in our vicinity as low rainfall isn't giving it enough soaking. Now it's looking half-thriving. It won't be long too that the Jacaranda Tree will be covered with green foliage to give us some shade in the summer." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 November 2017
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The Dawn looks serene and the air is soft and refreshing. The veil of darkness slowly rises - a curtain opening to a new day.Ruminating... the years gone by... Just wondering how one soul had bravely went out to walk alone in her solitary company hours before dawn time to travel to work. There were fears to be subdued and courage to grasp; praying for a throng of Angels to watch over her until she reached her destined place to safety and back. Alone, waiting for the train to come in a seemly dimmed station, quivering in the cold unholiness of the wee hour.
That particular part of memory has recently been re-enacted during a day trip to a "meeting place" called Kamberra, for what is known today as Canberra, the Federal Capital City of Australia." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 November 2017
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"I'm a Mom. I worked when my children needed me most to be with them at home when they woke up in the morning, and when they went to sleep at night. But work I must to meet our needs for survival: home, bills, food and school, etc. Our hard knock life taught us so much lessons about resilience. We can only appreciate when others showed us their sense of compassion, consideration and understanding. We all tried and did our best, my children and I." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 November 2017
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“An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a cabbage, concludes that it makes a better soup.” ~H.L. Mencken, A Book of Burlesques
Of all the quotes and stories of roses
This line I opt to choose for merry posies
Don't cast on me that nasty look
Lest I'll pluck your eye balls with a hook.
Methink it's funny that my roses
Be made into a gourmet soup
Poor Queen cabbage was left to groan
And I bemusing over her empty throne.
@Leah C. Dancel's amusing thought on a rainy twilight
November 18, 2017
"Life is music. And music with lyrics, sound and harmony is better. Some are noises, but they're still music. Like the noisy sound of crickets." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 18, 2017
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"In life people are meant to live so they may write their story not on the sand to be washed ashore but in the ocean of memory. It's indeed fitting why I feel you deserve a birthday present from Down Under. And you are surrounded by wonderful people, family, friends and strangers like me. The stars in the sky surely illuminate for you." ~Leah C. Dancel, Nov 12, 2017 on Caloy Bueno's birthday
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"All that bulls. We'd been eating candies when we were children. And we never heard those stupidities, but only in this modern mad era. All these problems that arise without out doubt have something to do with commercialism and consumerism. Fact!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 15, 2017 on Candies and Diabetes
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"I will be happy enough to set foot on a land where the first English migrants from Norfolk were transported there. If for anything, I'll be feeling much on high heavens to see its pristine regions of natural beauty! That's why I love Australia so much because I can see how the wonderful hands of our Creator the way He created this country with so much dynamics and diversities." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 November 2017 on Tasmania
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"There's no sunshine on a rainy day. Thanks the rain came at last! Hope our farmlands at the outback are getting some too! Those animals roaming in the open tracks need their daily drinks. It's too parched out there and sheep are dying!" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 6, 2017
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"Truth can never be hidden. It's like a smoke that gets through the crack." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 2, 2017
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"Two women in my life outside my mother taught me this:
My boss told me: it takes time to know people.
My professor said: I'm married to my husband for 30 years, I still don't know him."
~Leah C. Dancel, November 2, 2017
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"A principled man gains respect from true friends at the same time courts enemies to those who do not share his belief he strongly stands for." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 2, 2017
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"Digital Age - everything the filmdom fast forwarded on the screen has come alive! It's no longer an illusionary visions and inventions, but real! However, much as what the digital technocrats envisioned in their own time capsule, the world has bowed down to its worldwide web power and are caught up in its whirlpool of technological vagaries. That's Globalisation and Internationalism. Their intents were magnanimous, but the consumers were varied in their pursuits of patronage and patronisation. That's Devolution, Marketisation, and Netization combined. The network involve is as complex as that of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Everything is endlessly wired up, interlinking axons and neurons to another and in the long process, causing the system to become nucleolytic, where its functions are no longer restrictive. Truth and deception it seems, are to be inevitably part of that system. Even the legality of the scheme is vehemently distorted. Information and disinformation are the only two distinct components available in this digital age for as long as this earth belongs to or under a human government as a whole. That's my digitalic point of view of this millennial age. Thanks Mr. Bueno for helping me dig deeper that I came up to this weird world of self-thinking." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 27, 2017 on Carlos Silverio Bueno's Digital Age
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"Thought provoking as much as intriguing. I always believe that eras, periods, and historical timetables are endless recycle of events both in religious and political spheres. Both have parties of differing beliefs and principles coming to meet in one umbrella called "Sanhedrin" or "Council". That's exactly what the ancient (royal rulership) and modern governments were and patterned after. Much as there is safety in the multitude of councils, the ongoing disagreements and conflict of interests between two parties undeniably and inevitably will always present. Dysfunctionality of human rulership began in the Garden of Eden. It will be so till the end of time. Jesus in His earthly ministry shun politics. But not the disciples whom He left the ministerial work to continue. Each one possessed its own spirit of motivations. It's no wonder why Religion and Politics intertwine and intermingle with each other. As such "Religion is politics" and Politics is religion." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 October 2017 On Jesus Christ non-political ministry
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"Such is the tragic saga that our country was conceived the way it was. Thanks that we have a bold history-pedia Manong Digong as our President who fiercely smacked the book right on their faces and awaken us from the nightmares of colonialism. But sadly again, only a few of our younger generation can truly grasp what is really evolving in our country since the so-called "apes" generation to the "tree-dwelling primates" era of our ancestors upon which they look down upon us." ~Leah C. Dancel on JB's Historical thread, October 23, 2017
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"Though it's not your fault, I'm with you in tears, for your city had been my city. And those fearless men who lost their lives there were akin to my Father's childre, his comrades in that calling: The Defenders of Our Country." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 October 2017, on Rolaisa Mimi Singayao
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"We never know how our life will end, at what hour, and what circumstances. Are we prepared to face this reality of life when it comes knocking at our door?" ~Leah C. Dancel, October 15, 2017
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Burnt and twisted truth of justice
Eluding search for sacred peace
Why tyrants' might so high and bide
When sufferings last shall be
The end of time?
~Leah C. Dancel
October 15, 2017
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"Dimples enhanced the beauty of a deity." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 14, 2017
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"Ancient regime is better off compared to the modern reality. Yet, civilisation continues to evolve. Kingdoms or governments come and go concomitant to its rulers or leaders of the day. Going back to where this rulership originated; in the beginning, man was under the direct rule of God. Though they couldn't see Him, they could talk to Him and heard His voice. Later, humans as they were, they sinned, they transgressed. That's when they started to experience fear and His voice became a loud thunder to them they couldn't stand. That started the change from a Divine Rulership to Human Leadership when through a prophet (was it Samuel?), they demanded a human king. So King Saul was anointed to be the First King... and the rest is history through the "modern reality"... it's a cycle. We are the recycled lot suffering from the wicked leaders like the ancients suffered. 'When a good king rules the people rejoices; when a wicked leader governs the people groans'." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 11 on History and Today posted by Caloy Bueno
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"I never forget how young I am now that I'm getting old." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 October 2017
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"Roses bloom ... in the vicinity.. where a plant-loving neighbour tends." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 October 2017
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"Mature people owns their mistake when they are wrong." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 9, 2017
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"When DEATH keeps an eye on you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 October 2017 on the Eye of Hurricane Matthew
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"We have a solemn and sober looking sky this morning. So very quiet and peaceful like it is every day. No matter how the sky looks and the morning seems to feel, it is best to remind ourself to be grateful and thankful that we still wake up to see a new day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2017
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"When I was growing up, my mother used to remind us to make friends with sharp-minded old people where we could learn more to help shape and influence our sense of judgement and deepen our discernment. I grew up without barkada." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2017
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"In my younger days, we used papaya leaves as skin cleanser or exfoliant scrub each time we take a bath. Our payag was surrounded by Papayas and other plants. The green fruit we added to make Tinolang Manok is for tenderiser. Life was good and simple but healthy in those days though lacking in material indulgence." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 1, 2017
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"What a fat intelligence you've got that struck my admiration! No skinny writer can even write such interesting stuff you do. As a Pharmacist, yes, there are medications that can cause swelling. Swelling, take note, not fatness! One of them is steroids. They are stimulants. Did your Doctor or Pharmacist warn you of its side effects before you take this medication? So far in my memory, no one, not one in my school had ever ever bullied or hounded an obese fellow students in our high school days. Probably we're just a kind and respectful bunch in our time." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 September 2017 on Iwa Mahor's "I'm Not Fat, I'm Curvy"
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"Tea is best taken when you're calm, cool and collected. When you're at peace in the harmony of your own self. And when all you wanted to do is just relax, sip a cup, be contented and smile for whatever happy thoughts you may have." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 22, 2017
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"Sacrifice is a solemn word that denotes of denying oneself of comfort for a noble cause. The very solemn word to which the destabilising oppositions are so bereft of. They in turncoats of white were standing dry under the roof of UP while those whom they hire to stand for their evil cause were left outside in the open angry sky soaked in the rain. Others were tired and hungry." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 22, 2017
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"The error of your logic cannot even be found in the helm of the law if due process was being adhered to. Apparently, their show must go on. So the curtains fall on the face of disdained citizens. But soon the sun will rise again in another day, another time. It's perhaps not the time for harvest ingathering." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 21, 2017 on Mark Lopez logic as to why ABau impeachment was ditched by the House of the Congress.
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"When you become a stonewall as a saving grace for someone in disgrace." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 18, 2017
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"When travelling becomes a part of me as one foreign country adopted me like I'm one of his own flesh and blood, and who embraces with warm and dutiful-loving care. A place who makes me "Feel at Home!"
Then "I Call Australia Home!"
It was very sad when my own country didn't give me that feeling when I went home for the First Time in my 25 years of absence... with my deep seated longings for my homeland!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 17, 2017
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"RevGov or Martial Law - either of these can not warrant change at the present time. With two fences interlocking with each other, thus blocking the gate in knots after knots -impeding the flow so no one can get out, and they're all stuck in the rut of bickerings and squabblings because no one can agree to agree but agree to disagree or even worse disagree to disagree, then neither is the solution to the problems that plague the country. Stop all kinds of idolatries." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 September 2017
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"When the Golden Rule is no longer found in a human's compass, then the world gets messy every day." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 15, 2017
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"To Be Lost in Space - watch it tomorrow Australian time, September 16, 2017. Man has just a way to make and break. Why not just leave God's creation alone?" ~Leah C. Dancel, on NASA's Cassini spacecraft to soon crash into Saturn, marking end of mission, September 15, 2017
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"When someone tells you, "he's drinking his own bathwater", then it's time to go for a walk rather than doing nothing. Thus the laid back Australian larrikins would normally do." ~Leah C. Dancel, on Australian Humour, September 15, 2017
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"You have no idea how music in the wilderness are produced and played. You would absolutely get mesmerised by the sanctity of Nature's Symphony. I'm not exaggerating. I promise you, you'll love it there!" ~Leah C. Dancel, on Where's the Music?", September 15, 2017
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"Yes, my PARENTS were strict. There was openness as well. And when I became a Parent, I modified their style and adopted my own, more to LOVE, RESPECT and FRIENDSHIP." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 15, 2016
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"You can have your Mansion, your Castle or your Palace. And all the MONEY you have. I want NONE of them. All I want is Peace, Love and Harmony! I stood by my words for nearly three decades. That's INTEGRITY and I have my own brand of HUMAN RIGHT to pat my back." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 September 2017
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"Poetry is music expressed and delivered in spoken words." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 14, 2017
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"I gained education from schools of backburners. Most of what I learned came from life's experiences and common sense. But then again, I had no idea why I took Pharmacy. Many said, it was a wrong career for me. I ended up as Home E- ka Nanay instead." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 13, 2017
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"What goes up must come down." You better own your own Opinion Blog Friend. Best back-up to preserve your meaty thoughts. Deep and rich in substance, informative. I had a short stint working in a broadcasting medium and that experience though brief had opened my eyes wider (my Chinita lens got dilated) that even corruption didn't end in politics. At that time, in every core of advertisement there came an icing called "payola". As to Marcos suppression of mass media, I now come to understand why he did it. Because if he didn't, no one would know what progress he was doing. No enemy in the media was given a chance to sabotage his national achievements. Just look at what's happening now! Despite that cacophony of Marcos suppressions, not all in the entire nation really was shortchanged when it comes to highhanded crtiques of his administration. It might be true in Greater Manila Area, but not in the Visayas regions, perhaps in other parts of Mindanao as well. You see, we the people there, except for his cronies, were really being looked after into. We were always the underdogs regardless who was in power. I could sense that in Marcos time, rebellion was being built up. Today, I understand who stirred up those rebellions and why they did it! Somewhere, sometime, somehow, our history will change its facade. A conglomeration of political eras concocted in chaos, manipulation and contriving crimes of graft and corruption exacerbated by drug problems in the modern times. Good write Caloy. I'm in one accord with you in this saga of Roman Impyerno. Keep up the good humour. It adds spice to the otherwise drab and boring poltics." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 September 2017, Comment on his thread: What's wrong with Mass Media
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"I understand that children are the easy prey of these evil devices, and they believe them more than they believe their parents. The parents need to be aware and on alert about what's going on around these days and must exercise their authority as well. I'm speaking from my personal experience with my children where school teachings of social values conflict with mine. I stood my ground." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 9, 2017
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"However the innocent school children are being brainwashed, it's always the parents sole responsibility to guide their children from being swayed by these Catholic Church school teachers as peddlers of lies. Satan never tells the Truth!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 9, 2017
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"At home in Silence, but with my indefatigable Classical Music on ABC Classic FM. My firiend, my best and most trusted companion." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 9, 2017
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"There are hurricanes, earthquakes and bushfires in other countries; and in my country of birth, there is Trillanes. Our neighbour used to say, 'there are two kinds of disasters: the natural calamity and a man-made stupidity'." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 8, 2017
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"Whoever is underrated will always have the LAST LAUGH LOUDER THAN THE THUNDER at the end. This is just my initial reaction to the beginning paragraph - bearing the voice of presumption. As I read on there were some good points to consider. At the same time, the author has his own negalomic outlook of the subjected leader in the person of the President (Duterte). But overall, there's a strong message he carried across if we really all want to straighten our government and its method of governance. Idealism is where Filipinos prosper in their minds, until they're confronted with brutal realism. However, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy had his best pointblank view taken that 'In politics, there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, there are only permanent interests.' Politics is such a complicated thing. I think we are better off being governed by THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Only 10; most basic and simple and straightforward. If followed by all human governments, peace and order is ASSURED and GUARANTEED! Why? Because all nations are under the direct rulership of God!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 7, 2017 (on DILIMAN WAY with Homobono Adaza REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT ALSO KNOWN AS CONSTITUTIONAL TRANSITION GOVERNMENT.
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"It wasn't long ago when I held you in my breast as a tiny sweet baby with angelic smile. We had ups and downs in life, we pulled through them. And now, you're a Mother yourself. And you do a very good job with your own children that makes me feel so proud of you! You'll always be my Baby! Thanks for giving me beautiful, loveable and adorable grandchildren. They are very very special to me. I love you very much. Love, Mum." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 6, 2017 on my youngest daughter
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"People may find Mr. Alejandrino's' thoughts provoking, but I personally in agreement to most of what he shares. His knowledge in harmonising the political events in the history of the country perfectly fits to what the Bible says. The Bible is not just an ordinary book. It is the mind of God. It is HE who speaks to us directly! Not the man-made or self-proclaimed gods talking in the pulpit of every every corner who swayed the whole country with their religious/economic/political deceitful agendas for centuries and deem their pious followers ignorant of the truth. The aftermath of which are chaos, upheavals, uprisings and rebellions. Peace they speak, but they know not. In their tongues they speak love, but in their hearts is war!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 4, 2017
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"I woke up to a dream nobody knew what it was all about. But the characters were vivid. Reading too much houndings and innuendos about the hypocrisies of the catholic priests could have built up those images or illusions in my subconscious mind which resulted that dream. But why they were there chanting their repetitive prayers in a church not there's?" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 2, 2017
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"Sometimes we need a good pat in the back." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 August 2017
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"It's tiring to think too much.... Let things go, let it be... Above all, 'let blessings be', as one good friend blessed me." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 August 2017
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"The simple solution to all ails in every society is to go back and study, digest, absorb, learn by heart and remember the Simple Ten Commandments of God; where all human governments and its constitutions combined are hang over it! Just 10 Basic Laws. No amendments. Nothing added. Nothing subtracted. Simple. Not complicated. No debate necessary." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 August 2017
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"Sometimes passing through a crossroad is inevitable. In the end, there's always a common meeting point." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 29, 2017
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"There's a touching story that so far I haven't heard has happened in Australia. It's about a homeless man in the US who begged for small change on the street. He was known for his honesty that reaped him a reward at the end for returning valuables which he could use himself for his benefit and advancement. We do have here street beggars and homeless people in the city, most of whom are robust and able looking men. One time with a bag of food in my hand, I approached one if he would accept food. He refused my offer because he wanted money. So, I just smiled and walked away. The man did thank me though." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 29, 2017
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"It takes very strong discipline and determination to pursue CHANGE. In the case of the government, it does require wilful support from the people. Adversaries will always block and resist, but if the people's power rules, there's no obstacles that can not be overcome." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 August 2017
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"The only way to find out the truth is to be in a place where your subject of interest dwells." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 28, 2017 (reading the story of Elizabeth Cochran Seaman aka Nelly Bly; a writer, a spy, a brave woman.)
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"Change is possible if given a chance." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 August 2017
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"Let the uniqueness in your character outshines the gloom." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 28, 2017
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"I've always loved the poem "DESIDERATA". Max Erhmann's works are spirituality inspired. In this particular poem, he pointed out that we must hold fast to what is positive that can hold us above the challenges we have to face instead of being drowned to the doom and gloom of life. Take note how he ended this poem with: 'With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.' If that is not inspirational enough." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2017
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"When I read each of your post, I feel overwhelmed. Some posts I can't stand or handle. Sometimes, they weaken my heart. I cry. I laugh. I get angry. I get frustrated. I diversify my own timeline post to get away from feeling the pain for our Motherland. The enemies come in multiplicity. The more we resist them, the more they keep coming back like orcs. I think what we need now is truly humble ourselves before the Almighty and surrender our strength to His Will. I'm not sure if you believe in Fasting. We should have a National Day of Fasting and Prayer. This should be proclaimed throughout the land, from Aparri down to Jolo, as we bring to God our Petition for Justice to end the Oppressions so Peace will be restored and Healing will begin. We can all go down on our knees together regardless of our religious beliefs and persuasion. (Just my thought)." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 27, 2017
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"When a morning winter sun peeks through my kitchen window and brings sparkle to my favourite place where I boil water in a kettle and help myself to a nice cup of coffee." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2017
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"The lustre of the moon and the twinkling of the stars shine brighter in Visayas and Mindanao this time. Metro Manila is too over crowded, filthy and polluted. It has lost its glitters in a crown of its own Jewel. It reduced to a ring pegged in the nose of a pig." ~Leah C. Dancel, FB comment, August 26, 2017
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"Perseverance of all virtues does test your will in character building." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 26, 2017
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"As the new generation is coming out quite different these days with their own kind of brand of advance wisdom and thinking; I believe we, as adult, can inculcate good values to our young ones in a way that they will understand us. Over all, being a grandparent is truly another milestone and a privilege given to us by God to extend our duties to our grandchildren. Often with firmness and love. I love being a granny. It fills my heart with much love." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 August 2017
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"Sometimes life hides its meaning either in words or pictures." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 August 2017
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"This quote sums up my life, now on its 67 years in existence. About this time when dawning was unsuspecting of what was going to happen, along came a baby's cry for life cradled in the bubbling earthquake that erupted that very moment she was born. In subsequent years that she lives through, another form of tremors had shaken her with some resolves left undeterred :
I thank God for the mountains I have had to climb, the storms I have faced, and the tears I have shed, as they have made me understand how strong I really am and how blessed I am when the road is smooth, the sky is clear, and my soul has a reason to smile. ~Mountain wisdom"Gratitude and thankfulness have been my bread and butter to which my sustenance is fortified. Cheers to more tomorrows!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 August 2017
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"I would be in a dream cloud if I have to live in eternity above time and space." ~Leah C. Dancel, August 15, 2017
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"Yes, a gentle rain has broken the long winter drought. So far, I didn't suffer seasonal hibernation." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 August 2017
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"Worrying adds more lines in the forehead. That's the one that worries me haha." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 August 2017
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"The quickest way to a woman's heart is through a man's wealth and vice versa? How many times did I see it happen?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 August 2017
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"Friends who are matured and open-minded in dealing with healthy disagreement, makes friendship works." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 August 2017
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"As an ocean liner passenger in the past, I always slipped out from my bed and climbed up to the top deck watching the glory of day break from Dawn. From there, I went on with my dreamy trip, perhaps to the curiosity of the ship's crew. Perfect time and place to do meditation." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 August 2017, Nostalgia
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"NEWS is no longer the four-dimensional point of a compass these days. The mainstream news sources adhere to contain their own self-opinionated interpretation of the story of the day that only satisfies the wants of their payers." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 August 2017
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"My penchant for stamps collection started from childhood. It was a dream which is now a reality. Age and Time is not a barrier to fulfill that dream. You can only take a chance and use the opportunity available on hand." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 August 2017
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"I find the Japanese Arts authentic and nature- oriented void of lavish artificiality." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 August 2017
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"Where Mother Earth carries her precious children in the womb, here comes a stranger who will give birth to them right to their tomb. Don't we learn enough?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 August 2017, on NK sitting on a stockpile of minerals
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"Even the famous have their own signature personal experience everyone can so relate." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 August 2017
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"Truth has a price to pay in gaining freedom." ~Leah C Dancel, 9 August 2017
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"When I went to the States, my bag was a $2 worth of luxury. Nobody scrutinised its brand. And nobody knew what's inside that bag. It was colourful and attractive and passed through many security scanners with flying colours. Who needs Hermes?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 August 2017
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"The world is turning upside down. The Philippines wanted Federalism because its governmental system screwed up the country big time; Hello Terra Australis that wanted a Republic to get away from the hems of the Commonwealth! Such an ironic disparity!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 July 2017.
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"Will the Philippines learn something from Russia? This country's government too had a rough ride in their shifting tide of political climate to a State Federalism. Was it surprising why President Putin understood the sentiment of President Duterte for his country and his people?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 July 2017
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"The National Steel Corporation (originally NASCO) was the lifeline of the Iliganons. Iligan City was once a prosperous city due to the presence of humongous industrialisation. They killed us! I hope the current government will revive and resuscitate the dead economic pulse of that city." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 27, 2017
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"The chaos of the modern world has made us all aware that man-made history is far off from the real truth! It's built on perspectives that only merit the author and his subjects." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 25, 2017
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"What an ONUS this poor guy is laden with on his shoulders. I love him so much like I've never loved any Presidents in my entire life. He may live with fame, but the price of his presidency comes at a cost of his own life, his family and loneliness. Without his wit and humour, nothing ever will sustain him outside his Faith in our Divine Providence." ~Leah C. Dancel, on #PRRD, 24 July 2017
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"I believe rock formations in the Philippines are more firm and solid due to the abundance of iron and other minerals found in nature." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 July 2017
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"Sometimes doubting paves way to self-examination or introspection." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 July 2017
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"Today, before leaving home, I saw a little black butterfly with white spots coming out of the blue and hovered around me. I stood still and watched it. Then I followed hoping to be able to take a photo of it. But it suddenly disappeared. In our locality, it was known by superstitious belief that this kind of butterfly symbolises death. I did wonder that someone in our family must have died. What is its connection? Eventually, I have surreptitiously found in my niece's post which says: "till we meet again Lola." My hunch confirmed that the Grandma on their Father side has died. I had a close rapport with her way back home in my country. Both she and her late husband I fondly addressed as Mommy and Daddy. Rest in peace to the two of you.
(According to the fascinating (and a bit scary) lores of the land of the Celts or Ireland, black butterflies are nothing but souls of the deceased people. According to Irish people, when deceased people fail to discover their Afterlife, they turn into a black butterfly. Hence, these butterflies can enter the house or properties where they once belonged as a living soul.)" ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 July 2017
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"After tracing the Dianasas through Maria Fe via Sol Tenebro, my mind went back to Karomatan where in my vision I saw your Mom wearing her office frock in black and white lovingly kissing you as she carried you in her arms (when you were a baby). Such a very vivid memory of mine. Of all the places we had lived, it's Karomatan that has a very special spot in my heart. I don't know why. Is it because it was there that my mind was molded with pure innocence and opened to its own virginal beauty of nature? The town per se, the harmonious camaraderie between Christians and Muslims, the people and it's local government, the sea, the shore, the farms, the mountains, the spring, the river and everything therein. (In my nostalgia mode). Hello to your Mom and Dad." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 July 2017, an open message to Maritess Orquillas
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"Nature is always amazing. After all, it was created first before man to help sustain his life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 July 2017
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"Trials after trials - the Iron-fisted President Duterte is clawing his talons to sanitise the country from all social, economic and political ails and filths that have decayed the country for too long! Change is impossible if his constituents will not do their part." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 July 2017
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"A place, any place, is somewhere we can learn." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 July 2017
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"I miss Orange' snow! Sometimes it comes like a thief in the night. It falls silently while everyone is in their deep slumber. One favourite memory of my children's childhood is: we got up before sunrise, rugged up from head to toe, went out into our huge backyard covered with snow and make a snowman. It was crazy, and we could tell how surprised the neighbours to see us playing on such unholy hour of the day, only to realise later that we did the right thing if we wanted to enjoy the thrill of freeze!
Once the sunrise started popping out, popped went the weasel, and the snow melted away!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 July 2017
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"When we carry a burden which is a heavy load, it makes us weak and feeble and shaky that we kneel down or slump or pass out. But when God holds you, you still sustain enough strength to stay kneeling down, recompose, meditate then pray. You don't even have to say the words. He hears you through your spirit being in you." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 July 2017
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"Australia is a laid back country with all its comfort and convenience. It is not one who keeps up with the Jones. Even so, it has its own brand of improvements, albeit its far behind from the rest of the world. But the people are happy, except with their pollies." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 July 2017
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"It's scary if I win a lottery. You know why? I'm scared to gain many friends who'll only stick with me until I run dry and hanging. Geez! I'd rather be a pauper whom people can care less. I pretty much live in peace. That's my paradise!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 July 2017
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"How reading helps develop our minds, our memory, our understanding of things. We read a lot of garbage on the internet, we waste too much time disputing with stupid people; now I want a good diversion to stock knowledge." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 July 2017
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"Stock market is unpredictable. The world tumbles down when its pendulum goes out in the balance scale. Its gradient is the mighty green buck that is eroding in value thereby affecting every country's economy down. The only thing that remains constant in my home turf as is true to most countries is, the rich will always stay rich unless they fall from the sky." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 July 2017
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"A nation without peace can never prosper, just like in the case of a troubled marriage relationship." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2017
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"In Australia, Civil Weddings are more recognised than church weddings. I've learned that couples of legal age and bound by laws can even get married in the Civil Registry Office per compliance. " ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 June 2018 on the validity and legality of marriage.
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"In "the spirit of time" (zeitgeist) under a new mandate, President Duterte evokes an atmosphere of nationalism and unity among the 90% of the Filipinos. It has more of a positive connotation than in the previous government ruled by yellowism. Now the zeitgeist of the yellows has turned into poltergeist, that nasty "noisy ghosts". ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 June 2017
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"Can there be hope where fear is?" ~Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616). Dear Fellow Comrades-in-Arms of my late Father. Thank you for the brimming pride your courage and bravery have prevailed at this time of crisis in Marawi, once a hometown to us during the military sojourn of our Father in Uniform's life. Thanks for keeping our country safe by your unswerving loyalty to our country! I'm praying for you All. God is before you in every battle you fight. Amen." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 June 2017
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"I missed going to see Vivid Sydney this year. They wrapped it up last night to which my memory slipped. Although I was with Lily for our rare Daughter-Mother dinner date, shopping afterward then concluded it with a nice hot cuppa de chocolada con churros en el Coco Cubano en la Central Park, we both seemed oblivious to this eventful night as we were in a haste to go home, not wanting to get caught in a cold wintry night. Actually, it wasn't that cold. The temperature was just perfect that I had to remove the scarf off my neck. Today, I feel perfectly fine with the beautiful day as the sunrise has gloriously appeared in my kitchen window this morning. Hi to a beautiful Sunday!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 June 2017
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"God's love is unconditional. It is not selfish." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 June 2017
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"Each of us have our own potentials in different aspects of life. Leadership is one of them. Leadership brings tremendous influence and power to our young. The world at large needs good leaders. Unfortunately we can only see two kinds: the good and the wicked. And they come alternately between a space of centuries. They either make people happy or they cause them misery." ~Leah C. Dancel, June 9, 2017
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"In the real world, I met three brothers who were all
church ministers! What is interesting is that, they were never brought up in a family with religious background. These brothers have one common potential: to be a servant of God!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 June 2017
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"One of my best memories aboutkm Chicken and Eggs: under our house were roosting nests where, each morning, we went down to grab freshly laid eggs with eyes half asleep. Oftentimes we're unmindful of who was there. As we reached out for the eggs, something would instantly prick our hands, and ouchhhh came that nasty sharp beaky bite. "There's no gain without pain" indeed." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 June 2017
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"I had two successive CS Op delivery when I was 38 and 39 round up to 39 and 40. The medical team who attended to me were excellent; they made me feel at ease during pre-op stage and explained to me what's coming on. The minute they put the oxygen mask on me and asked me to breathe through the mask, I asked if I was going to inhale/exhale. They nodded and quickly I went on a dreamy slumber. The next thing was, they woke me up calling my name, and told me my baby was another girl! The aftermath was not easy, it was painful and so uncomfortable. I never complained. I was very grateful to them and to God because my children came out alive and well and beautiful and cute! I even wrote a poem about my CS birth experience when my second child was born! Guess what? They wanted me to come back! I said, "No way! knowing the kind of husband I had after two children!" I was a self-help patient. It's an experience I wouldn't trade for anything! Motherhood even via CS is wonderful! I now have two grandchildren by natural birth. 😁. Thank you Doctors (Joseph McRae and David Knox, and Nurses (Gail Busby, Noelene Lang, et al) and Midwives for your beautiful, caring and loving services!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 June 2017, Orange Maternity Hospital
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"My heart still bleeds for losing my cats. I really, really hope they all found a warm and loving home." ~Leah C. Dancel, feeling blue missing them all! 1 June 2017
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"Today is the official First Day of Winter in Australia. I got hit with flu ahead of time. It's too late for a FLU VAC as I already have this malingering nasty strain. I'm hoping to be well on the day my old time office colleagues and I will get together at Harvest Garden at Star City soon!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2017
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"My friend and husband are coming home tomorrow from Japan. I told her to just freely explore Japan on their own. I gave her confidence because of the good report I heard about this beautiful country. I pray the world at large will learn a lesson from them. Thank you to that Peace loving brother of the Emperor who passed away not long ago." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2017
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"A well governed local government helps anytime to grief stricken neighbours without waiting from the national government to initiate. That's what Mayor Duterte did to Yolanda victims. He personally extended help incognito." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 May 2017
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"If the leader of a country looks after his people, the people will look after him and the country he leads. God bless and protect our President." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 May 2017
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"Three years ago today, I was sick reading rantings from others, not strangers to me. So I put a stop to that habit of mumbling on FB and wrote this to chastise them:
Lihok tawo aron ka mabuhi. Dili ka magnganga sa langit kay ang hangin dili magpadpad ug sapi aron ibutang sa imong bulsa. May utok gamita, may kamot pagkugi, may mata pangitaa asa ka motugpa, may tiil hala lakat sa matul-id nga dalan, may kasingkasing paggahin ug pagbati niadtong nagpakita ug pagbati kanimo.
~Leah C. Dancel, 28 May 2014
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"This world scarcely raise HEROES of a rare kind, who died defending the Law of the Land and the Law above it. It is so emotionally stirring that a man of principles becomes the enemy of those without and whose values are perverted." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 May 2017
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"From dust we came from. To dust we return. In between, we live on the land enjoying its benefits." ~Leah Dancel, May 22, 2017
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"It takes someone with high principles to decide in doing the right thing." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 May 2017
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"THE BREAD and ME: I always believe that anything we do however small, if we do it with love, it will always come out good!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 21, 2017
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"Helen Keller didn't allow her blindness to miss the opportunity to feel that wonderful beauty is found within." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 May 2017
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"Today is freezing cold. It's time to get cosy by the fireside of kindling wood fire. It's warm inside to daydream on. How I miss our Orange home with a Firewood heater." ~Leah Dancel, 18 May 2016
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"How to squander your time. Get a hobby. At home, create a mess. Spread them all over the place: lounge chair, table, bed and floor. Leave no space. Multitask: reading, googling for information, classifying, arranging, take photos etc. When bored, sneak in to FB in between. Chillax, have a drink and have a nibble. I can guarantee you it will take ages to put everything away. It's FUN to do on a cold day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 11 working on my Stamps and Postcards
♥*✿*•♥
"'Do not judge the book by its cover' is making sense because the story is found within the pages of the book, and not on the cover." ~Leah C. Dancel, May 10, 2017 on critical thinking
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"A father that leads breeds future leaders of the world!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 8, 2017 on PRRD
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"Dawn comes first before the LIGHT to shine which itself creeps from the darkness of night." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 May 2017
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"When you come to think of how you were ahead in the cradle before the younger broods were conceived in the womb of our mother; and these broods only saw things according to their self-leaned and myopic perspective in a tight can environment they were sadly brought up and thought it was so rightly unfair which is true. My own sentiments in life are solely more on the hardships my parents and our family endured during those infernal times in fighting against poverty when the government went crooked. Should they wait for that damn government to do something for them, I doubt it if we would survive! There's only ONE thing I'd like to wit: I'm Proud to have a Father who served in the military whose INTEGRITY remained UNTARNISHED until his last BREATH! That Integrity came at a price that caused us to suffer. And suffer we did! That was his LEGACY to US! Did we regret it? In the end, I realised it was the blueprint of strong discipline of moral principle that our parents as a whole embedded in us." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 May 2017
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"In my mental Travel chapter, I live imagining things as my journey progresses: land, water and sky. I fill my mind with thoughts to write later, only to disappear once I settle back to my stationary state at home." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 May 2017
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"When you hate the noise of the world, and all you can do is shut yourself out and find solace in the company of good books. This is how I treat myself in the comfort of my solid home... in my fabulous nook." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 30, 2017 - (an hour away to midnight)."
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"Hmmmmm, bloggers are getting a new make-up in signing in. Thank you Blogspot, or shall I say Google in general? Just like the old one, I also like the new set up." ~me, tonight as I woke up from my early night napping. April 29, 2017 at 1019pm.
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EARTH DAY
Let me blossom
In petals red
Untarnished by heat
Under the yellow sun.
Let me show you
My simple beauty
Praise and rejoice
Our Creator's blest.
@Leah C. Dancel
April 23, 2017
Australia
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"Do not purge lies by disinfecting truth. " ~Leah C. Dancel, April 15, 2017
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"He carries the gargantuan responsibility of protecting his country and the people. And in fighting for freedom from tyranny and injustice, he lost his own so he could serve his people and save the future generations." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 7, 2017 on President RR Duterte
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"A great leader is one who is beholden to his nation. He is without prejudice; and who is fair, just and merciful." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 6, 2017
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"First, it was wine. Now it's snags! Politics will always be a job of damnation. Right or wrong, there's no way out!" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 5 on Australian Food and Politics
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"Talk to your parents while they are still alive. There is no use talking to them every day when they're gone. Don't ignore their counsels, their pleadings for help, their requests, commands or orders. Listen and obey. Honour your Father and your Mother, for this is a commandment with a promise."~Leah C. Dancel, March 30, 2017
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"In my teenage years, we once lived in a remote town of Lanao del Sur where flying bullets exchange from among the local tribes was the "drugs" of that time. Now, they traded the bullets into REAL thing called "SHABU!" Cumulative killer! Slow, dragging and painful!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2017
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"When you find out that your good thoughts are spread out in some other places. These are what I want to prevail in my heart, a life to live with just simplicity." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 26, 2017
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"When people scramble over wealth they never break a bone with, let alone own, becomes corrupt and greedy and insatiable wanting for more." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 24, 2017 on Marcos' Gold!
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"Life is far too overwhelming you sometimes get confused and forget where you are..." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 24, 2017 on getting lost in the woods
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"The damage Leni Robredo has/had done to our country, to our people, to our present competent President is beyond repair. If FB will lock me out again because I exercise my freedom of speech within reason, then God help them!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 21, 2017 (Robredo's video sent to UN destroying the Philippines)
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"A bitter pill is hard to swallow even when it's taken with an oceanic vessel of water!" ~Leah C. Dancel, March 15, 2017 on a sorry state of someone arrogant during EDSA2017 last February 25.
♥*✿*•♥
'No enemy can be conquered when the house is divided." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 13, 2017
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"All that lingers in my memory about you is your beautiful smile, your Englishy accent that sounds very attractive, your cute ladylike hearty laugh and our coffee together in Hilton Hotel Cafe, Washington DC. And ohhhhh our Poetry with dot and com. Hahaha. I miss you so much Joan! " ~Leah C. Dancel, on Joan Laius' Enigmatic Traits, March 13, 2017
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"Such is the complexity of women as opposed to the simplicity of men, that men regardless of age and status only WANT but one thing: a young pretty girl. Well, even a dying carabao still wants to eat young grass! Why not? Who else will wipe their bum in their veggie state which obviously not many old ugly women can do? Really? I don't think a young pretty girl can do either! I mean do you think this pretty young girl can stand the sight of a wrinkly, stinky butt? Let alone wipe it?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 March 2017 on Men and Women, Joke or Not.
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"A leader is not without enemies! They come in legions! ~Leah C. Dancel, February 27, 2017 on Imee Marcos' rebuke to one mainstream media for disseminating falsehood on EDSA, February 25, 2017
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"Laughter and tears are gradients of survival; Mistakes and regrets are its tangents." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 February 2017
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"It is mind blowing! I have to catch some air to keep the momentum of my breathing space. Yes, "there is such thing as Filipino dignity." As to the giants, any brave and courageous inexperienced shepherd can kill one. Take the case of the young David, a vigilant shepherd boy who in his young age has slain Goliath, a fearsome wicked Giant. President Duterte has this quality. Brave, courageous, determined, fearless, and incorruptible! His leadership supersedes that of Moses, the deliverer of people from injustice and oppression. He keeps his compassion, wits and wisdom behind his rough facade. This President is the only President I have openly admired in my entire life after more than six-decade in existence. This is Philippines Politics, above all, the first Philippines Government that I have ever ever supported even if I no longer live there. The World now comes to adore and admire this young metaphorical infant whose awesome power is beyond their imagination! That power emanates from the Filipino people who gives him the mandate to lead them. These people are now the envy of the citizens of the world, for being fortunate in having a True Leader to fight for their cause: to topple the devious evil GIANTS in our time." ~Leah C Dancel, 20 February 2017 (comment rephrased: We Are Collective))
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"The day that made it impossible to live.
Into the night that moon keeps swooning
At the command of the blowing breeze;
I'm destined to be awake in my room
That swelters..."
~Leah C. Dancel, 11 February 2017
On feeling like 47degrees Celsius
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"Strategy in silence is where you find the truth. It's in the approach with due honesty and sincerity and straight to the point." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 January 2017
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"As it happens, the world didn't end in 2016. There's a lot of meltdowns happening all over the globe, and God knows where all these human destructions cease. When will all the greeds stop. One life goes out of breathe, one life breathes into a new existence, but only to find later whether it bounds to enjoy it or suffer misery of destiny." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 January 2017
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"Midnight welcomes a new chapter of this page. The year 2017." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 January 2017.
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"Twenty-nine years and still onward. Is The Land Down Under a place of destiny or a place of refuge for me? Who would have thought of coming, let alone dream of leaving my native land? In all essence, let the blessings flow to which I look with gratitude everyday in my life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 December 2016
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"If all the slum areas will be developed into government housing projects for residency of the least privilege, like the ones they build in Leyte for the Yolanda victims; the dignity of the poor Filipinos will be uplifted." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 November 2016 on Yolanda Victims new settlement houses in Leyte now occupied before December date target by PRRD (order last Nov 6)
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"Lawless lawmakers become faces of many clowns." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 November 2016
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"Change is long time coming! It will not happen overnight, but it will happen. It already has started. Have faith without being complacent. Let's be vigilant!" ~Leah C. Dancel, November 28, 2016
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"Before any project can be done, there's always fireworks and noises heard. I bet without doubt, once the project is finished and running, everybody will say: Proud to be Australian! Crickets come in all seasons." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 26 on Sydney Light Rail
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"True friends stay in your life even over a long hiatus of communication from each other through the years. If that friend is in your heart, you would care for them through prayers." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 25, 2016; bonding with my long time classmate and friend in the College of Pharmacy, SWU, Cebu City, CV Guatlo on their recent visit to Australia (Family Reunion)
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"I keep my distance through silence." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 November 2016
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"The warrior becomes effective when his gun is loaded with bullets." ~Leah C. Dancel, analogy on Foreign Aid, October 22, 2016
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"Obviously, as a lawyer himself, President Duterte is smart and clever enough to be a well-informed President. He tackles serious subjects concerning his leadership and government which he ruled with iron fists in matters of issues befuddling the country. His sharp tongue goes with the knowledge that would shame idiotic press thinking they could thumb him down. But a humble servant with God's mind in his heart, and love for his country unseen, unheard from previous predecessors made it known to the world that "you can't judge a book by its cover" knowing that he came from an island far away from the colonial and imperial Manila. His only influence is his Integrity and Honesty as demonstrated in his local leadership once plagued with crime that he managed to purge." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 20, 2016
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"The warmness of the Chinese Government officials... So touching... overwhelming. President Duterte may not have realised his dream of becoming a Foreign Service diplomat, but here he is, as a President conducting an executive job for his country beyond his diplomatic dreams." ~Leah C. Dancel, October 19, 2016
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"He is playful at heart. His zany disposition keeps him look very young in his 70's. His serious perspectives are on the topmost shelf of his leadership. He has excellent strategic skills as a leader." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2016 on Pres. Duterte
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"I remember the road going to Cowra from Orange laden with a terrain of golden yellow at the ripening of Canola." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 September 2016 on David Roma's Photography of Canola Farm
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"Your needless speculations are now futile. In legal parlance, it's Null and Void. Give more importance to that one problem being solved. In my opinion it's just a tip of the iceberg. Let's continue to be vigilant and prayerful. There's still mammoth tasks ahead waiting to be done." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 September 2016 on the released of Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad in Patikul, Sulu (Presidential Communications - Philippines)
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"Principles of life need not be branded. We all fart and defecate - both are toxins with no respect whether you eat or wear locals or stateside made commodities." ~Leah C Dancel, September 14, 2016
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"I like the way Muslims in my country observe their Feasts.! No one, not ONE, is left out! They also set aside a time where they feed the Least of their Brethren. I wish all churches practice the same. Just saying." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 September 2016
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"One day, there came a knock at my door. It was an Insurance Agent. He asked if I was insured. I did not say a word but just pointed my finger above the Sky. He smiled and left." ~Leah C. Dancel, a repost of 12 September 2011 entry - same day today - 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"If you serve God through the church you worship in, in whatever way you can, and you're being appreciated by, don't you feel blessed and be inspired to do more?" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 11, 2016
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"He's a well respected man in the world! But, not by all, in his home country." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 11, 2016 on Pres. Duterte's visit to Jakarta
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"Mr. President, you are truly our Ambassador of Goodwill par excellence! I salute you on behalf of my late Military Father. He couldn't be more proud of you if he's only alive! The sun is shining in our country again because of that bright Star in you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, September 11, 2016 on PRRD's visit to Jakarta, Indonesia
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"Is Journalism today as cheap as candy? Lots of craps going on. News is no longer news. It's more like of gossips lost in translation." ~Leah C. Dancel, September 7, 2016
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"In this modern world ruled by electrical appliances and machineries, what the heck is wrong with hand washing. Yes, I still wash my clothes by hands. It's Energy and Water bill saver too!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 August 2016
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"It's a highly emotional charged Olympic Opening Night to watch on TV. Held at Maracana Stadium, it was brilliant, stunning and beautifully choreographed. But I contemplated more upon the troubled waters of the many challenges this country had to face during its political upheavals. They toughened it out and soldiered on. All odds were against them. Former athlete Vanderlei de Lima who lighted the Olympic cauldron on this opening night has sent the message to the world, "here's the light after the storm." Very poignant speeches were to be heard. I was in tears listening to all the Speakers from the Brazilian Olympic Official, to the OIC and the First Olympic Laurel Awardee Mr. Kipchoge Keino, a veteran Olympic champion of Kenya. Brazil, Thank you so much! Shine on!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 July 2016 on Rio Olympics 2016 Opening Ceremony
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"The light creeps in the darkness of night moving through the dawn, slowly rising its veil revealing a brand new day." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 August 2016
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"Depression neither care about nor respect religion. If you're hit by it, then you're at it!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 August 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"It's kind of Endless Love. Laborious and tiresome. Sorting out, classifying, googling the country to which each belong... Others I can't read because the country is printed in characters other than those I'm familiar with. A day in a life of a stamp collector." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 August 2016
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"I couldn't believe how Australia Post takes Philately very seriously. My visit to any Post Office around Australia is never complete without me purchasing First Day of Issues and Maxicards. It's very tempting hobby considering that I live on a limited budget. To me, this is as good as drinking or smoking, only in a very educational way. There's more to a hobby than meets the eyes. I've learned so much! Thank you Australia Post!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 August 2016
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"When I see a big beautiful house, the first thing that comes to my mind is CLEANING!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 August 2016
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"Just remember when you get wrinkles it is because some DONORS happily give them to you. They're called BEAUTY LINES at their best. And WORRY LINES in their worst time." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 August 2016
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"Today, I'm feeling mystified. On my way to the shop this afternoon, I smelt a fragrance of fresh Oleander flowers. As I kept walking and getting closed to the plant, I noticed that the shrub itself was void of blossoms, let alone bore a single bud; its Winter after all. I looked around and there was no flower plant of any kind in sight. That experience left me baffled with something to think about." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 July 2016
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"Australia knows how to conduct its own affairs... though it has its own imperfections. The Philippines has to work very very hard to uplift it from all forms of slavery since time immemorial. The President (Duterte) has a hard yarn to do to extract the country from leeches that suck its blood out to shame of poverty caused by these treacherous parasites." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 July 2016
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"Life is art and everything that goes in it." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 July 2016
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"Dishes and dreams
Pressures and tensions
Sweats of frustrations
Savoured with panics and tears
All are served in the plate of success."
~Leah C. Dancel, July 20, 2016 on Masterchef 2016
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"I was teary eyed listening to Waleed Aly last night. He's expressed himself as a responsible journo, trying to balance the pendulum of fear by showing empathy towards Sonia Kruger. Many years ago, even in the country, everything was safe. You can even leave your house and car unlocked, then came the DRUG problems... And VULGLARY came into the scene. There was no TERRORIST, no MUSLIM... ... DOMESTIC VIOLENCE was prevalent, many were unrecorded... Next, there were unexplained abduction of children, going missing, some were found dead... not a doing of Muslims... women murdered... elderly people murdered... and God knows what else and who else. There was RACISM directed against ASIANS, not a doing of MUSLIM... even MUSLIMS themselves are targets of TERRORISM because of their love of FREEDOM they have enjoyed in Australia. ... Just voicing my OPINION... Free speech that crushes no one..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 July 2016 on Project 7, 19 July 2016
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"Fifty-eight minutes short before midnight. I was already asleep. But my mind was over actively at play, playing back what a play record would do. Instead of music, it was a story of a film, but not so. Because it was just a scissored cut sequence of tonight's Masterchef elimination episode between three contestants remaining out from the original six. And they happened to be my top five favourites. I lost interest with one due to her constant whining in the show, which later she must have learned herself that her attitude didn't appear to be savoury in everyone's palate watching her on the show in their lounge room smoke screen." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 18, 2016
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Watching my favourite boys on Foodie Show (Boys Weekend) in the wild swapping the elegance of their celebrity kitchen to the outdoor adventure using pre-historic tools: rocks, dead branches, wild sea weeds, sand, and makeshift or handmade crude kitchen cutleries, if at all. My boys are no less than Gary (the Englishman), Adrian (Australian), Manu (the Frenchman) and Miguel (El Espanol). A show with much spirit of hilarity!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 July 2016
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"Dreary day; gloomy skies; murmuring and dripping rain, slow and steady; intrusive depressing silence countered by a noisy background from loquacious Eggheads; all these matter not when a plateful of French Toasts confronted my starving appetite and dared my resistance to getting fat... Brunch time... which actually looks more like of a snack... Meanwhile, the stove keeps working ... steaming citron wafting throughout the room that aroma of Sweetness." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 July 2016
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"The world keeps tumbling down. Even Down Under is heading nowhere. Its pendulum of uncertainty keeps swaying to and fro causing us to suffer myopia. I've heard, this will be the shortest of a parliamentary life span in 50 years!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 July 2016
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"So in business, people can simply flirt with destiny? That's what I've just learned from watching SHARK TANK. Hmmmm ... Gives me more ideas about business and yet need more understanding about its ambiguous, bewildering and jocular terminology. The ins and the outs..., the stakes... Stuff like that makes me feel dizzy, and mind hazy, "delirium ultimatum!". So I'm out!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 July 2016
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"I am a single parent since my eldest was four. It was a courageous act on my part. To live literally and physically ALONE after my children decided to move their wings has taken me nine years. In that Aloneness, I regained Freedom and Independence. I regained my Confidence. I regained my LIFE. True, it is or it can be a lonely life. I've tried dating, think about it, assess the situation, weigh the pros and cons, and decided, No, I can't compromise the Life I am enjoying NOW! It is peaceful, orderly, healthy in a sense, and clean. As I look around, I feel tranquility and serenity, and sense of calmness within me. Above all, contentment. I guess I'm destined to live a Solitary Life. I'm enjoying my lot." ~Leah C. Dancel, July 7, 2016
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"Each time I watch the Masterchef, my heart pumps up gallons of adrenaline and can't decide whether to turn the TV off or not. Dear me, Take Good Care Of My Heart... Oh the Western Australian Soil won! In case you want to know, it's just a dessert... Think of the diamond beneath the brown soil of the west." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 July 2016
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"The smartness of a person doesn't end in his diploma. Wisdom comes with common sense." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2016
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"My Filipino blood is still burning red and running wild in my veins. Having witnessed how my country had been under oppressions in many forms due to ill governance, it is my hope that my country will benefit the positive changes this MAN will stir the nation into prosperity of course with the help of the people. Gone is Juan Tamad, I hope..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2016 on Pres. RR Duterte's Inauguration
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"The President makes the wisest move. Clean up the plagues of the society. About time to stop the social cancers." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2016 on President RR Duterte, the newly sworn 16th President of the Philippines
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"In solving a problem it's best to stay cool, calm and collected. A good deal of handling with a great deal of diplomacy helps too. You gain more respect than enemies. A harsh or insulting words, or even a deliberate subtle provocative action stir up anger. Calm approach dissipates misunderstanding." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 June 2016
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"Arts is not confine to painting and portraiture. It shows in life, the real life of living. Medicine is an art. So is Parenting. The difference between them is that, Medicine as an art comes with instruction manual. In parenting, there's none, unless you have a mindset of religionism and bring to the fore a fiery enthusiasm of bringing a child out from your belief and mould that child in that wisdom written in the book of your spiritual guidance as in the case of the Bible, to which not every parent adheres. Parents are accountable to the wrongs of the child, but the child has no duty to pay for the faults of the parents. Not every child is equipped with common sense and intellect. Each one is as unique as the others. A child can either decide to emulate his parents' imperfection or decide to deviate away from that imperfection." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 June 2016 on Jhoti Menon's "Father and Son"
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"In my frugality, I make my own house spray that doesn't require a sprayer. Here, I'm boiling Orange peelings that gives off citroline... Gives my place a nice smell at the same time the heat from the stove disperse around to warm my little shoebox." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 June 2016
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Musical marriage is one scripted with balance and scored in harmony... It has positives and negatives..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 June 2016
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"Live for the little things
Be grateful for the sun and the rain
Whether it's hot or cold; on odd or fair weather
From summer through winter
In fall and spring
Life indeed makes these things worth living."
@Leah C. Dancel
5 June 2016
Australia
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"Memoir: For the first time, I watched Vivid Sydney at the Circular Quay - having a lovely perfect night with bright moonlight angling in the sky competing against the luminescence brought about by the kaleidoscopic movement of bright, stunning, spectacular and awesome chromic motion like dancing swan paddling everywhere! The filmy production is beyond belief! How knowledge increased indeed! I would invite you to watch closely what was happening on the roof of the Opera House. It looks real! The water silhouette couldn't get captured by the camera I used, as I am a stranger to this gadget being it's not mine so I did have difficulty adjusting the setting. I was lucky to capture the moon in that particular time - with the help of good timing and pulse. I thanked for this lovely momentous night. it's just so lovely! And so muc to see!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 Jun 2012
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"When your nail the truth real HARD on a very TOUGH board, foes and woes run aplenty." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 June 2016
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"One little boy makes no fuss on his own
He finds time musing in a world unknown
Where minions' domain are like his own
Morphing characters that were never seen before."
@Leah C. Dancel
3 June 2016
Australia
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"My mother used to take me to her Flower Garden,
And stopped where the Roses grew and bloomed
Her arm around my shoulders' end rested
In whisper told me,
"Come and see, and smell the Roses"
Each time she sensed me feeling blue."
@Leah C. Dancel
3 June 2016
Australia
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"It's purging time that will open to true healing of an ailing nation... " ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 June 2016
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"Wondering if I go to a Greek Restaurant alone, and I'm being served a hefty serving on my plate, how am I going to eat them without wasting my money? Granting that the restaurant rules out a take home of the left over? (Watching Masterchef - A Big Greek [Fat] Feast - Blue Team versus the Red Team held at the Hellenic Republic Restaurant in Melbourne owned by George Calombaris.)" ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2016
~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"'Farming in Australia is not considered a career for the poor'. It's a livelihood we should be proud of in feeding the people." ~Leah C Dancel, 31 May 2016
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"Oh that view of my serenity
Where my peaceful dreams do live
Searching for eternity
Where faith, hope and charity abide
Forever in that far horizon
My heart longs for home
Home in your heart
Will it be ever be mine!"
@Leah C Dancel
30 May 2016
Australia
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"What an Afternoon Delight at LeafCafe. Beautiful, kind, friendly, efficient staff and excellent service made life enjoyable. I love the staff; all boys doing a great Ladies' job!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 May 2016
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"When you get to enter a pub on your own and all you order is a kid's meal and bitter soda... Well ... That takes a good persuasion." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 May 2016 On Vivid Sydney
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"In the heart where there is forgiveness is the perfect peace of God." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 May 2016
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"A must read and enjoyable, nevertheless, a tough reality he faces headlong. A man of principled wisdom and full of insights... My kind of leader..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 May 2016 on RRD (DUTERTE Cabinet: I'm 71 and you're still a child to me - May 29, 2016)
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REPOST: from FB
("Good morning Facebook Country... What's for breakfast today? ......Ah your setting? Is that Only Me? Friends? Friends of Friends? Friends except Acquaintance? Everyone? Who Else? As to my knowledge according to the Instagram Techie Expert ... Anything you post here on Facebook especially photos ... regardless of setting automatically becomes public. Tag, Check, Like, is all there is to make them appear public and can be seen by anyone including your worst ENEMIES! If you want them all for yourself, don't add friends. Much less don't post them on Facebook. Better don't Facebook. So that's what I heard him say on the TV, during THE PROJECT interview about how much privately safe are you ONLINE. Facebook is a network - a social media platform. Ironically in the blog world, we can hide our identity only in name but not our faces through our photos posted. But here on Facebook - we all live by its name. Hence it is Facebook! Your own face is in your own book! What's the deal?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 May 2013) re shared
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"Some cast their worries away. Here in Orange, a group of people are casting on knitted squares so others, especially children from poor cold countries can get "wrapped up with love." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 May 2016 on knitting
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"Great lunch, white wine at eighteen70 and icy day makes me feel sleepy. No bed in the library ... But wifi is free!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 May 2016 in Orange
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"It's freezing cold in Central Tablelands. 9degrees celsius with unrelenting rain. Lemmy huddles by my side." ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 May 2016
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"Vivid Sydney starts tomorrow, 27 May 2016" ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 May 2016
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"Hold your spirit high to see how wonderful life can be when you look up at the bright sky above." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 May 2016
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"It's very sad, but our journey has to end sometime in our life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 May 2016 on death
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"I learned a lot from my late mother, a farmer's daughter. I watched her growing vegetable garden in natural way. Supply of organic food fresh from our home garden was never lacking wherever we lived. Organic farming is the best way to do..." ~Leah C. Dancel. 24 May 2016 on farming
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"Callousness, insensitivity and lack of understanding prevail among us. Instead of praying, there is Judging..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 May 2016 on praying
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"The scenario itself augurs healing, so peaceful and tranquil... and in one stage of my life had witnessed it happening in the wild... of a far flung country town... Beautiful verses.! Ezekiel is one of those Books in the Bible that is rich and highly descriptive!" ~Leah C Dancel, 23 May 2016 on Ezekiel 37:7
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"The noonday light.
Day is dry
And cold...,
May flower ... and green too.
In between there's work to do.
But trees are bare
shredding all its colours
on the ground.
~Leah C. Dancel
22 May 2016
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"Ingenuity is the driving force behind inspiration and imagination." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 May 2016
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"Humans live symbiotically with Nature." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 May 2016
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"I was thinking if we could cultivate a Positive Effective Thinking (PET) rather than nurture an Automatic Negative Thinking (ANT) .....perhaps, just perhaps, all toxicities of life in ALL forms will go away and purge our judgmental views, opinions or insights about many things in GENERAL.
'Stay calm and open-minded. In conversations with friends or business associates, you may cling too tightly to your own point of view, making it difficult to consider others' opinions. But if you slow down and loosen up a little, you may realize they have a good point. So don't worry about being right, or trying too hard to convince others of something. Relax, and listen. That will reveal the truth.'"~Anon~Leah C. Dancel, 19 May 2016
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"XPT - While the Ticket Inspector was doing his round, he gave me a special seat by the window all on my own so I could take photos of the countryside. Rare privilege..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 May 2016 on my trip to Orange
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"The monument of solitude is characterised by its charm, the wilds and grandeur; caves and bridges; brown and green; smooth and rocky; bare and naked; empty and populated; woody and grassy; rugged and eroded; tended and abandoned; hills and valleys; plain and plateau; sanctuary to herds and birds; pathway to rail and trail; subterfuge to 12 tunnels long and short; freaks and the dead; teeming and dry; spurts and growth; straight, bended and broken; unproductive, etc." ~Leah C. Dancel on SERENITY of the MOUNTAINS, 17 May 2016
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"Trials and tribulations are litmus papers to test our strength of characters. Oftentimes we fail to see the big picture. When we recover from that, it awakens our faith and helps us to keep going. There is nothing that God cannot do!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 May 2016
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"Focus on what IS Good instead of getting busy with Fault Finding." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 May 2016
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"I neither harbour hatred, nor animosity towards my fellowmen." ~Leah C. Cancel, 11 May 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Thanks Lily for an early Happy Mother's Day dinner treat at the Palace Hotel. I was touched by your rare show of sentimentality in appreciating my tough sole parenting over the years. Thanks for the realisation. That was highly admirable of you. Your expression of gratitude means a lot!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 May 2016
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"My antiquated Chemistry Laboratory gown is still intact after 33 years. It is in its pristine condition and as good as new!! I gave it to my daughter for her to use in her Clinic Practice. She promised to take care of it for sentimental reason. It fits her... Oh discovery ... from my trunk of wealth" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 May 2016
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"My (FB) friends are like TIDES. They ebb and they flow. They recede and they grow. Now you see them. Now you don't just like me. Some just disappear into thin air... No goodbyes. No Hi! Only when they need me!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 May 2016
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"One of the most meaningful time I had with you was when you held my hand and we both knelt down to pray." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 April 2016 on the Lecturer of Homeopathy in Southern Cross University
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"Look at every situation." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 April 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"True Beauty never fades." ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 April 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"My life is my crown no one can dethrone me from." ~Leah C Dancel, 25 April 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Then the moon found its bright glow perpetrating the prismic sheet of the clouds finally relented it to shine through late in the night when the storm subsided and all was calm ... letting the pilgrims go to where they gathered crossing their Jordan of deliverance..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 April 2016 on a Full Moon post Passover
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"He explores to learn then he learns to explore as he looks for other ways what more he can learn to explore in the analytical world with his old man." ~Leah C. Dancel on the inquisitive mind of my grandson, April 20, 2016 at Liverpool Library
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"On starry nights, my late mother and I used to go outside to watch the twinkling sky. Me wondering about their glittering activities and pondering about life, while my mother probably would be doing her round of meditation and talking herself out into the night when she feels sleepless ... who knows?" ~Leah C. Dancel, April 18, 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
“Being on my own and being alone” are two distinct world divided by a fine line centred around oneself that I both cherished. But when you’re with someone and you still find yourself literally, let alone, figuratively left on your being “on your own and being alone” is really a representation of disarming avowal of tragic comedy if not a parody." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 April 2016
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"I take relationship very seriously for someone who has honourable intention." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 March 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Life is Mathematics. It has all the four operational avenues of many possibilities." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 February 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"A cold rainy day makes it conducive for people to hibernate." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 January 2016
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"We're all the same regardless of our blood heritage when it comes to struggles in order to survive. Some started early to have a family; I started late only to fly solo, but happy over the outcome of bringing up two kids on my own. What matters is how the end serves well." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 January 2015 on Start at Sixty thread
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Sometimes I give people's crap (lies) back in the light of truth to teach them a lesson. It sure mutes them." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 January 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Wonderful weekend adventure coming - a trip to Talbingo up in the Snowy Mountains with Girlie and family! Thanks for the invite." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 January 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"I feel numbed and emotionally anaesthetised. I must be borned to be a wrong person." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 January 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Rudeness has no place in kind people's heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 January 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"I value my personal blessings and my family that come with time, and, struggles." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 January 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Psychopaths behave like angels when people are around and are Devils when you're left with them on your own. They make you defenceless and a fool in the eyes of the society!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"AUSTRALIA: The Country I Love
The writer nailed it down to the depths of the core. I couldn't agree more! I believe that's how we, immigrants turned Ozzies should be!
Personally, I never have problems assimilating into the culture of my adoptive country. I love it's uncomplicated simplicities. The food, the mateship, the helping hand, the clean environment, the abundance of its diversities, the awesome nature, the people, and the dreamtime ancestral people and their cultural heritage!
I love this sunburnt country and the three of its other seasons: the snow, the autumn colours and the spring blooms. The peaceful and safety havens are far too many I can go to hide for my solitary retreats.
The endless plains, the winding rivers, the bubbling creeks. The pasture land green and wide, the brown country sides, the blue mists hovering over the mountains, the flora and fauna. All these are God's marvellous gifts bestowed on this part of the earth.
I find it off putting why other immigrants cannot adapt its way while they are given the freedom to keep their identities. What more do they want from the country that embraces them? They come for refuge, for safety. This is our COUNTRY with its own belongings, a home to many that embrace it. Away from your ways that you ran away from.
I pray for those newcomers to not pollute and dilute this beautiful country that adopts them because this is my home sweet home!" ~Leah C. Dancel, Jana Phez (Nom de plume), 8 JANUARY 2016 - Written as a comment to a thread by the daughter of a Korean-Australian parents' blog featured at Start at Sixty.
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"Cooking in a clay pot brings out the best flavour in food cooked over a kindling firewood." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 January 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Beautiful prose that somehow replicated my life by coincidence, except that my Frank in your story (not the name of ex) turned his back on our lovely and beautiful girls for another woman! The peace of the Angels was our guide in overcoming difficulties as I travelled through the lonely path of single motherhood. Touching!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 January 2016 on Shadowlands prose "The Dream"
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"When flying, try to consider finding the best seat on a plane that's worth your money with a view to view." ~Leah C. Dancel, (originally penned two years ago today -5 Jan 2014) 5 January 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"Cats are marvellously affectionate when well taken cared of by humans." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 January 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"There's only one thing sweet among the people. They never run out of anything to complain. Most are plain unteachable. It's okay to be "easy going" but sometimes there's got to be a boundary." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 January 2016
* ~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"'Holding your water is a whole other issue.' In a relationship, it is about handling your guilt that makes the whole issue." ~LCD, 4 January 2016
"Domestic violence doesn't even need to be physical or verbal. There's more beyond the bruising point. I never tolerated with mine. So it was "shape up or split up!" ~lcd, 4 January 2016
"In Mathenatics, there are two branches that are involved with angles. Geometry and Trigonometry. The first is engaged in multifaceted or multiple-sided angle. The second is basically limited to only 3-sides angle. There are four types of angles: acute, obtuse, straight and right. Each can overlap or can be overlapped in/with a multi-sided angle. Meaning it can hide an angle under another angle. Same is true in human relationship. It also contains obvious angles of motives under subtle camouflage. There's an open angle and a clandestine angle. It is possible to expose these angles when overlapped to a multifaceted angle as in a rectangle or polygonal angle. They are also measured by degrees: deep, shallow and oblivious. I wonder why both branches of mathematics are so important in building materials similar to a relationship. This is called the logic of Allegorical Mathematics." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 January 2016
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"I really don't mind participating in any health and medical research projects that come with feasting my body, well-being and much less my life. The only thing I don't like is when it involves a pharmaceutical industry and part of the condition is for you to be under obligation to ingest whatever toxic placebo they wanted to shove into your mouth, or prick into your skin that poison the bloodstream like you are a Guinea Pig without them even owning responsibility in case something tragic happens to you. Ironically, that even comes with the blessing from Big Brother. That would be tantamount to digging my own grieve and making my own funeral. So, No thanks for me." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 January 2016
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"Beautiful memories spent with loved ones are long lasting and the most indelible." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 December 2015
"A new stove and a high fever do not mix. Somehow they're alike." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 December 2015
"So our little man turned One. And the big girl received her class award. She came third. Lindt Siege at Martin Place was remembered, ALL in one day - in 15 December 2015." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 December 2015
"There's so much blessings that flow in our lives worth looking back. I admire your strength, courage and faith." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 December 2015 on Cory's resilience
"I like wrinkly skin of old people. Beneath the wrinkles, you can see the beauty of their soul!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 December 2015
"The sweltering summer doesn't make it conducive to reading." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 December 2015
"You run to a place of refuge - and everything in that place offends YOU? Maybe this is just bad publicity for All!" ~LCD, Australians sicky of whining Refugees.
"I'm getting the hang of learning famous people's personality through their writings. But lately I find reading the Bible more compelling, mind blowing, intriguing and irresistibly interesting! 😄" ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 November 2015
"Decisions made, unsealed in God's time, are also subject to change WITHOUT prior notice." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 October 2015
"There is hidden strength which seems to appear weak. He is not weak. He is just calm and composed and refined." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 September 2015 on Bill Shorten (ALP Leader)
"In our time, there was no TV. So we looked up the sky and watched the moon and stars! They're our nature's celebrities!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 September 2015
"That moment when you come home from a long journey only to travel again is perchance a simplistic privilege, opportunity and blessing. I can't tell you enough I live a fulfilling life bordering around God's hedge of protection." ~Leah C.Dancel, 20 September 2015
"The smallest gesture coming from the heart is the most soulful act of love from a lovely daughter to her most loving mother. Happy Birthday dear Lia!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 September 2015 from my FB shared post of Amneh to her beautiful Mom Lia dated 20/09/2013
"Laughter adds longevity to a well spent life!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 September 2015
"Having a generous heart will never make you POOR! Don't let generosity a matter of idle LIP SERVICE when others with open hearts freely give theirs to you." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 September 2015 (a personal address to a shrewd individual I knew!)
"In flight NZ103 when conversation was made impossible with a stranger and there was a vacuum of opportunity to have something I would like to remember about my flying home, I scribbled a memo on my phone and passed it on to my seatmate one seat away from me. This is what I wrote her: 'Ma'am, I wish to request a photo of me on this big plane. I never have a souvenir in flight before. Thank you.' She read it with a big smile and clicked my phone camera. Boy! It was the Best Flight in my life EVER!" Leah C. Dancel,11 Sept 2015 (Air New Zealand)
"I'm working on to"Take a step back and stop 'giving discounts to those who devalue my person's worth.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 September 2015
"Suffering, if taken in the light of positive perspective, teaches us "discipline"" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 September 2015
"Adversity after adversity! Storms and Hails and Fires. Heaven and Hell. I don't know whether I'm a Carrot. Egg or Coffee. As for me, I yield everything to the Lord so I'm still here." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 August 2015
"My childhood had seen scenes both heaven and hell." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 August 2015 (comment on Childhood)
"The long white clouds try to sweep the sun away
But the burning ball at midday opt to stay
The wind down below awaits its command
Go blow the breeze and warm the land."
~Leah C Dancel
28 August 2015
Auckland NZ
"The fresh air to breath, the sun comes out smiling, the mountains and hills are quiet and green... I'm dusting them with gratitude!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 August 2015 (New Zealand)
"Racism is even more shameful to experience when it happens right inside your own fence." ~Leah C Dancel, 5 August 2015
"Children are born and gifted with natural sense of IMAGINATION. Part of their childhood creativity is exploring their world of thinking beyond their infanthood comprehension. Allow them to create and not suppress their mind's literary bank. That's how they first learn by way of expressing their curiousity in the field of ARTS through story telling they call SPPECH. Many Parents, Mothers foremost, and children embrace the imaginative world of WALT DISNEY. There's Mulan, Frozen, Aladdin, Barbie and all other commercial craps that entertained them. None of them are REAL. There's not one SINGLE IOTA of TRUTH in them. How does the UNICORN differ to these man-made creations? Some adults forget how they IDOLIZE THE LORD OF THE RINGS AND HARRY POTTER to the point of writing ESSAY about them at school and in HIGH SCHOOL at large. Is this a matter of DOUBLE STANDARD? Are we creating CONFUSED little INDIVIDUALS?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 August 2015
"Whoever is capable of committing human cruelty is also capable of doing the same to animals. And it makes me sick." ~Leah C. Dancel, FB comment on Killing Cecil the Lion, 31 July 2015
"Damn YOU!!!!! There, if it helps!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 July 2014
"Travel makes a person well-rounded. We get to learn more than what we see. Not only in the present state, but we're also allowed to move backward to their time capsule of sometimes a ghostly history." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 July 2015
"Sometimes in life, there are slices of cakes that turn sour, if not bitter." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 July 2015
"It's a slow Sunday. Not a bright day. Sunlight comes out sparsely that boosts a cold day. Quiet time is my own best company." ~Leah C. Dancel. 5 July 2015
"To my darling little Girl for helping me feed the chicken. In return for gratitude, one hen laid three golden cute eggs for her, but she was too kind to put them back in the hen's nest. She was truly amazed to see as she carefully held the eggs in her two hands. She loved feeding the chicken with much confidence. She was my farmhand! Good job little Girl. We're so proud of you!" ~Leah C Dancel, 5 July 2015
"The night is long
Long enough to hibernate
The day is short
Short enough to stay awake!"
~Leah C. Dancel, 19 June 2015
"Thanks God, I found my way back home in myself. Thanks to your LIGHT that leads me." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 June 2015
"I'm a very proud mother of a mother that I mothered. I feel so thankful to her and her husband for giving me two lovely grandchildren to catch up on my old age! One in my 60's and the second in my approaching 65! Grandmotherhood is a joy to behold!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 June 2015 on children's children
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"Family moments enjoying togetherness at MillioRe Korean Restaurant followed by ice cream dessert at Passionflower here at the Capitol Square Building." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 June 2015
"Remembering stormy days back in Karomatan. We lived by the seaside. I dreaded it when the weather beat our town like it lashed or whipped the environment. Waves were huge hurling and haunting us in our sleep. Sometimes we slept with rain dripping from the nipa covered rooftop torn by the angry winds that howled overnight. When morning came, our mother would take us all out to survey the seashore. Imagine the shoreline all covered with flotsams of all kinds. Yes, we gathered driftwoods, coconut husks with the shell in it, anything we could find useful. We spread them on the ground to dry. That was our fuel for cooking. As with coconut shells, we made them into charcoal. That's for the iron cast for ironing our clothes. So many useful things we could find on that shore far away. Stormy days have their own benefits too besides the damages they cause in our lives." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 June 2015
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"The hypocrisy of our society is baffling. Breastfeeding in public unsettles them, but not sex and nudity". -Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2015
"Others look beautiful and vain because of make-up; I look beautiful because I look plain and without make-up. Such is the paradox of life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 May 2015
"It is a joy to be in a sanctuary of peace and birds in the woodland." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 May 2015, Life in the Outback a place called Wonboyn
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"Having coffee with my daughter right now at The Coffee Club. And into our indepth conversation she suddenly said, 'you should be a writer because you know how to turn a simple sentence into complicated nonsense.' She added, 'you should be working with Macquarie Dictionary and Thesaurus because you know how to use hard phrases.' A compliment or sarcasm, whatever, I couldn't help laughing out loud! Haha. Thank you Girl." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 April 2015
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"I am in tears watching Nana Mouskouri singing The White Rose of Athens live on ABC Channel Q&A." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 April 2015
"Life has forks and jigs." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 March 2015
"I love to reminisce my long haul flight to Uncle Sam's territory and back, savouring the beauty of the sky. Way up there, I did experience dreaming awake seeing "the dawn before the rest of the world" as to the word of Oscar Wilde where everything around the expanse of the heavenl3y atmosphere just enthralled me beyond the awesomeness of that incredible moment of encounter of inexplicable joy! Such a memory from that memorable journey of nearly two years ago!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 March 2015 on I am a Dreamer.
"When the shadow is gone, you are drawn closer to me by your spirit of love." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 March 2015 on Longings
"Once our home was eerily quiet. No girls in sight! Guess where I found them? Hiring behind the door, with my old girl cutting her little sister's hair! It was artistically disproportionate cut! I love that memory." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 March 2015 on When Children Are Suddenly Silent
"Travels and adventures make us a well rounded person. So let's always keep our minds open and be ready for any unpredictable challenges as we encountered them on the way." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 March 2015 on Richard Ace De Leon's Where Adventure Is The Best Way To Learn.
"Growing old happy is just between the sheaths of ups and downs. We must learn to overcome and come out good and balanced in this life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 March 2015 on Growing Old and Happy
"Home safe, healthy, sound and alive. I was walking under the canopy of clear blue sky mantled by immaculate white clouds with few stars flickering in between the blue space. Did you hear poetry here? You bet. I hope you all enjoy my photographic journey. You might wonder why every now and then you will see me here and there, from one end to the other in one day or less. That's the privilege of being a Senior when your MOMENTS are all yours ALONE to yourself to relish and enjoy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 March 2015 on A Night's Adventure to the harbour.
"The lone Seagull is taking its flight in the dark while I'm watching the glittering harbour alone outside the deck. Solo sojourn. It's lovely to catch the evening breeze, a healing balm to my aching heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 March 2015 aboard the Ferry from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay by night.
"Though life is not all made of Roses, who can really complain? Let tears of sorrows wash away the RIVERS OF DREAMS, drowned with disappointments and frustrations, but the bottom line is: Be THANKFUL!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 March 2015 Random Thought for today feeling satisfied with my solo sojourn around the harbour by night
"When you're on your own, and you got many ideas what to do for the rest of the day, and you got that feeling like going out and see what's around you beyond the fence; then you have this lazy feeling... Oh bug... I'd rather stay in bed and count my dreams." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 March 2015 on to do list
"There's nothing that can be done in a hurry. Doing things take time. Waiting takes time. Progress takes time. And CHANGE takes time. It can't happen overnight so that patience is required." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 March 2015
"I am blessed to have you as part of my life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 March 2015 on recollection
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"Each one of us has each own pathway. We'll just have to accept it, and be thankful we've gone this far knowing all the stormy trials we passed through. No one's journey is ever smooth and easy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 March 2015
"I believe if we give our children the right foundation, no matter how they go awry, they will always long to go back to where they started." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 March 2015
"Our intellectual ineptness far exceeds the reality of our educational endeavour. The love of reading benefits us, so is watching and listening to news. Our daily human interaction with people from all walks of life is one factor that helps in acquiring knowledge. Self- education is another and much more besides learning within the confined walls of the academe." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 March 2015 on Your highest level of education.
"Courage is your wings." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 March 2015 on Fear and Bird
"It takes courage to restrain from speaking of what you really know of things that you are lied about. Such a cunning device of concocting untruths." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 March 2015
"Meditation is that time when we shut off from the vagaries of the world and let our spirit free!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 March 2014 on Shadowlands' Flight of Fancy
"I did a lot of walking, running and climbing hills and mountains in all my entire life. As for mental alertness, I think my brain is trained to it because it seems everyone around me is almost deliberately forgetful that I need to do the reminding in things they do or do not do. It would be nice if what they forget to remember is when they leave behind a pot of gold. I wish. So I always end up their fish tail following after them like a hired servant not." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 February 2015
"Climbing is not an easy feat, but the view at the top is worth it!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 22/02/2015
"A sunny smile makes a cheery morning light!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 February 2015
"Keep the beauty inside your heart untarnished. Don't let greed and covetousness blemish that gem." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 February 2015
"I do talk to the moon... On a moonlight night... I watch him glowing through my kitchen glass window." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 17 February 2015
"Birds are very much an integral part of our ecology and environment. All we need to do is act sensibly and responsibly. They are a joy to watch and to listen to their own language and music. They have their own culture unique to each every specie." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 February 2015 on Should you feed birds in your backyards
"The loyalty of pet animals are beyond compare to those of human beings." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 February 2015
"I don't mind the cost for as long as the item/s I send will reach the destination safe. I also mind the recipients lacking courtesy in acknowledging senders what they have received. It gives freedom from worry and concern on the part of the senders." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 February 2015 on Your Life Choices: Did you know Australia Post prices will rise as of the start of March?
"A Garden isn't a garden without bees and butterflies." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 February 2015
"I appreciate ALONENESS where I soak my soul in a bathtub of silence." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 February 2015
"Growing up kids need much talking (guidance) from the adults. Never ignore them." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 February 2015
"Love needs no words but presence for it to be felt." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 February 2015
"The night before, I egged her on to always eat her food at mealtimes to make her strong, healthy and smart. She did! The next day when she came home from school, she told me her news after hugs, 'Lola, I'm the Class Captain.' And she's barely in her kindergarten class. She confirms to belong to a Family of Leaders. A pride of the pack." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 February 2014 on her First Granddaughter.
"How sad when people look at the outer skin of others and judge them according to the content of their empty pockets." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 February 2015 on racism.
"Often times life hides a treasure of wisdom written in FINE LINES nonchalantly ignored by most of us. We take them for granted not wanting to give it a bother to READ for all the lessons it contained. We are so absorbed with worldly whims enough to care even just a little minute of our time. The moment we realise it, it's too late to make amends for all the careless mistakes we made. It reminds me of an adage: "There's no regret that comes ahead." (Paraphrased) ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 February 2015 on regrets and repentance
"I prefer to live a SIMPE and UNCOMPLICATED LIFE. It's called CONTENTMENT where I am NOW most happy about." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 February 2015 On I don't want to be rich; I just want to be happy.
"Like cooking, my writing relies much on my pulsating mood. It's the blood ink that runs through the veins of my wrist." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 February 2015 on poetry writing
"The hair is a woman's crown. Why change the stones that all fit in?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 February 2015
"Every single day is new." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 February 2015
"When you have love and life's contentment, that will be enough to keep you young. Your happy heart is your fountain of youth." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 February 2015 on Growing old gracefully
"Handle my heart with care. Value my love like gold." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 February 2015
"There is nothing like living a humble and simple life filled with love." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 February 2015
"We see art in every creation they are made." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 February 2015
"Libraries are always the best place to hang out. Everything is free... To read... and more." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 January 2015
"Old age is a sign of prosperity. The older you get, the more valuable you are. Descendants chase you for their inheritance. To the old maids, they become Antiques. It makes them PRICELESS!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 January 2015
"In my life, I'd been in stormy seas and battered by strong winds... No more STORMS for me. I'll cut off every storm that comes my way with prayers and a pair of scissors." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 28 January 2015
"Life is thrilling... some other times, it gets you reeling." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 January 2015 on Narelle G's epic journey home to Orange from Queensland from delayed flight and missing the bus to XPT.
"Determination, persistence and perseverance indeed are the keys to open the door of possibilities. World history is founded by many wars impossible to overcome in the past. The modern world inhabitants are the products of that history. Many become despondents and disillusions. The habitual, if not deliberate ignorance of the many made them forget that History keeps repeating itself." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 January 2015
"It was another FUN TEST GAME I ventured to take on: What Should Your Name Be? The result came out as Grace, but I like Beaulah best!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 January 2015
"Rain bounces back like love on a parched ground. I'm happy that my wishes for this summer have been granted by the Heavenly Host." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 27 January 2015
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"Happy AUSTRALIA Day! So grateful to be in this great country having arrived on its most significant era in time to celebrate its Bicentennial Year!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 January 2015
"A smile is a universal silent language understood by all!" ~Leah C. DANCEL, 26 January 2015
"Milky skies
Silent morning
Mellow music
Early breakfast
Banana, toast and coffee
A simple life
Makes a happy day."
~Leah C. Dancel
22 January 2015
"Prioritising my children by loving and caring for them above my own personal needs was the best thing I have had ever done in my life to which I earnestly look back happily with no regrets." ~Leah C. Dancel on Introspection, 18 January 2014
"My youngest daughter family's FIRST VISIT with their new addition in my shoebox home after the church service. It was beautiful to hug them all and getting hugs back. How nice to hold my new gift in my arms one more time, I couldn't get enough of our new little man." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 January 2015
"Welcome to my world, MSJD-P! My new little man in my life to love, born on this date at the height of the Sydney Siege in Martin Place." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 January 2015
"Every beach and every shore, has its own beauty and character distinct in its own time, space and place. Some still possess their pristine ecology." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 January 2015
"To Canberra, my first and last travel to the nation's Capital Territory this year, in a long long time. Lucy met me at Jollimont Tourist Travel Interchange, took me to Labor Club for a late lunch or call it early dinner. Then took a bus to Belconnen and a cab to Weetangera." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 27 December 2014
"I am not really sure if indeed I grow up in most challenges I faced this gruesome year. Yet, I would say thanks to all those who dared my capacity in dealing with them all." ~Leah C. Dancel, on Deal or No Deal, 26 December 2014
"I'm musing over seeing you all happy and having a wonderful time." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 December 2014
"The city is a landscape of diverse cultural integration moving out towards the sea to escape from its own conundrum." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 Dec 2014
"Some people are smart in Psychology. And I like that. One deviates someone's attention so the accessory can perpetuate through the sieve of their clandestine penetration of deceit. Great strategy. A new dawn is unfolding. "I'll ride along with you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 December 2014, On a Double Standard Living
"A great nation of down to earth, laid back people knows how to show to the world their own brand of SOLIDARITY in time of ADVERSITY. They lend a helping hand to those in distress. They exercise humble GRATITUDE to those who do them GOOD! I love AUSTRALIA, a land of sunburnt country." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 December 2014
"Once in my life while working on a school street crossing, someone yelled at me 'Boat People, go back to where you belong!' Thanks to one lady parliamentarian who stirred the nation back into racism with her iconic maiden speech. Even so, I did admire that lady, one way or another." ~Leah Dancel, 15 December 2014 on name calling.
"Women are detailed creatures. Just observe how they dress up. That includes make up and all things bright and beautiful." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 December 2015
"Travels make you rich with experience." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 December 2014
"A pot of gold is found in the heart of true, caring, meaningful, loving and loyal friends who neither swell in the flow of tide nor rust in the midst of changing times." ~Leah Dancel, 13 December 2014
"When you get old, everything is downsizing, downgrading and regenerating." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 December 2014
"When a dream slips up, it turns into a nightmare... So hold onto it." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 December 2014
"A residue of anger can be blown away even by a light wind of affection and understanding. A sediment of love will remain in the heart forever." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 December 2014
"Resilience is my survival kit." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 December 2014
"If all football players are sent to the battlefields, all the enemies will get kicked out fast and quick they have to run! This would be a gunless war. No casualties, no children suffering, no properties damaged, no refugees, and business is, as usual." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 December 2014
"Don't we see how we struggle in life, trying to climb hills and mountains, busy going about in order to survive: wanting and wishing, night and day, rain or shine, come what may; without pausing. In vain, it is too late to realise how much we missed the joy of living as we reach the receiving end of the point of no return." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 December 2014 on I'm Dying author Anon.
"I look back without regret how we lived a hard knock life... But still full of adventure and fun. It made tears and pains just as it was like a bonus or rewards for every single hard breaking and tiring day. My blessings are enormous. The best is my reasonable good health in between "malingering illness" to the word of my late mother." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 December 2014
"Amidst life challenges, I live to see a new born baby cries out from my ribs in the person of my daughter." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 November 2014
"It's a beautiful day outside ... Peaceful and quiet... Time to do my daily grind. I wish my blogger Friend a safe journey from the outback by XPT - express, explore, exercise your mental view of the sunburnt beauty of our countryside from this part of the dry continent. Tomorrow, we'll explore the hub of the city and experience its ever laid back character. In our local lingo, it's called a Big SMOKO! Happy Trip, VP!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 November 2014
"The road less travelled is the one that is full of wonders and surprises!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 November 2014
"I love your words, even if only in someone else words we find consolation that life after all doesn't end because our day didn't turn out as we hope it to be. Thank you that even through the words of others, we find ourselves where we should be. On a lighter note, I thought your posts were hidden from view as I rarely see you. Thinking of you from the Land Down Under!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 November 2014 on Oriah Mountain Dreamer
"It's beyond their beautiful and delicateness of blooms. They are useful and fit for human consumption too amongst the Southern Americans. I used them as our home defence against backyard intruders when we were in Orange. They're natural and cost effective security measures for annoying invaders. Needless, your ode amused me no end." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 November 2014 on Persian Cactus from the ode THE ANGRY GHERKINS by Shadowlands.
"One day, you need someone who will faithfully serve you to the end.
Someone who will be your nursemaid, your laundry woman, iron woman;
Your cook, errand girl, a housekeeper, and a slave you can command.
One who will be there with you and for you when your body slows down and the vigour of youth no longer serves to deem you fit. Just make sure no one will scream at you when you are in your useless, helpless state, when you are no longer useful to them. One who will not abandon you at home on your own lying, waiting for someone to care for you, while that someone goes out of her way to cavort with other men and run around for other people who are much capable to fend themselves. It was a very sad state to be able to witness that kind of scenario right in my own very eyes, to hear stories straight from the mouth of the same people who committed the same. They served with murmurs, grumblings, complaints and blames. Appalling! Very sad especially because they portray themselves as classy and faultless. It was a very sad state to know how a FOOL can fool someone. Very sad. But life is just about like that.
As the Good Book said, 'in the end times, people become lovers of themselves, of pleasure, of money,' and GREED is their shadow and FALSITY is their LIGHT. Very sad world! People love things more than loving humankind. Very very very sad." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 November 2014
"Happy Halloween? What characters do Halloween typifies? Devils right? When did you see devils being happy? They laugh alright. Real happy? Pleasantly, lovingly and joyfully happy? Boy! I don't get it at all! Devils don't make you happy. They scare you, give you creepy sensations, above all, they give you MISERY and TRAGEDY one after the other." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 October 2014
"When sunrise creeps, a new day begins." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 October 2014
["Rich, famous, beautiful, popular, sought after, loved by all men, worshipped by women, got everything: mansion, luxury, money, glittering and sparkling jewelries, lovers, ... while her moon shines brightly, the stars in her eyes look gloomy, sad, unhappy, a vision of inner misery. What then? Why?
Many knew that MONEY (capital letters for emphasis, not screaming), cannot buy happiness. Then why the GREED? Especially in obsessing what you don't even owned? Let alone sweated in labour? To the point of killing because of MONEY? Material things only pleased the eyes, but void of satisfaction and contentment from deep within. Superficial happiness as a result of obsessive materialism is not a guarantee to gain everlasting peace. In death, all shall come naked.
My thoughts to ponder today." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 October 2014
"To get rid of the obstacles, first remove the tentacles and barnacles." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 October 2014
"I give up learning History. It's revolting to the mind. Wherever the English goes, History would never unmention them not killing let alone annihilating human races especially those that belong to so-called "inferior races", like Native Indians, Australian Aboriginals. Yet, they were the prime believers of what the Bible teaches. In the Bible the Ten Commandments are found. It says "Thou shalt not kill". It was translated into English English, not American English. It sucks! No wonder my ex doesn't believe in the Supreme Being. He blames Him for causing too much troubles when the truth is, it's men, not God who do the exact opposite because of Greed! They do things their OWN WAY!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 October 2014
"We only have one life to live. I am honestly living on a borrowed life. Maybe I am allowed to live this far so I can enjoy a great many blessings amidst the storms of trials. Everything is tested. I hate all these fightings of resistance against evil forces. At times, I just wanted to go. It seems it's not my time yet. A new morning is always a time for refreshing, a time to be thankful to our Great Creator." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 October 2014
"I shed tears for a giant fellow who left this country (world) with his unforgettable legacies; let down by his party and opponents, and came out a VICTOR in his death. RIP Gough Whitlam. It's Time to rest." ~Leah Dancel, 21 October 2014
"I can't stand artificiality especially on fake attitudes to disadvantage others." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 October 2014
"In everything, there is the pros and the cons. Fairdinkum" ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 October 2014
"I'd rather take a brutal, hurtful truth than a deceitful, misleading and slippery sweet lie; the cunning attributes of a devil." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 October 2014
"A builder needs good tools, quality materials and a helper." ~Leah C Dancel, 20 October 2014
"Do not take away the food you feed in someone's mouth nor bad mouth what you feed them. The Bible said 'God bless those who bless others.' If a stranger comes, entertain him for he might be an 'angel in disguise.' Of course, in these corruptible times, do exercise caution and wisdom." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 October 2014
"In your deathbed, may you REMEMBER me" ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 October 2014
"Remembering the story of Pandora's Box that our Auntie Merriam Casis told us when we were young. I miss you Auntie. Wherever you are, please know that you will always live in my heart till I die." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 October 2014
"Learning starts in the cradle." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2014
"Spend time being creative because you are. You are smart and you got sharp brain. You have good gifts, skills and talents; instead of marauding, trashing, crashing and molesting people's property. Here's a helpful quote to go along with:
Do it. Write. Paint. Take pictures. Create. ~Jennifer PastiloffYou may be are smart, but take this, DON'T TRIFLE with ME!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2014
"It's easy to forgive. To be forgiving takes a long process. Unless there is open admission, instead of a calculated pretence and omission, prayer helps to rectify and resolve the problem." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2014
"Due to a stormy weather, I was constrained to switch off a false light that dimmed my way. I persisted amidst my heart pain until I glimpsed the first light of dawn." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2014
"You don't need to be a tech savvy to discern what's going on around the Internet. All you require is UNDERSTANDING - how your gadget works. Study your homework and NEVER RELY on someone else. Then your tribulation ends. With my experience, it pays to play a 'dumb' to unsuspecting spider. It got caught by its own web trap." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2014.
"'Who controls the weather?' A big hug to every member of those who work very hard to put things in place amidst the weather chaos." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 October 2014
"Such surreal weather conditions never heard of occurring simultaneously in a whole lot of diverse places. There is snow up in the mountains, rainstorms in the city resulting to floods covering the subways, underground tunnels, road closures and suspension of train services, cancellation of flights, what's next. Hope the people will stay vigilant at this time of weather crisis and will listen to and obey the warnings." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 October 2014
"A home without love is like a container without content; a nest without eggs; a head without brain." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 October 2014
"Behind a man's success is another woman, beside his wife. Call it sham and drudgery and downright loathful!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 September 2014 on watching a documentary of a famous and well-respected man on earth!
"Today, September 30, 2014 is the last day of 'September Morn'so made famous by a song with the same title. Thankfully the summer's temper per forecast did not manifest in our surrounding area. God forbid. Spring should stay Spring till the Summer season takes over. Even the seasons are corrupted by the greedy attitude of covetous HUMAN BEINGS. Good bye September. Bring in the mellow October." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 September 2014
"Life indeed is a composite of good and evil; fairness and unfairness; light and dark; oppression and justice; truth and lies, and pain and joy. But as always victory is won by RIGHTEOUSNESS and LOVE and FORGIVENESS prevail." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 September 2014
"2011-2012, a year that was classified as "Annus Horibilis" to the word of the Queen as it was to me. In this year, August and September were in the cusps of the evil's advocate turning glory into shame with nightmares and agonies. 'The Angels brought me back into the Light'." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 September 2014
"Every person has a need of a personal space. I have my own. It requires respect as I respect yours." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 September 2014
"I resist the flow because I can't play 'untruth tolerance'" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 September 2014
"My young counsellor has spoken that we're going to work out on my SELF-WORTH and IDENTITY. Here's what my big MOUTH has to say:
I have decided to come up with my own personal TAG PRICE. For all the hard struggles I live my life void of worldly vanities, all I can say is that: MY SELF-WORTH is beyond your worldly RICHES. I am a WARRIOR who lives in a jungle of humility, pride and prejudices. In that jungle is where my precious jewels are kept. They are called "values". I am there to protect them. I am not Irish, but I got their temper. I'm not Indian, but I got their fierceness. I am not God's minister, but I got boldness. I am not a wind, but I have its ferocity. (It's no wonder why my daughter once called me a warrior). I AM ME. Take me or LEAVE me. In my DARKEST MOMENTS I have proven who are and who were with me as I had, have been to most."~Leah C. Dancel, 29 August 2014
"When my girls and I were still together, we have a "love habit" which we still keep until today. They passed that down to their respective fiancé, husband and to my grand daughter. We have this greeting of affection telling each other "I love you" anytime of the day, from the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed. To my eldest girl's word, "Mum, we never know, but in case anything happens to you, God forbid, I want you to know that "I love you." (Hard work for raising children alone has paid off. So life was never spent "squandering in this world, cheapening our existence with vanity", Lily. Vanity was never a part of our life.) Our self-worth is beyond the price of GOLD, not even Diamonds." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 August 2014
"Four lessons I learned from INSOMNIA: Resistance to go with the flow. It is shallow. It is too hallow. Must be a by-product of FLUssion? Or a sum of CAUSE and EFFECT?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 August 2014 on Riddles.
"Also my big thank you to my beautiful daughter (inside and out) for reminding me to "go with the flow" instead of swimming against the current. Sensible advice Girl. We truly are role swapping now. And I don't mind a bit. Am very proud of you my Girls for staying sweet." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2014
"Thank you too Jean Grace. You'll always be a part of our lives. Till we meet again." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2014
"My sister was amused when I told her to buy herself a gift from me with her own money she intends to bless me. Thanks for making me laugh in my darkest moment." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2014
"I just want to stay in bed and do nothing. Even sickness is considered a Treat. It's normal to crave something to eat when you're sick." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2014
"Let me neither condemn nor condone." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2014
"Our late mother was a farmer's daughter and most of us in the family inherited her green thumb gene. Wherever we go to live, she always fills every lot with plants that would please the eyes and satisfy the guts. Which reminds me, I must inactivate my gardening activity after sometime of leaving the ground dormant. We have been drenched with rain lately and that should be enough impetus for me to till the ground though in a very limited space." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 August 2014
"Nuon bahay namin ay dampa. Pero ang palibut ay sari-sari. May nakakabusog ng tiyan. May nakakabusog ng mata. Mahirap na masagana dahil tiyan namin di kumakalam. Salamat sa napakasipag naming Ina." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 August 2014
"My spirit is my own company hemmed into my soul so I could never be alone." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 August 2014
"Am thankful to travel this far for 64 years, and unashamedly on foot." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 August 2014
"Arrogance a plenty and hatred too, in this world hiding behind a mask of Pretensions." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 August 2014
"I am in tears as I read many beautiful tributes about Robin Williams. People can only sympathise, but the agony he silently suffered when he was alive was never publicly recognised so he could be helped and healed and comforted by his million fans around the world. Depression was the culprit behind his death. I personally experienced and suffered Depression without knowing it was depression. Thankfully it was without the aid of any synthetic medicines pushed down my throat that could have made it worst. As a pharmacist, it helped me to be aware what my body should take and not to take. I drowned myself through hard work: day, noon, night till morning. My little children were my prime motivators to keep me going. And my resilience as well. Above all, my strong faith in God. Depression is demonic. It is real. Compassion is the key in handling someone with depression.
As Sam Lorie noted,
"Tread gently and be kind. Ask someone if they are okay and really listen to their answer, it may not be in their words but hidden in their smile." "You’d be surprised what a smile can hide." ~The Healing Nest
Stephen Fry has this to say: "If you know someone who is depressed please resolve never to ask them why. Depression is not a straightforward response to a bad situation, depression just is, like the weather. Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, loneliness they're going through. Be there for them when they come through the otherside. It's hard to be a friend to someone who is depressed, but it's one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do."
Besides chemical imbalances taking place within the physiological landscape of a person, depression can be triggered by many causes." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 August 2014
"When you're depressed and you're surrounded by busybodies with stinky noses, you're likely to kill them instead of yourself." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 August 2014
"In this world of greed ruled by ravenous wolves, true friends are rare to find. Am thankful to have a few. My family is one of them. They're the ones I called pure gold." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 August 2014 LCD
"You may be the richest man on earth, your money can never ever buy back your life once it's gone!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 August 2014
"Haven't written in a long time. My blogs are wandering in a desert of hiatus as my mind continue to suffer emptiness. Still searching for my long lost quill so my parched paper will be flooded with the flow of my inky thoughts. I'm enjoying your writings and keeping every single copy of them. One day, I will come to see you. God willing. All I can do is dream." ~Leah C. Dancel on B&P, 12 August 2014
"A man can build a house.'But only God can make a tree.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 August 2914
"Working in a vineyard on thick frosty mornings is like having your dying body subjected to rigor mortis." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 August 2014 on winter out in the vineyard
"It will be quick for others to judge, family or not, because they have minds to think what they like to think, and tongues to waggle on. I am used to live a solitary life causing no harm to people around me, so am okay with myself living in harmony with contentment." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 August 2014 on judgmental people
"Thank you United Kingdom for your visit everyday to my humble blog. Your viewership keeps growing." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 August 2014
"For those who hurt me, I am grateful. For you blessed me good memory through constant Biblical reminder how to live a meaningful life according to what God desires in us: to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him. (Micah 6:8)" ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 August 2014
"How can it be made plain and obvious what people do to your property to cover up what they're doing? Somehow I do notice as things are slowly revealed. They assume and I presume, they can do something on your behalf that YOU didn't or haven't done. Just saying." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 August 2014
"I will be remembered for my Gorgeous Smile:
Your persona gives off the kind of charm that is unique and amazing. You are deeply loving and your smile can force others to cheer up. Just knowing you is a gift from the heavens!~Leah C. Dancel, 4 August 2014
"I had a very special guest of honour at dinner tonight: My little Princess Cinderella in a gown of blue, my surprise gift for her and how she was over the moon with it! She swarmed me with hugs and kisses and whispered 'thank you Lola' as she and I were alone watching her fully dressed in front of the mirror. We both smiled. Oh I love her. I don't think I can bear to part from her, my family as a whole package." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 August 2014
"Today, Mr. Walter Wladimir Janson, the hubby of my best friend Mila, was laid to his final resting place. A quick cold breeze swept the atmosphere and kissed each one who came to bid him a final farewell on the cheek. He lived a full life at 86, which tragically ended in an accident. Old age is frail. It is as dainty as a crystal vessel. Family and close friends faithfully gathered in that sorrowful parting." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 August 2014
"Welcome August! See you on my birthday. Thank you family for a well-laid plan. Lovely thoughts considered!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 August 2014
"When I sing, my voice is better than my problems." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 August 2014
"Humanity is the true religion. Not religions by name sake. It's all bulls to me!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 July 2014 on Gaza crisis
"When I thought the sky looks gloomy, slowly the sun creeps through and reveals the heaven's glory." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 July 2014
"It makes a difference when you have someone to turn to in times of distress." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 July 2014
”I do listen to the song of the ocean; its memory that fills the ebb tide both in sorrow and in joy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 July 2014 on Project Butterfly Free
"Just as I mentioned about some storms leaving the shore, am afraid there's another storm that has recently hit our peaceful radiant sea in a tragic way. Much less to a family so close and dear to my heart. To the Abbu Family of Cebu City, please accept my heartfelt condolence to the passing away of Dr. Cris Cecil C. Abbu (Orthopaedic Specialist of Sacred Heart Hospital of my own Alma Mater, SWU.)~Leah C. Dancel, 25 July 2014
"Now that some storms have passed somewhere, we're having a lovely baby boy coming our way in December. My son-in-law is over the moon! We all are!" ~Leah C. Dancel, July 23, 2014
"I always believe in the power of God's intervention. Big TIME! May the good Lord through the power of His Divine Healing help you to a speedy recovery from all trials and tribulations you have endured my dearest friend "M". Also farewell "W". May you rest in peace. My heartfelt condolence to the family I've grown to love. I pray for God's love and comfort to sustain you in this hour of bereavement and sorrow. 'When things happen, they happen all at ONCE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 July 2014 at "B" Hospital.
"When everything is on the plate all at once, you don't know which one to deal first." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 July 2014
"A love that comes from the heart is heaven sent." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 July 2014
"I always wanted to grow old gracefully. And if by keeping my grey hair without distorting its natural colour by artificial colouration, in order to look young which is far more deceiving and defying nature, then I am proud to show off my real silver crown. At the same time, letting my golden heart stays in its throne." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 July 2014
"I learned how to live a lone 'lonely life.' Yet, I never allow myself to get dispirited just because I am alone and being away from anyone." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 July 2014
"Memories of those that we enjoyed keep coming back. They stay in our hearts and occupy our minds. They draw out random smiles." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 July 2014
"Love helps us live life to the fullest. Love makes the world a better place to live. It can't be the other way around." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 July 2014
"My children used to deliver this line from an essay "HATING Alison Ashley - ''you must take your manners with you wherever you go.' " ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 July 2014 on Good Manners
"It is every woman's dream to feel loved and secure in the heart and arms of the man she loves." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 July 2014 on Love and Security
"Believe me, I learned through practice how to be happy in my "LONELY" state than being with hypocrites." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 July 2014 on B&P "How to be Lonely"
"Truth and humour can go together. So let's set a bipolar mood for a change. Just reminiscing a childhood experience on life by the sea as I looked at the picture of three Nepalese girls crossing over a river by a safe overhead rope ride just to go to school to get education as captioned by Rishika Jain Inspirations in her website has made me revisit one distant memory:
When I was these girls' age, I used to cross a delta (where a river's mouth meets the open sea) to go to school. That was two-kilometres walk from home each trip of the morning and in the afternoon. There were two things to watch - high tide and crocodiles. It was far from safe with me carrying my school books and notes. When the water turned brown or muddy, I had to run for my life away fom the hungry crocs. Running for my life was the ultimate option in that dire funny but dangerous situation. I still run away from life where I suspect is inhabited by human crocodiles. Over-all, I enjoy it tremendously. Oh, I am humorous in a truthful way!"~Leah C. Dancel, 3 July 2014 per comment on the above.
"The best treasure is a caring heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 July 2014
"How I miss my childhood by the sea. Happy and sad times they were, memories stay in my heart with longings to go back." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 July 2014
"AUSTRALIA, purported to be one of the rich nations can't provide free solar power. Our power bills are skyrocketing, shocking to the grave. Better were the days when we used candles and kerosene lamps for our humble night light in the absence of the moon and stars." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 July 2014
"Life in its complexity has been magnified or debased by our own thinking or perception of so many things in general. Even those that are customs or traditions-base teachings people embraced, were directly or indirectly described in the BIBLE: One source of all human religions twisted by confused, diversified religious cultural mindsets." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 July 2014 on "If all religions teach peace, then why can't all religions achieve peace?"
"That inspiring moment of the day when you see the glorious golden sun hiding behind a tree as you walked home. And a wondrous feeling sings within you knowing how Eliza E. Hewitt penned this inspiration:
"There is sunshine in my soul today,~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2014 on brushing unjustified disappointments.
More glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my Light.
O there’s sunshine, blessèd sunshine,
When the peaceful, happy moments roll;
When Jesus shows His smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul."
"Then, as you continue walking, you stopped, looked up the sky to see what you see. Then you remember that once you're up there, traversing the horizon into the unknown. Then the Carpenters were suddenly on your mind: "Top Of The World" ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2014 as she watched the airplane go by
"A lovely trip home in this holy hour of the day when a beautiful golden sunrise meets your eyes." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2014 on watching that golden orb in the sky glowing
"Though family is your home, nothing beats when you're on your own: cocoon is your world, solitude is your universe, peace is your homage of rest. And you're all alone at your best!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2014
"Sometimes coldness is comfortable when we're rugged up with warmness." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 June 2014
"I like every one's own handwriting. One of those things that makes each individual unique!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 June 2014
"A rainbow appears when all things look bleak." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 June 2014
"Thank God for my family. They are my pillar of strength provided for by our Great Sustainor." ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 June 2014
"To our mentor at Mamre Hospitality II Class, Saveria McCann, we all send our happy wishes to your forthcoming and exciting adventure (holiday) with your friends around Australia. We hope to see you and join us on our graduation day. We'll miss you. Glad you and Karen Colley enjoyed the surprised Devon Cream Tea served on your behalf, as our gratitude for being our lovely teachers." ~Leah C. Dancel and classmates, 25 June 2014
"Today, 24 years ago, I stand tall to commit my testimony in protecting an unborn child and strongly protested the criminal intent of a non-custodial parent to abort it. Against all odds, we came out the victors! That child is a very proud mother herself and is expecting their second child, a new additional blessing to the family. God bless you on your birthday, Palangga! I love you very much. You and your big sister are God's gifts to me in my old age." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 June 2014
"I love to reminisce that Englishy tradition of Devon Cream and Jam Tea served at country fetes in and around Orange. My fond memory of old Australia 27 years ago." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 June 2014
"Wow! Some analytical tests do fit somebody's personality. This sure fits mine. No Frills are cheap; obviously, am not in that category. And yes, I'm ALWAYS Skeptical! Take heed." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 June 2014
You Are Looking For a
Mind Mate:
You are a tough, no-nonsense type who takes a no frills approach to life. You're not afraid to dig in and get things done. You are analytical and focused. You always have your goals in mind, and you are skeptical of anyone who gets in your way. You want to be with someone who is equally direct and driven. You don't have time for distractions or drama. You admire someone who knows what they want, and you want a partner who is sure they want to be with you. You and your mind mate will be an unstoppable force. You both know how to prioritize what matters. You won't spend a lot of time talking about feelings and problems. You'll either solve them or move on from them.
"Before you jump over the precipice, look out out if there are poisoned arrows down below that will hit your soul. THINK!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 June 2014
"If I was to live in America, according to the test I've taken, my favourite state would be VERMONT. It's so fitting for we used to live in a place like that once in our life when I was a budding teenager." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 June 2014
Quiet, rural, and picturesque, Vermont is a wonderful place to live if you want to get far away from it all – but not TOO far away from it all. You may not be much of a people person but, in Vermont, you’re sure to have neighbours you’ll love.
"Marriage to me is sacred, and, a very special calling. I couldn't stand living with someone who dishonoured the sacredness of the vow." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 June 2014
"Is there such thing as a Female Spider eating another female spider? I believe there is, in an asylum of 'Dog eats Dog' world!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 June 2014
"If all the men in the world think nothing but loving their wives, and vice versa, there won't be unhappy marriages and broken families." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 June 2014
"'Eat, love and pray' makes a good combination for a loving relationship. Elizabeth Gilbert did justice with her masterpiece." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 June 2014
"A pleasant life where love and laughter co-exist makes a lovely vision, hope, dream and desire to aim for a lifetime goal of good." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 June 2014
"A car can't run without petrol." ~Leah C. Dancel. 15 June 2014
"Winter is that time of the year when waking up early to get ready for school is less encouraging. Raining and freezing cold. The least I could do is curl up in bed and snuggle warm. My water bottle jumps outside for her early morning ritual. Where's Emmy?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 June 2014
"In life, I never complain or regret that I am homeless or being poor. I just strive to live. However, I have no respect to people who tried to undermine me because I am poor." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 June 2014
"Our winter brings much character by its swinging temperature as diverse as summer as you commute from area to area even if you live in the same city, country towns, outback, interstate, intra-state and beyond. The seasons are quite character building; they're moulding forms that can transform your emotional pattern from melancholic to sanguinity." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 June 2014
"This picture reminds me of my poem "Silence in Harmony of the Night" based on a theatrical picture of the sunset that almost look like yours. This is exceedingly a great capture that reflects the serenity of the sun setting down surrounded by the abundance of peace and tranquility. Silence is absolutely heard by a contemplative mind and a contended heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 June 2014 on sunset by Semplice Abbondanza
"My heart is big to help. My means is not enough. But I've given my all!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 June 2014
"When humility is absent, we will never learn our lesson." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 June 2014
"Every nation has its own form of a devil's pill. It even starts in a family, even a family that is supposed to be embracing faith. Would you believe that kind of element in a family?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 June 2014 on FORCED FAITH IS NOT FAITH
"The reality of life cannot be covered by a newspper's print. Everything in the government is about propaganda." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 June 2014 on hitting a head with a nail.
"Bloom with goodness and kindness, sincerity and genuine lovingness." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2014
"Remember, the rainbow only appears after the rain, unleashed by a storm." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 June 2014
"I'm sure Dr. Maya Angelou was talking to God as reflected in her final Tweet: "Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God" before she died (23rd May). She is a lovely person who lived by her words, and they're lessons worth to ponder. She's a strong pillar of inspiration to the downtrodden. She's the ultimate "Phenomenal Woman". In spite of all she went through, she dauntlessly face the world to proclaim "I Still Rise!" What a legacy to learn!" ~Leah C Dancel, 30 May 2014
"How I love looking or watching my two grown up children being close and happy together. They've come this beautifully far and well after all our hard struggles in life. I am a proud mother of these two." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 May 2014
"My youth were full of struggles. The happy times we had were of pure innocence of a carefree life woven in simplicity and limited by poverty where values were valued." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 May 2014
"The butter melts where there is heat!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 May 2014
"I am divorced. Happy, sad, lonely, funny, crazy..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 May 2014
"The bell rings familiar. No wonder I'm horrid sick, simply because I had enough. Right. Bring it on Bell!
"Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape." ~Bell Hooks
~Leah C. Dancel, 23 May 2014
Thought to Consider:
"The one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.” -Albert Einstein
"I can't stand a crowd for too long. It suffocates me. I love free spaces. There's one room I know that wearies my heart. I could not breath because of its crowd. Too squashy and I feel lost. There's a soul who sees me, but only when it likes and perhaps when it gets bored of its crowd and wanted something for a random breakaway and spur of a moment's company like "there's always me." Ah I'd rather be with my own crowd, on my own company: alone and carefree!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 May 2014
"Methink our day looks beautiful and the sky is blue. But that was yesterday. For today, am trying to figure out how to get rid of the bulls. They scatter shits everywhere. Makes the world too messy! Very sad, isn't it? People are always caught whether they tell the truth or something else. But whatever happens to those three coffins in my dream?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 May 2014 on being sharp and keen observer. In one word - PERCEPTION, ahhhh hmmmmm. Meaning you can type in two line-sentences in more than half an hour! Amazing! Nah, not worth dying for.
"Suddenly I found my lost voice back in the box and like a bird, I sang like I used to as my way of life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 May 2014
"How lovely it is to wake up to the touch of the sun rays!
Watching the soft glow of the morning sunrise from where I lay,
And let my eyes savour its golden light
Makes me feel like climbing the stair-less sky;
To claim my sparkling crown and sit on that lofty height!" ~Copyright@Leah C. Dancel
18 May 2014
Australia
"I can never forget the 'GOLDEN RULE'. Why would I? That's how it is ingrained in me since my memory started to develop. So check your balance sheet. A debit might be more than the credit and vice versa. Perhaps a Slide Wrong is more applied than a 'Slide RULE'." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 May 2014
"Nature's gift to mankind is BEAUTY AND PEACE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 May 2014 on Touring Mamre Homestead property
"Hmmmm, methink, I've heard that song before; antiquated familiar old tune, with rusty 'desentonado' notes. It's called the 'Sound of ...' (Sic). Nothing new." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 May 2014
"Love to be happy in all things simple and delightful." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 May 2014
"Thank you Girls for the "Mother's Day" greetings and love. Now I am privilege to greet my youngest the same for being a Mom herself." ~Mum Leah, 11 May 2014
"Season of change began 4th of May. The warm nights hibernate into a frost of oblivion. The day fades in haste, even sunsets hurry in hiding, unmindful that someone out there starves for the evening goodwill." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 May 2014
"Here's a WISHING WELL for you
Where I keep all my wishes fair
My prayers, my hopes, my longings
For a long and happy life you'll live
Are laid in GOD Almighty's care."
Many Happy Returns of the Day, my sweet Darling and to Chakky too! Love, cuddles, kisses. ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 May 2014
"I slept so well I did not even hear the rain pelting hard last night. The surrounding is wet and gloomy but not my spirit." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 May 2014
"Animals have better memory than most humans. They don't get infected with amnesia let alone Alzheimer." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 May 2014
"Not apologising for my behaviour induced by unseemly circumstance doesn't mean I am not humble. I only have just learned how to put HUMILITY in its right 'mise en' perspective." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 May 2014
"I'd rather speak in public where I can impart useful knowledge than scatter somewhere, everywhere, anywhere; pry and spread GOSSIP. So SPEAK IN PUBLIC without FEAR with useful tools that everyone can learn." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 May 2014 on Public Speaking
"I fell asleep to be awoken by my granddaughter's call to say thank you for the FROZEN DVD I gave her, my belated present for her 4th birthday. It's so lovely to hear a little child's angelic voice expressing gratitude in her cutest way. I was delighted and fully gratified." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 April 2014
"At Mamre House, I have my first head dress called "Taraha" crowned on my head today by Adou and Christina, two of the lovely Sudanese ladies in our class. Maria and Mila couldn't resist taking a photo of me. I loved it myself that I let it on my head for the whole duration of the class." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 April 2014.
"A woman is what she is with the kind of man she has." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 April 2014
"Today, it's back to a bookless classroom with lots to remember and memorise, and putting up with late comers, and, noisy bunch." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 April 2014
"Life is sweet when we start it with love from a dreamy sleep till morning and throughout the day." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 April 2014
Pick of the Day: "Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood." ~Khalil Gibran
Preponderance:"Beneath a tough facade is a soft heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 April 2014
"Knowing when to walk away, is wisdom.
Being able to walk away, is courage.
Walking away with your head held high, is dignity." ~Unattributed
❤
“My life is a perfect graveyard of buried hopes.” ~Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
"I can never write when the spirit of writing is not embedded in my mood." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 April 2014
"Marriage is not about 'a piece of paper'. It's about a lifetime commitment of this sacred calling you contracted yourself into with someone you truly hold dear." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 April 2014
"As the Passover season is fast approaching, here's one quote to consider.
which reminds me of the suffering of the Son of Man that led to His death when He was betrayed by no less than His own disciple who supped with HIM on that night He was delivered to the hands of the enemies ... At the cost of 30 pieces if silvers." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 April 2014
"Best wishes to my girl who turns quarter a century today! My miracle baby I gave birth to in my old age. It was a painless birth, without labour, without Epidural." ~Leah C. Dancel, 03/04/2014
"A light can be a LIGHT without FIRE, but a FIRE cant't be without LIGHT. It has to kindle to give LIGHT." ~Leah C. Dancel, 03/04/2014
"Today is your Graduation Day. I humbly offer you my warm congratulations! You made it! My girls and i are very proud of you. You must be very proud of yourself too! Everything always begins with a small step. Oftentimes a small step gets the hardest start. Think of a baby who tries getting up and dares his/her first step. Don't babies stumble on their first step and get hurt? Same with life especially when they are wrapped up with so much difficulties, hurdles from too much strivings before you attain the goal, so much trials that are impossible to pass through, too much despair and hopeless situations to overcome. All these things will come to pass. As your late Grandma used to say with faith in her heart and her smile beaming with hope and positivity, "Behind the dark clouds lies a silver lining." Keep going Anne. The road to success is now open for you to walk on. WALK WITH FAITH IN YOUR HEART. We LOVE you. GOD BLESS YOU." ~Leah C. DANCEL, 28 March 2014 on my niece, Anne's High School Graduation Day
"The best conversation is silence without its partakers drifting away from each other." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 March 2014
"I don't like people coming to you for friendship only because they see in you a potential for their vested interest and dump you when you have nothing. Such a universals flaw of human nature." ~Leah C. Dancel, (On movie For Richer For Poorer), 24 March 2014
"I call Jenolan Caves an ocean of gem beneath the earth." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 March 2014
"Even in silence love gives off meaning." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 23, 2014
"Our autumn is truly setting in well with dark mornings and cold air shifting in." ~Leah C. Dancel, March 2014
"Great eye opener for me from Dodinsky
"Do not let those who betrayed you take away your ability to trust. Let them go and release the hurt. Use the experience to enhance and teach you the ability to trust the right people. The flow of your life must not become stagnant because of the misdeeds of a few." ~Dodinskyin conjunction to Anna Sibal's imperative query with similar alignment of thought
"Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing pavements even if it leads nowhere?"to which I gave my allegorical response based on my own personal experience as such:
"Find another pavement with a direction. Follow the yellow brick road. Giving up is not an option." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 March 2014
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"Love is very important to me. It comes with responsibility and opportunity. Opportunity to serve without grumbling." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 March 2014
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"When Spring is in the air I am thinking of those beautiful blooms that will sparkle the garden with floral delights." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 March 2014
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"Not to worry. Politics is always about FALSE PROMISES and FAKE WORDS. No wonder the world is PREGNANT with CHAOS and TURBULENCE above CORRUPTION." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 March 2014 on politics
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"At TAFE, I learned to have good 'EYES for DETAILS' and many wonder how I know things. Well, I study so I won't be a DUMBO! Simple as that!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 March 2014
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"Some places somewhere make a good hide away like those where you can catch rabbits! You can also catch guilty animals. They make quick exit and poor excuses. I like playing detective without playing a game." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 March 2014
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"Laughter and songs in our hearts are perfect match." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 March 2014
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"Some places somewhere make a good hideaway like those where you can catch rabbits." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 March 2014, that Nostalgic moment reminiscing an outback drive from Mudgee to Orange via Sofala and Hill End sometime in December 1988 at Christmas time.
"Today, my most cherished adopted Mom passed away in her own home. You will always stay in my heart Ma. I will miss your kind voice and all the kindness you accorded me some years. I love you Ma. You are a second Mother to me. Thank you BB for letting me know. There were many times I did feel the presence of her spirit." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6-months later from this date, 11 March 2014
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"Ah the beach. I love listening to the suave wavelets lapping the shore with its humming notes. The moonlight beams kissing the face of the sea make perfect reflectors too! Such magical light! I love walking along the beach on moonlight night; taking deep breaths for spray bring forth by every rolling waves. I want to hear their sounds again while sniffing othe salty air. It's inviting and dreamy. I would like to experience that life again which memory brings." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 March 2014
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"Peace is precious when genuinely shared with love." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 March 2014
♥*✿*•♥ "Be a giver of hope" ~My Renewed Mind.
Exactly the essence of my eldest daughter's message in the postcard she sent me which I pulled out from my mailbox today on my return home from a long trip to the Sapphire Coast.
"I'm loving university and I can definitely say you are the reason I love study so much!" ~Lily (8 March 2014)♥*✿*•♥
"May your night be as dreamy as your thoughtful heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 March 2014 on Butterflies and Pebbles
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"Of all the places I wish to be
I find my home the best
Relaxing space to rest." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 March 2014
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"The blind sees through the heart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 March 2014 on Sochi Paralympic Games 2014
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"Springtime is also a time for showers to prepare the garden plants for summer." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 March 2014
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"Love is meek and full when it is genuinely present in our life. Abundance is nothing without it." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 March 2024
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"My blog comprises a miscellaneous collection of quotations from different authors and sources. The "Word of the Day" cited it in Latin, "omnium-gatherum". ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 March 2014
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"Nothing can beat a homegrown garden tomatoes and nothing can beat a homemade tomato sauce for a yummy home cooked pasta." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 March 2014
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"There is no religion without shameful controversy, embarrassment and scandal. All because religions are simply 'man-made' (A.D. Williams) and money making; yes, and, all in the name of God." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 March 2014 on "What's Wrong with Islam?"
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"On top of the mountain - Merimbula mountain house Scandinavian style of Angie and Tatang with Chakky." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 March 2014
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"There is a lesson to be learned from the fish. Put different kinds of fish in one single net. Submerge the net under the water. None wriggles, kicks, and screams or topples one on top of the other to escape. Not one 'lords over' or showing a sign as if to say, 'am the boss' or 'am superior than you' or 'am better than you.' They simply settle down." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2 March 2014 on Fishing at Wonboyn Lake
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"Today is our last day of summer. Autumn has already set in. Some areas are still burning with fires, others endure drought, thunderstorms and flood, and elsewhere are basking in the political arena of environmental bickerings." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 February 2014
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"Listening to our children from the day they were born help build their confidence. Be attentive is the key." ~Leah C. Dancel, 26/02/2014
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"Even in a stark gloom of the night
The rain seeks to kiss the sun." ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 February 2014 on The Rain And Sun
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"I admire a man who knows how to lead without being arrogant, mean, conceited, puffed-up, selfish and demanding." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 February 2014
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"I enjoy laughter. Still best of all and over everything I love LOVING. If my being a perfectionist stands, it is mainly all about loving. But I also know how and when to retreat if I sense a threat." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 February 2014
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"That old fashion wisdom we ought to keep with open mind and understanding. Life's road would never be without rocks in whatever forms and sizes they represent. My heart is at peace and I have my trust in The Lord for He alone has planned our paths and our journeys. He already knew what will become of us even before we were conceived in darkness. Dreams that are spoken with sincerity give us peace." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 February 2014
♥*✿*•♥ "If you are a DRUG dependent, you are going through a Direct ROAD unto (your) Grave. Life has paved different roads for us to pass and bypass every day. But Douglas Pagels has a beautiful road for us to share in his poem 'Beautiful Road'. (Note: Link to be added later)." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 February 2014
♥*✿*•♥ "It was fun reliving life for what it was on weekends with us way back home in Orange long time ago. We had a very special Sabbath evening meal with my little family last night minus a member or two. Thank you Family for the wonderful night of dinner fellowship with me. I do miss cooking for my girls. Now there are additions to my small flock. What an awesome feeling, I can't live without." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 February 2014
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
"It is most dangerous nowadays for a husband to pay any attention to his wife in public. It always makes people think that he beats her when they're alone. The world has grown so suspicious of anything that looks like a happy married life." ~Oscar Wilde"This world in some respect to some people including mine long ago, is its worst debilitating marital theatre with suffocating pretences; volatile and violent behind the scene. Most of these scenarios are sugar-coated by one sided party to retain a pseudo panorama of a happy marriage." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 February 2014 re: Oscar Wilde's quote of the above
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"Somehow RELIGIONISM apparently is next to CAPITALISM? They co-exist. That's only my opinion." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 February 2014 on Communism, Capitalism and Religion thread
"Politics in its whole spectrum is under the guise of capitalism, feudalism, religionism which in all facets, have sort of synchronised smorgasbord of perspectives, magnified views and differing opinions simmering in a subtle economic environment of vested interest." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 February 2014 as above thread
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"From the Writing Tip of the Day
Whether you write an email, a manuscript, a query letter or a book proposal, never forget the positive or negative impact of your words. (2/21/2014>This hits me home. Sure you do too!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 February 2014
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"Waking up to a dream of beautiful multi-coloured triangular dishes that came in different sizes I washed up in the kitchen sink in a place that didn't seem to look mine, has me to find Bryant McGill's daring words of advice:
"Live in the present, or die in your past; it's your choice."What a noble straightforward perspective of REAL HUMILITY to ponder on. Now, by reading this, I feel vindicated by my action in the past about slamming my door to THOSE who've subtly done me wrong. I feel liberated in doing that brave well-thought act. Going forward then became easy as pain gradually detached by itself from that choky tangling web. McGill's topic is a timely provocstive but helpful share. Did I lost sight on HUMILITY? Certainly not! I think Common Sense has put that in my heart and mind in good order. But what were those coloured triangular dishes connote in my dream?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 February 2014 on REAL HUMILTY by Bryant McGill as shared by Ups, Downs & Roundabouts
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"They may be the Beast of the Sea but they are actually beautiful. If only humans learn to respect them, understand them in their habitat and territory." ~Leah C. Dancel (On sharks) (undated in February 2014)
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"LOVE has many ways to show it and whom to give it where it rightfully belongs." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 February 2014
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"The world needs people to say words rightly in the light of peace and harmony." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 February 2014
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"I am 63 going 64 and I do grow grey hair and will never for a world alter its colour. I want to age gracefully by showing my gentle loving crown." ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 February 2014
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"No matter how small or insignificant our achievements in life are, they become big when our loved ones are there to share our joy! ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 February 2014 on my niece Anne's forthcoming High School Graduation in March
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"None of my parents had shown me physical support by being present on my graduations: elementary and high school. (They died before I graduated in the university.) They supported me in other matters which i was grateful enough but I had never felt they were proud of me." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 February 2014 (note to Analie)
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"I woke up to a dream - of a little chapel. There was nothing of any special significance there, just the chapel that stood alone in a quiet surround." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 February 2014 on Dreams
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"Sometimes Animals are better than HUMANS. Though they possess no intelligence like that of humans, they know how to demonstrate true compassion, and understand cruelty." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 February 2014 on BLACK BEAUTY by Anna Sewell
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"The best book I could get! Am keeping it for my granddaughter to read one day, when she's big enough to love reading." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 February 2014 on Anna Sewell's BLACK BEAUTY
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"It's a wrong notion for anyone to say they get wiser as they get old. Because I find myself still learning, in fact, there's a lot more to learn. Lessons never end whether you're one year old or 100 years old! Human behaviour alone is a broad subject to tackle per se! I have so many WHYS and I can't stop questioning the WORLD!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 February 2014
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"Hang down all your troubles and see the beautiful view of this great valley." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 February 2014 on Hanging Rock, Blackheath, over Grose Valley of the Blue Mountains
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"We owned nothing for we only live in this temporal world, while allowing ourselves to live with so many privileges, grants, benefits, blessings and gratuities far incomprehensible to our mortal minds." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 February 2014 on The Suitcase.
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"In everything there is duality consigned to virtuous hypocrisy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 February 2014 (on cultures)
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"I live by heart, love by heart, kind by heart, give by heart, think by heart, breath by heart, see by heart, drink by heart, happy by heart, laugh by heart, get angry by heart, grudge by heart, cook by heart, eat by heart, walk by heart, run by heart, fly by heart, work by heart, and sleep by heart. Everything that I am is by heart. A simple recipe and easy prey for some opportunists, liars, cheaters, deceivers, and USERS to take advantage of ME by their wicked hearts." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 February 2014
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"I'm always an ADVOCATE of PROPER DIET and GOOD NUTRITION (if I can help it)." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 February 2014
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"Love has its own weather and season, a storm in a calm sea for all reasons to see!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 Februsry 2014
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Flashback: "I was my mother's first Teacher or her Marriage Counsellor when my siblings started to get married. The first lesson I taught her: 'Never interfere in your children's marital affairs like what most mothers do!' She didn't and never did!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 February 2014
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"There were many times I wanted to sit down and write letters. In the past, I seemed to be writing to the wrong people who could never bother writing back. If they did, their letters perhaps went to the wrong people? wrong places? wrong addresses? They never reached me at all! Two years ago? Three years ago? Yes, letters are a joy to receive." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 February 2014
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"The old rusty "GOLDEN RULE" and "GIVE and TAKE" are my two favourite TAPE MEASURES." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 February 2014
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"As to how a man treats me challenges my intellect; I don't prolong a journey that is without direction." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 February 2014
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"A person's character helps contribute to the longevity of a relationship. Where there are differences in culture, beliefs, tradition and even age, amongst other things; acceptance, tolerance, or compromise with open mind and understanding heart do play important roles in magnifying love within a relationship. While bigotry, prejudice, racism, outside interferences and others kill it." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 February 2014
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"To Lily: It's just normal nerves. But I assure you, being a confident person you are, there is no need to feel anxious. It's much ado about nothing. All I can suggest is, learn or study the style of your instructors and see how you will fit in to commensurate their expectations to their students. It's only the beginning of the excitements and thrills of a university life! If possible, always put your best foot forward, not in terms of fashion but in style of your studies and in your intelligence. It pays to be diligent. You don't have to be smart or clever. Diligence and enthusiasm help a lot! You need to put your heart and mind into it. Take A deep Breath. Love you. Mum." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 February 2014 on Encouragement
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"Flashback: When our Mother died in a very "tragic way", FORGIVENESS played a pivotal role for me and my siblings to accept her fateful death, and, for us to learn to LET GO. We learned from the fact that life whether we like it or not will have its END, regardless of how it happens and what causes it." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 February 2014 on LEARN TO LET GO
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"All too often, my life sails on a very lonely journey, be it on water and on land. Each sojourn has made me kind of a vagabond with all the meanderings that come with it." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 February 2014 (A Dream Boat blog)
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"... I always love the soft breeze of the sea air that iodised my whole being; the soft air that would take my mind to some poetic kingdoms that were only known to me. There, I would sit down under the tree in its quiet garden and write my heart out on my invisible tablet penned with a bird's dried plucked feather I picked up on the ground, inked with a purple violet sap - on a broken piece of dried bark that fell off the tree. The solicitude of the moment was a paradise to me!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 February (excerpt from A Dream Boat blog)
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"As I was walking to the train station, I caught myself musing over how slow a dresser I am. A thought of comment from my ex-husband pierced through my memory: "You dress up to the nine, as if you're going to see the Queen of England." Not bad eh? Here I come KS-Sydney International Airport!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 February 2014
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"I can't deny the fact how proud I AM with my children, who grew up with only one PARENT, a SINGLE MOTHER borne out of circumstance. Thank you my TWO beautiful PALANGGA for putting up with what we had have lacked (trappings and trimmings) but much adorned and nurtured with LOVE. I LOVE YOU!"~Leah C. Dancel, 3 February 2014
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"How time flies! Today is the First Day of February! Hope the air will give us coolness after successive days of hotness!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 Februar 2014
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"I feel like running away and talk to the wind, cry out to the waves of the ocean and curl within their curves as if they would hug me in comfort and the rustling leaves are just soothing whispers of love assuring me that all is well'. In reality, that whispering love is true!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 February 2014
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"Sunsets are beautiful when not threaten by playful havocs so spectators can just watch them with awe and appreciation till they fade into oblivion of nights." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 February 2014
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"The sweltering streak of summer is still pretty much around. There's no sign of slowing down by this high mercurial season." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 Janusry 2014
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"It's nice to sleep on a soft pillow with clear conscience. It sweetens the soul and makes the spirit whole." ~Leah C. Dancel, 30 January 2014
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"As I was looking at the pictures of two stages in your life, I couldn't help but compare the scenario: when you were a Babe, you were inside the sink having a bath cleaning your own self. On the other hand, here's a three year old toddler, standing on a chair with confidence on the sink, donned on apron and washing your own empty bowl of porridge. You volunteered to do it! No one could say "NO"! I was behind you, watching you with swelling pride in my heart! As a mother myself, it is my hope that you will keep the impetus of helping as you grow. Your Mum and Dad are doing a very Good JOB on YOU!" ~Leah C.Dancel, 27 January 2014 (at home)
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"Something to reckon with:
"A woman who does not require a validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet." ~Mohadesa NajumiI am that WOMAN! So it's not surprising I survive, but not without help from the ABOVE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 January 2014
"I'm greatly grateful to Australia. A country who lets me call her My Home! Just look at the clear blue sky with those big fluffy white clouds hanging over my head!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 January 2014
"Happy (226th Birthday) Australia Day! My 27th year in celebrating this magnificent country!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 January 2014
"Brilliant thoughts shine in a bright sky!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 26 January 2014 on 'My Heaven is on a Farm' by Andrew Pearson Photography (Tamworth NSW)
"Situations can never be improved with constant worries. But let it go, and there you go; without knowing, without a clue. Then you look back and wonder, "Wow! How did I get here?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 24/01/2014
Journey's Log
"I woke up to the sound of the strong winds. And we lost network connection in between gaps. Basically I fell asleep. The whole carriage is dark as everybody is tired and asleep. It would be lovely to come home to a nice cup of creamed coffee and bun as I'm very hungry. I don't feel like eating in this transit setting. We're coming closer to the boundary." ~XPT at 11:11pm"Sometimes following your heart comes at a price. For most part, it is nasty. That is even more soul-wrenching! But I fight back with a wish that people will just leave me alone even if that people are part of the one your heart desires." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 January 2014
"Love that springs from friendship, respect and trust is divine." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 January 2014
"And finally the guests have now landed safe and sound but the thrill hasn't ended yet, for they're still stranded one more time on the northern part of this huge island continent. Even so I've already given them my personal accolade of a warm WELCOME or plain G'day Mate for making it to the Land Down Undah! Tomorrow will sure be a big day for all of us. Weather, please be kind to us. Thank you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2014
"Why can't a story be just be plain and bland? Why has it to involve tears and laughters? And why some mean-spirited souls cannot spell the word correctly, intertwining prey to pray? Why? Just asking questions, not interrogating." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2014
"I'm enjoying THE TOWER ROOMS, a brilliant write by Mary Grant Bruce published in 1926! What a hefty read with remarkable story line on social graces which the modern selfish world today is void of and so lacking. What a Treasure and a precious GEM to keep. I have no clue how I came to own this Lucky Four Clover Leaf!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2014.
"Thought for Today: I never prey on the LONELY. I pray for the lonely to be HAPPY. I also pray for the MISERABLE PEOPLE that they will learn how to be happy and to appreciate that there is MORE to LIFE than being sullen." (There are 356 days left in a year). ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 January 2014
"Somehow the SMILE on my face remains. Thank you Sweetheart for your trustworthiness. You never promised me anything, but you just do it! Thanks for the lovely postcard of your classical Edenland. Such a delight, so simple yet pleasurable! It makes my day!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 January 2014
"Commercial aviations, flight industries, travels, tourism; they're just everything else - UNFLAWLESS! They carry loads of luggages full of disappointments and inconveniences. Delayed flights do cause a spirit of humour to evaporate off your face especially if you booked a hotel who knows the unreliability and unpredictability of a certain airline company and for surety charged the client with NON REFUNDABLE deal against their own disclaimer. Things happen and I'm adding this to my JAR of GRATITUDE, and, take it as a RAINBOW in the clouds for this means I have to stay home. I pray that my friend's guests will arrive soon and that they will be taken cared of by the concerned airline while being stranded in another country for two days. 'Oh what a feeling!'" (There's 357 days left in a Year). ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 January 2014
"They say, 'you'll never know the man until you sleep with him.' Let's prove that corollary: when I had my first baby, I breastfed her for economic reason second to health. My ex-husband made it a damn issue. Then I got pregnant with a second child much too soon. To keep the peace, I conceded with bottle feeding. Occasionally, I breastfed the newborn and at times I tandem breastfed the two. The bottlefeeding agreement turned into a battlefield. Go figure!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 January 2014
"Once in my married life, my pathetic ex-husband and I went on grocery shopping. He handed me $20 bill, filled up the trolley, and, ran away. The shopping docket registered $50 in total. He came back, pushed the trolley out to the car and loaded his shopping into the booth (remember, he's the one filling up the trolley). As he started the engine heading home, he asked, "how much change is left?" I looked up at him straight in the eye and replied in a soft, sweet, clear voice: you gave me $20, filled up the trolley and disappeared, you read the docket and it said $50, now you're looking for the change? By then, my tone had changed. What do you think of me? A mathematician or a magician?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 January 2014
"How does your humour fare? Remember, "Laughter is the best medicine." (There are 358 days left in a year). ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 January 2014
"It's quite interesting times when some quotes are thrown at you on your working bench right on cue! Here's one Food for Thought from THYME and AGAIN: "You can shake the sand from your shoes, but it will never leave your soul."
"Flashback: When I was young like a new fresh bud growing in a remote town across Lake Lanao, where bees were few, I had this habit of singing while doing my chores in the kitchen preferably washing dishes in the sink. I was the girl among the cinders in my family, unfortunately."A thread that I have just read from FB: 'At 40 you can swear in front of your Mom.'
There was this lady who stayed with us while on a visit to her husband who worked in our area. She noticed about my singing habit and commented citing a superstitious belief that any young girl of my age singing while washing dishes would marry an old man. This lady and her children came to live not long after her visit. She had a beautiful daughter about my age. She was the one who got married to an old man, for reason which was a state of their own family affairs.
Now, I'm old with a broken marriage behind me, few heartbreaks in between, and 20 years of chastity; I met and fell in love with a decent, dignified, and much respected and adored old man by his family. He is also in love with me, i can tell and feel. I want to marry him, yet we have to bid for the right time. Sunset tarries too so the spectators can view the colourful skies in the west when afternoon twilight comes. Same with relationship to allow time to let it grow and develop into full potentials.
Question: Will there be more dragons coming to slay our Love with treachery?
Answer: We do not know what the future holds. Wait till someone will come along and drop you HINTS. And your heart starts to palpitate like thuds of running wild horses. And anxiety sets in. Don't be fooled by mediators.
Then I hope old Lancelot will come to my rescue!
Thought provoking musings for the day when fever is high in mercury and coughs never stop." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 January 2014
Comment: In a social culture where I penetrated, swearing is a norm, a way of life. Depends on how it is directed and used, to them it means no offence. I am not saying that my culture doesn't swear. They do! And even worse because they CURSE!
I guess if my mother is around, and old and frail, I would give her more respect, love and gentleness and be watchful with my words. I did that to the many old people I cared and befriended. Therefore, I have no reason why I wouldn't do it to my own. Swearing is not just through words. You can swear through your actions by mistreating the olds." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 January 2014
"Here's a quote I picked up from MY RENEWED MIND
"Two concepts for a truly happy life: 'Use things, not people.' 'Love people, not things.'" ~AnonI personally thought that would set an ideal standard in dealing with ourself and others." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 January 2014
"I hit a high note when I received a response from the founder of INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES, Barbara Jean Olson yesterday, 5 January 2014:
Thanks for your lovely note and your best wishes for us. I'm glad my Quotation Site has helped you.to the message I sent:
Sending you best wishes of prosperity this year 2014. Just to let you know how much your website has helped me invite readership to my blog above. It's been a long while I haven't been in touch after so many failed attempts in reaching out to you.To be highly grateful for everything that comes big and small is high in my Jar of Contents (GRATITUDE) not only this year but throughout." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 January 2014 (There are 359 days left in the year).
"Silence is music.
The notes are intriguing.
Their soundwaves groove.
(There are 360 days left in a year). " ~Leah C. Dancel, 05 January 2014
"Played "World Without Love" on my keyboard. Whoever wrote this song is a brilliant writer and romantic at heart. There is deep love to be found in a state of loneliness if only you know your way to finding the path to true love gem. In my case, I don't care what they say for I will not live in a world void of LOVE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 January 2014
"There is no glory without honour."I still very much remember the name of my Biology Teacher who wrote these inspirational words in my Personal High School Autograph. I lost that memento but I did not lost the words she scribbled in there.. My memory vouched its safety for remembrance. My teacher's name by the way was Miss Leovigilda S. Gotardo. That was 45 years ago!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 December 2013
"There is no victory without sacrifice."
"Methink if I married a doctor, I would be his primary opponent. I go for Natural Medicines and that will start from the 7 Basics Food Group. All homegrown!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 December 2013
"Sincerity and genuiness must we all strive to do if we want to stay in good rapport with people." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 December 2013
"Old values are golden heritage." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 December 2013
"We all have dark clouds because we tend to ignore the bright sunny days of life and the rain turns into flood. Even the rainbow is pushed out, down into the colourless pit of doom." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 December 2013
"Someone at FB has this knack of having a go at Diana, late Princess of Wales, who once publicly debased herself as 'a tramp'. Despite my tactfulness if I could help it, my forthright OUTSPOKENISM surfaced and here's my retort:
In my opinion, I think she deliberately did it out of defiance to the Firm. See, no one in the Firm had groomed her like they did to Middleton. She was left alone and was lost of what to do. How would you feel if it was you being dumped in the cold and expected you to do the FINEST THING you could muster! If not for Princess Grace Kelly's kind words of encouragement to her, I doubt if she could come up better with some other things that made the glum Royals shone a little bit. Don't forget, there is both good and bad in everyone. And I think you are that BAD! Well, I'm not a Psychologist!Some intelligence and education are dumped in the bin of arrogance! I will not apologise for my words!" ~Leah C. Dancel (16 December 2013)
"Smile away those temporary down moments... It's not the END of the WORLD yet" ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 December 2013
"Flashback: Many years ago, our Father took home criminals after a lone night out foot patrol (without our knowing) and asked our mother to feed them, who dutifully obliged without question. He was a Military Man and highly respected even by the dissidents. I bet the guys gave up being lawless. This happened in Karomatan, once my beloved old childhood town. I am proud of my late Father. The memory of his INTEGRITY alone is our priceless LEGACY from him." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 December 2013
"A Tribute to our Late Father from a childhood townmate, a respectable man himself from a scion of Prominent Family in Karomatan, Lanao del Norte"
A tribute to our late Father"I love the soft pastel pink colour of Primroses. They sprawl and cover the ground. They even have medicinal benefits. I can't live without my 'Primrose'!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 December 2013
"Yes, it became a story of the town. My own father kept on repeating the story. What a wonderful example from a soldier like your late father, there was a great wisdom behind the show of compassion. Some of those bad guys he was taking in your home were not even Christians like you. It was only possible for him to do that because he has totally overcome his biases. Once I was told of the story, it did not leave my mind until now. I must say, such a show of heart had influenced many young people, including me, to change how we look at petty criminals with more empathy. New leaders of our town latter on were trying to change such value by doing the opposite, but it did not change my attitude." ~Sultan Maguid Maruhom, CEO, Upsalah Interfaith, 16 December 2013
"More surprises! Beautiful things happen to those who patiently wait. Thank you Dreamboat!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 December 2013
"Life is simple but full of mystery, wonder and surprises!" ~Leah Dancel, 13 December 2013
"Happiness is found in the simplest thing in life. It is called LOVE, saith I." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 December 2013
"'Depression defines: when the pressure is on and there is no way of coping and you slump into darkness.' ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 December 2013 (Note: To those concerned, I recommend you seek professional help instead of buggering people who live in peace. Been into that path but being aware it is the guile of the Dark Angel's doing lurking and taking a free space into my spiritual veins, I fought long hard the battle strongly resisting any chemical interventions that would cause me more harm than good. The Bible urged, "Fight the good fight', which I did through prayers."
"I can look back what it's like when snow falls. Alas, in our area ( not in Sydney) snow never stays long on the ground. We had to get up at dawn (figuratively speaking), ragged up to play outside on the white blanketed yard to really enjoy the wonder of the frozen moment! The stillness can be deafening, otherwise awesome!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013 on Robert Bridges (1890) "London Snow"
"If I can turn the clock back, I wish to teach Chemistry and tell my students that Chemistry itself is LIFE." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013
"Let me tell you the secret of my diet; it goes with my budget, mathematically and financially speaking. But I can feed friends who come to see me; not with left-overs, not with stale food, not with rancid food. I can never do that." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013
"Sam, one day, I would like to get hold all your marvellous wisdom in a book that will keep me company at bedside reading it under a lampshade." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013 (on B&P)
"The wisdom of Native Americans is one we can learn much from." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013
"The world wouldn't be beautiful if it lacks flowers. God made them all." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 December 2013
"There's a lot to marvel as you travel." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 December 2013
"I'm faithful to someone who treats me kindly and fairly. To the one who loves me, I give my all. " ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 December 2013
"I always live in the NOW because I don't know what the future holds." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 December 2013
"I used to shut myself out, away from the world. Not anymore... I face the world with renewed enthusiasm and strength." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 December 2013
"Sunshine is behind the clouds, so is the smile!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28/11/2013
"Our dreamworld is filled with child like fantasy and romantic imaginings that could be interpreted as 'worldly'. But don't we? To me imaginings are not necessarily a way of escape, unlike hallucinations. It's just being a part of our existence. I live in dreams with longings and desires for something worth keeping and something worth living in gratitude and praise!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 November 2013
"I will always be me; at times reticent, at times expressive." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 November 2013
"I don't care how people think of me. They call me crazy. They call me Not Normal! I'm alive, I'm happy and I'm healthy. That's all that matters to me." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 November 2013
"My church has been yabbering about Servant Leadership that I haven't seen being manifested but by a few; here is one lady who singlehandedly and mindfully did her lot without itching for a credit amidst a stormy chaotic aftermath of Yolanda. What a commendable write by J.P. Fenix." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 November 2013 on Corazon Dinky Soliman
"Poetry is as old as the Stone Age." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 November 2013
"Your path is not necessarily big and wide, but light to tread on and mostly bright. Am right behind you with my invisibility." ~Leah Dancel, 22 November 2013 (on B&P)
"When difficulties and pressure to survive prevail, weight doesn't count anymore. Your heart full of compassion sustains the strength." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 November 2013 (on Yolanda)
"In this perilous and chaotic end times, many are still unfortunately full of themselves." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 November 2013 (on Holier than Thou)
"Today's Quote I noted comes from the Writer's Studio Page:
"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do." ~Walter BagehotThe above stirred up negative memories in the past, which without doubt I have overcome. Because to me, "Only incompetent and impotent people would say that. I met and knew far too many in my life of that kind. Some of them claimed they have truth in themselves, all but contained in tight negative jars." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 November 2013
"Simple living makes life less complicated." ~Leah C. Dancel, November 21, 2013
"The Filipino people through centuries of bitter experience with bad governance from self-serving political servants turned masters and landlords learned the hard way of mistrusting them. It's about time they know how to govern themselves through self-reliance. The rotten corruptness of the leaders of the nation are not hidden from the eyes of our foreign counterparts. Nawala lang si Magsaysay ang demokrasya ay namatay. (Democracy ceased when (President) Magsaysay died." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 November 2013
"Have you ever trodden on someone's dream? Did it make you happy? I reckon it did! Francis Gay believed, and so am I, that "we do well to be sensitive about 'treading on people's feelings', upon their hopes and enthusiasm." He quoted William B. Yeats lines to consider:
I being poor, have only dreams ...You can create your own dreams, instead of snatching them from others." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 November 2013
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."
"Dreams are sweet when the heart is at peace." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 November 2013
"From the same tour group guide (Michael Phillips), I learned three famous Tourist Places in Sydney with Aboriginal names:
BONDI means "sound of waves" (Bondi is famous for it's fine powdery white beach)
WOOLLOMOOLOO means "lots of fishes" (WOOLLOMOOLOO is the Royal Australian Navy territory)
TARONGA means "beautiful view" (TARONGA is the domain of Sydney's largest Zoo in the Southern Hemisphere).
So I put them together in a Sentence: BONDI attracts WOOLLOMOOLOO over a place with TARONGA. (The "sound of waves" attracts "lots of fishes" over a place with "beautiful view"." ~Leah C. Dancel, on FJ Tours to the Blue Mountains with Carol and John, 14/11/2013
"Carol has arranged a guided tour for us (John, her and I) today via FJ Tours that takes only about 20 people to go to the Blue Mountains, the Featherdale Wildlife and Captain Cook Cruise. Our Tour Guide/Driver was Michael Phillips. I sat in front with him, so he called me his navigator. Boy! I was amazed of his sharp memory as he started narrating each history of every place we passed calling our attention to keep watch of the most exciting and interesting historical features on the way. I call him a Walking Encyclopaedia." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14/11/2013
"God is terribly disappointed and frustrated the way human minds function these days. My cat understands better by being fussy when it comes to feeding. She's certainly a No frill cat. But how could smart human brains go wrong?" ~Leah C. Dancel, 13/11/2013
"The countdown begins... Good morning. My long standing friend of 32 years (through correspondence whom I get reconnected at Facebook) is due to arrive today in Australia with her hubby. Am going to meet and greet them at the airport. WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA Carol and John! May your stay be a fruitful and memorable one!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 November 2013
"Feeling nervous, my dearest friend Carol and John have finally boarded the plane down under. I suggested to her to just relax, be composed and ease her mind off by enjoying the scenery in the sky and to write down her flight experiences so to keep her occupied. It's a long haul to journey inflight from north to south, but travelling is part and parcel of life. On the other hand, this anxious anticipation of their coming and meeting for the first time after 31-32 long years of 'friendship through correspondence' that extends to Facebook will imprint a historic landscape in our memory. May our dear Lord bless you and keep you safe in your journey. I will be at the airport to meet you, my boss, my friend, my sister. Carol and I are like Tea with Milk in a Cup. (Smile - or laugh it loud)." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 November 2013
"I was out last night to look for Lemmy, the cat, when she did not respond to my call which was unusual. The winds swept the air like vacuum cleaner - strong and forceful, with heavy overcast. Lemmy, as cool as a cucumber, remained unfaze and nonchalant of the turbulent weather as she entered the door walking in like a Queen, after dilly-dallying outside sniffing plants. Few minutes later, it was very calm outside. The ferocious storm was just impasse." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 November 2013
"When reading caught me by storm, my thoughts and imaginations certainly are amongst in the debris that kept swirling
in the air, and that's when and where my mind is hard at work. Early today, my hands are full with my favourite book The Friendship Book of Francis Gay, the 2014 edition, a random gift from a beloved long time Facebook Friend, Maurice Ware. In reality, this friend and I did not communicate until recently, as we would to our friends in the real world. Call it incidence how our names are on each other's list. But I do remember each time I posted something of feeling down or being let down on my timeline, this particular virtual friend would just pop out in the blue and make a few words of comfort enough to soothe my emotional pain. Few, good and kind words can make a big difference to someone's life. As it happens, this friend has amassed a figure of Friends to nearly three grand. How he does it without touching their feathers, that's a wonder! Now, as I read along a particular segment in A Thought A Day by Francis Gay, he wrote about what he calls "a celebration of friendship, the joy of having friends and being a friend to others." Further down, he quipped Thomas Hughes own beatitude of friendship: "Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends for it is one of God's best gifts." Mr. Gay concluded it in his own words: "Friendship enhances our lives and gladdens our hearts." Does it ring true to you? Well, it does to me! Well Maurice, this is yet one Fitting Tribute to you for the Kind Friend you are to me and to many others in the Facebook World! "You reap what you sow" as The Bible says." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 November 2013
"It's worth mentioning though I'm not sure if my friend has an inkling that I have been recording bits of pieces anything my mind and heart can make of, but as my soul is smiling in silence behind the touch-type screen of my iPad,
my spirit is soaring high with excitement in the prospect of meeting her in person five days from today. This will be our FIRST MEETING on record since we started communicating in 1981, initially as their Office Correspondent Secretary (my other boss would call me a Social Secretary, whatever), and later became very close personal friends through letters exchange. Our relationship goes beyond the bound of friendship as when I got married and started to have my own family, she became my strong rock I leaned on at the time a ferocious storm of life hit me deep down the bottom of the sea, covered by the sinking sand. Five days more to go... What can 120 hours of waiting do for me? Here I am with tired limbs, lying in bed resting (tired from days of hard work), unmindful of things and schedules I ought to arrange and organise. Guess what? I won't let my indisposition ruin that spirit. I will let some things go, and let some things come as they were as they are. A relaxed prisoner in my own hideout is what I am to regain strength and stamina that I will be needing to face another combat of new set of adventures with my long awaited guests from Oxford, England.
Some dreams are born of fatigues
Some dreams spurt out of nightmares
Some dreams are conceived through visions
Some dreams splashed through imaginations
Some dreams come out of wisdom
Through sheer hard work and hearty efforts
There are dreams indeed that are most welcome!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 November 2013
"Theory without practice is useless." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 November 2013
"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers." ~Dr. Charles W. Eliot"Dr. Eliot's quote above perfectly describes the profound effect of The Friendship Book has on me. Books, magazines and well-chosen reading materials are my hide aways, my simple escapement from the nuisances of the world!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 November 2013
"How life's lustre can be added by a single wee soul through her fun antics, beautiful smiles, melodious voice, magical hugs, sweet kisses that enrapture a sometimes lonely heart that requires warm affection. Her cry at parting time also tears my heart apart as I listen to her sobbing, pleading for Lola not to go. That always make my every step heavier as I walk away to go home to my own place." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 November 2013
"Our weather, our season is not acting in its right behaviour. Each and every country is experiencing its own dose of catastrophes and calamities. Ours came fires, windstorms and floods. Call it Mother Nature's Curse." ~LCD, 30 October 2013
"Having received a very special present for no reason out of the blue other than by some thoughtful deeds of a caring heart has deeply touched my heart with endless gratitude. That surely sent me to a nostalgic trip as I recall how this Golden Thoughts blog humbly came into existence. When my lady boss, Carol Ann Hewer, (again from the UK) gave me a personal present many years ago, little did I know that this small handy book would help open the world of blog to me. I chose to create a Quotation Blog and named it GOLDEN THOUGHTS inspired by the giver and her golden gift of friendship that spans for more than three decades untainted. Perhaps, I should rewrite the history of my blog and give credit to this person who sent me my first copy of THE FRIENDSHIP BOOK of Francis Gay 1987. Thanks to my girls, they now couldn't trace up where that book go!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 29 October 2013
"The Friendship Book A Thought For Each Day 2014 - is a priceless, timeless, precious and thoughtful gift sent by a long time Facebook Friend from the UK, Mr. Maurice Ware. How did he consider sending me such a beautiful gift is beyond measure! That per se have made me realise that out of thousands of people you meet and know in your life, there is always someone who stands out enough to find, out of common sense, what your LIKES are! Pease accept my grateful thanks dear Maurice. You are a rare virtuous gentleman yourself circling around the Facebook World trying to make a difference this world needs! I will always treasure this gift for as long as I breathe!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 October 2013
"I came home to a beautiful surprise awaiting for me, quietly lying in my mailbox which is seldom inhabited these days with real post items. To unlock an empty mailbox and found one thick brown packet is like seeing the heaven opening its doors and windows that let all its glory shines!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 October 2013
"There are wrinkles that speak the beauty of the heart and soul of a person, be it a woman or man. They portray wisdom accumulated in years." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 October 2013
"Keep dancing Girl for as long as your heels are still kicking and moving. And for as long as you're still alive. Soon you'll be immobile." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 October 2013
"Your woods look evergreen even at the height of summer. Ours are of volatile species. Highly alcoholic in their contents... Very fragile. One tiny flick of light ... sends conflagration without problem. The problem is the aftermath. Lightning sets them alight fast and quick. Like now, our bush, our mountains are literally ON FIRE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 Oct 2013 (The Blue Mountains Blazing Trail)
"Teacher or not, our learning process will never recede. The more you advance in years (age - getting old) the more you realise you haven't learned enough. So keep browsing!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 October 2013 (R. Caberte's thread on Dictionary)
"Just think of the distance between you and God and the span of His existence, yet, how much you've learned about Him that the forebears before you refused to listen and obey. Isn't that amazing? What more of the distance covered by the World Wide Web between us?." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 October 2013 (thread on Distance by WHW)
"My taste of adventure has been consummated after 26 long years of existence in Australia - when at last the OPEN DOOR was feted to the public as part of the Sydney Opera House 40th Anniversary celebration today, 20 October 2013. It marked as the highlight of my Australian Dreamtime Reality as I explored the heart and soul of this famous symphonic icon overlooking the beautiful harbour in the world! Singing Happy Birthday to you along with crowd was my only affordable humble gift of thanks to you! I pray to come to revisit you on your Half a Century celebration. God willing!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 20 October 2013
"The prospect of going to high handed places and the event you're attending sounds exquisite but the 'pleasure' part rarely occurs, especially if your luggage of duty is too much to tackle. So Scotland, welcome me to the highland! I want to see that evergreen country myself!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 October 2013
"Some tragedy is someone's strategy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 18 October 2013
"Your rich frothy language of expression may sound deep in essence but it is still easy to grasp for understanding as you speak of life, and about life just as it is, and the way life has to be lived!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 October 2013 (comment to David Whyte's essay: Return)
"What am I grateful today: Rain and cool day sent from above to dispel the terror of sweltering weather." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 October 2013 LCD
"Sometimes in life, Animals best demonstrate what TRUE LOVE is, better than most HUMANS." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 October 2013
"Every child is smart." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 October 2013
"A cloud has blurred my vision
A mist covered my eyelids
Tears were foaming in my eyes
As waters freely dripped down the canal of my face.
My heart was drowned in sorrow
But a joyful ending wiped away my agony
All BECAUSE OF LOVE!"
~Leah C. Dancel, 13 October 2013
"You can turn the sound of your tears into Music!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 October 2013
♥*✿*•♥
"Leadership is the loneliest place to be in the entire planet. You have fame, prestige, privilege and power at a price of gaining enemies." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 October 2013
"To die is to rest in God's loving arms. Rest in peace Ipa Ulpiano. Your kindness will never be forgotten." ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 October 2013
"Savour and relish with joy our children while they are at their most exciting phase and stage of their lives. The best favour you can give to yourself is to reminisce their sweet childhood innocence even if they no longer have that memory of themselves from their tender years! " ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 October 2013 (comment to B&P)
"Facebook is like a Lover. Either you love it or hate it." ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 October 2013
"Some friendship relationship at FB is like Russian-Australian Partnership at APEC. Cold shoulder comes first, presumably because it's cold from the North Pole. That's just my opinion. " ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 October 2013
"Postcards are fun to collect. You can travel any places in one day without lifting a foot." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 October 2013
"I still laugh at life no matter how tough it can get." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 October 2013
"Did someone say there's something wrong with my brain? Tell you what? I simply love LIFE and LOVE!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 October 2013
"I love Wildflowers that grow by the roadside or any space; they bring warm sunshine to brighten our days." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 October 2013
"A stable person makes a good counsellor." ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 October 2013
"Children's hugs make the sweetest and delectable entree of the day! Great savoury to enjoy while they last!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 October 2013
"Making my kids' friends welcome in my own home adds dimension to their own sense of belonging. It's one sure way of getting to know those kids and them to get to know us. It helps build their state of security and confidence. It works!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 October 2013
"When something upsets me I have a nook to hide. It's called "peace". There's no better place. " ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 October 2013
"Being a single mother (parent) is a state of the art." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 October 2013
"It's easy to silence the oink oink noise of Pinoys. Just give them a winning Miss World and that will keep them very very noisy in a different 'core value', the Megan way!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 September 2013
"Reading Megan Lynne Young, Miss World 2013 answer to a winning question that made her bag the crown, prompted me to be politically correct for the moment and I was impelled to express my personal view: 'You know I like her answer. Maybe she should teach all rotten corrupt public servants about the "core value" she "treasures" so these people inside the Pork Barrel scam will understand HUMANITY.'" ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 September 2013
"Children learn by watching what we (adults) are doing and how we do things. They are great emulators to good stimulators." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 September 2013
"So many places to go,
So much to see around Australia.
My pace is slow,
Nothing else I can do." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 September 2013
"That blue haze in the deep belongs to your eyes. Good morning! Thanks for the coffee! " ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 September 2013
"Everything - all round up to a healthy eating habit called proper nutrition and good Diet." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 September 2013
Random Essay:
"Imagine how life would be to live alone in the woods. This is the real place to be deaf, where silence begins. Deafness in alone-ness can become second to nature - yet, not so, for your company would be wild birds and wild animals. Then there's a herd of cows and a flock of sheep. There's also the swaying leaves of the gum trees that shield all animals from the sweltering heat of the sun and from the pelting rain. Leaves hanging in profusion from their sturdy branches, towering above a dilapidated corrugated iron hut which fits more as a shelter for all the animals in the wild, than a place for human dwelling. As conventions of urban living are not available in the woods, water supply, for one, is only sourced from a little oasis, a man-made water hole that Aussies call a "billabong". All else, apart from nature's provision of light from the sunshine by day, light from the moon and stars by night, rain and showers for water on rainy days, river from flood on fluvial days; aridity co-exist in that solitary harsh condition which makes alone-ness less desirable with silence only to be broken by thunder and lightning on stormy days. Just how much can you imagine living in the woods, the outback - so far, far away and untamed, from the civilisation compared to the deafness of silence in the alone-ness of your own situation? This is a reality of life, beyond the metaphor of 'living deaf in silence alone.'" ~Leah C Dancel, 17 September 2013
"There is gold in silence. Just listen what alone-ness can bring the best in you." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 September 2013
"Dreams are of peace adding serenity to my tranquilled soul." ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 September 2013
"It takes Faith and someone's kindness for me to finally Let Go! Thank you for being there, sweet Angel!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 15 September 2013
"You will know that things go wrong when silence is long and becomes unbearable." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 September 2013
"Interesting observations I noted in human interaction: that its culture of communication is fenced with Acceptance, Indifference, Innocence and Arrogance. Above this four is the umbrella called Ignorance or Tolerance. Take it or leave it!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 11 September 2013
"Why defy nature? The most effective way of staying young is living with a right Attitude and having a positive outlook in life. Simply keep away from pesky elements and I believe in living God's way of life. Not that it can be done perfectly though, but it doesn't do us any harm to try! ~Leah C. Dancel, 10 September 2013
"Most EGOS are higher than the Mountains" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 September 2013
"Just my own personal thoughts of a matter that matters to others:
'Realistically, the Holy Time is part of God's command He wanted us to obey. Personally, I don't put a burden of issue on the matter for God told us to "Take Time to be Holy". The only issue I am personally struggling to deal with is, though not trying to nit pick at anyone, God's churches "Holier than Thou" mind-set and attitude. They forgot that Jesus, the begotten Son of God, our Lord and Saviour, loves the sinners more than the so-called "holies". For the healthy ones do not need a physician but the sick. This Evil World will do what it is suppose to do but we are taught to overcome. Stumbling blocks are there for a purpose: to either let you dive down through a sink hole or to let you stand up to be counted. Whatever, in the end, it is God's grace and mercy that will prevail. I am simply practical, not much of dogmatic person, trying to absorb what I learned without being scholarly. It pays to practice what we preach! Most churches Don't! And I am not inviting anyone to convert me into Atheism or Agnotism let alone, Paganism!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 September 2013
"The morning's fresh
With cold air blown
That drapes around me whole
Soothing my longing soul." ~Leah C. Dancel, 6 September 2013
"With time in my hands to take things slowly, I gathered a few of my birthday wishes to read in my quiet time. I pulled out one very special card from a daughter and my heart was touched by its content. As words bring power, this one stands out!
"Mum, I don't often take the time to thank you for all the things you've done for me over the years; all the things you've sacrificed so that I wouldn't "go without." On this special day - I want to say thank you and hope you have a lovely birthday."
Thank you for being you!
Well, Girls, thank you for being my daughters. My blessings and love!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 September 2013
"Lemmy, my cat, woke me up for her early morning outing." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 September 2013
"I love music. I love singing my own music without words. My kind of composition." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 September 2013 ❤❤
"Lambie, my adopted cat has brought me 5 cutie litters JOY, born yesterday September 3, 2013 around 9am. Though I'm in my temporary indisposition, I managed to give her a decent clean place to tackle her feline feat. Even animals deserve respect and dignity." ~Leah C. Dancel, 4 September 2013
"May your sweet Angel keep you safe in your pleasant dreamy slumber." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2September 2013 ❤
One lovely verse I dig from Poet's Corner Page:
"I want a warm and faithful friend,
To cheer the adverse hour;
Who ne'er flatter will descend,
Not bend the knee to power.
A friend to chide me when I'm wrong,
My inmost soul to see;
And that my friendship prove as strong
To him as his to me." ~John Quincy Adams
"Thank you dear Lord for your blessings flow. It was not expected though humbly appreciated." ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 August 2013
Sunrise of the morning,
Sweet and soft.
You who uncovers darkness
From dawn-time dreams
Pressing the day on
To a day of sound rest.
Even the calling birds
Revere the silence
Of time set apart
For the day of rest
Is made for man
To praise and bless.
@Leah C. Dancel
31August 2013
(composed at Rossmore)
"Beauty lies within your heart. It shows." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 August 2013
"I always think that it's better to be poor with nothing much to eat, for sickness like diabetes, obesity, cancer, insanity due to greed, etc. is far away from me." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 August 2013
"Travels mean going through many routes while accomplishing a journey of life's feats. What lies ahead is beyond anyone's guess. Just enjoy the ride, but be ready for any eventualities. They're far too many!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 August 2013
"You can never be an artist in an orderly space. Artists are always associated with a mess." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 August 2013
"Over-all, life is good at 63. It dawned on me why should people celebrate life when someone dies? Isn't that ironic and deliberate insult to the living? I know my kind of so-called "religion" doesn't promote "birthdays" and in no way, a part of their dogma. However, it concedes that birthdays are a "personal thing." So I decided that from now on, I will celebrate my Life while I'm still alive. Not so much about "drinking and merrymaking" but celebrating it with much Gratitude and Thankfulness for another milestone of which I am privileged to appreciate the beauty of God's mercy, forgiveness and love and enjoying His blessings of "simple abundance" as what my friend Chak called it." Thank you dear Family and Friends for coming to celebrate my Life at 63. Thank you too for all my genuine and sincere Well-Wishers. I feel wonderful! I want to stay it that way for as long as I live!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 August 2013
"Children who love their mother's cooking are the best critiques on food. Restaurants be aware!" ~Leah C.Dancel, 17 August 213
"Facing life at 63 helps me ponder with so much gratitude having blessed with two healthy children, a steady growth of family, and drug-free challenging survival. What more do I want? My desires are pure and simple, rolled-crumbs free with no sugar-coatings. The Lord knows what He wants for me and in that I submit. Friends are always few, far in between but genuine, real and sincere, who stick with me through thick and thin. Of course, I appreciate some old and new acquaintances. That leaves me no room to complain " ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 August 2013
"It's a "hard knock" kind of life being a solo parent; juggling time between family and work amidst struggles and hardships. But they are colours of life you get to overcome." ~Leah C. Dancel, 13 August 2013
"Mostly, we are humble when we have nothing. Wait till we have SOMETHING... Human nature? Is that an excuse?" ~Leah C.Dancel, 12 August 2013
"Surprisingly life, like poetry, is bedecked with metaphors, similes and figure of speeches. Faith is entombed into our subconscious mind where our spiritual convictions are gradually developed through divine guidance." ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 August 2013 (B&P thread on Faith)
"When littlest voices rise up from their innocent box with eyes twinkling like stars and full of wonders and their spirit is embedded with infectious enthusiasm not knowing that their crime of innocence threatens our resolve, I would count parents to be numbed and senseless if their hearts will not melt to hear as they listen to their child's so-called imploring "buttery voice". Welcome to my Marshmallow World!. Not one bit I regretted for being so because my being the person I am becomes the template of their sweetness. So are you!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 12 August 2013 on B&P Wall Colouring Adventure Thread
"A calm sea is one of the best tranquillisers." ~Leah C. Dancel, note to B&P, 11 August 2013
"Kinship even by affinity builds strong bonds more than kins by consanguinity when everyone possesses kindred spirits." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 August 2013 - Au revoir Jean Grace. See you in Canada, God willing).
"If you do leave a mark in someone's life, let it be LOVE ." ~Leah C. Dancel, 8 August 2013 (dedicated to my sister-in-law, Jean Grace)
"Our life, believe it or not, revolves around art. Think of your own creativity, your style, your creative thoughts and skills inside and outside our home which inevitably starts on our own self." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 July 2013
"Though the sun did shine brightly today, it could not stop the freezing wind blowing from the mountain. I was expecting some snowy news but there seems to be none. Not that I mind." ~Leah C Dancel, 21 July 2013
"Sunrise is nature's silent alarm clock. You don't hear a sound but you can feel its warmth touch when she wakes you up." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 July 2013
"Numbers were my weakest link: Arithmetic, Mathematics, Algebra, Geometry, Physics. I didn't even know how to subtract or put fingers together to add up numbers. Yes, there was that four basic operating principles called My Dear Aunt Sally, but what the heck! I was scared to study Commerce for fear of dealing with numbers. Until I studied Pharmacy, that's when my world in numbers turned around!" ~17 July 2013
"When that glorious day shines through in your dream and you wake up just as bright." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 July 2013
"Easy money, easy go. Hard-earned money makes everything go a long long way." ~Leah C.Dancel, 16 July 2013
"I can see your Dad when you smile
Your Mum in your eyes,
Your Teta in your pensive mood
And Lola in your Happy Mode!" ~12 July 2013
"Happy is the day when the sun sends its warmth love and joy to all!" ~Leah C. Dancel, ~4 July 2013
"Courage and acceptance of the Lord's WILL is the most inspiring legacy a mother can impart and leave her children with as virtuous inheritance to them. She takes sufferings in stride and in silence." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 July 2013
"When time and chance permit me to go visit our country again, you and I will go together to do walkabouts. I want to refresh life down memory lanes before the last dawn creeps and the last ray of sun sets on me." ~in my reminiscing mood addresses to JM Casis, 28 June 2013
"Gillard is now history. No woman is allowed to sidestep a man in Australian Living History. Her attempt of success will always be squashed, choked and smashed by ravenous, proud, arrogant and jealous men. Australia can never create its own Iron Lady, mighty hard she may have had tried." ~LCD, 27 June 2013
"Winter clothes worn in a hot desert is better than going naked out in a snowfield at wintertime." ~LCD, 27 June 2013
"Come along and experience the out of ordinary. Let things go and let time flows. Do not hold any expectations and learn to take things as they come. Bear it and grin it. That's when the good things happen and surprises appear." ~LCD, 27 June 2013
"Your jaw dropped. You looked downcast and aghast...inconsolable. You and your big sister were both upset. The Moymoy was not real inspite of their appearance hanging on one makeshift long straight branch inside the Newsagency shop. Today, your wish will be granted... Then again, it's but a mere photo of the Macaque Family I took during my holiday in Bohol. They represent you, your big sister and me. Ain't we all monkeys (clown) in our family? Surprise!!!! Happy Birthday my Snow Baby darling." ~25 June 2013
"Simple or complex camera will always capture the most vivid imagination you can give life to our humble but great heritage." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 June 2013, FUNtastic Philippines FUNgroup
Cascading throng of angels
With wings unfurled in the air
Drifting through the clouds
Like larks in a silvery sky
Sweetly humming hymns and lullabies
Slipping down the mountainside
In their majestic power
Gently falling, falling,
Falling...
Copyright @Leah C. Dancel
24 June 2013, Australia
N.B. Amended from the original manuscript initially posted at FB. Copy not.
Here's a train of familiar scenario that eventuated in a restaurant somewhere in California on our way to Reno, Nevada last May 2013 ... "At that moment their eyes met. He raised his eyebrows slightly and gave her a look that was so direct and ironic that she almost swallowed her sandwich whole." ~Zagha Muriel (posted 24 June 2013)
Will I ever get to see
My dream tonight?
The gloom pollutes the sky,
Obscured by clouds,
And darkens all
My aspirations...
Teardrops keep falling
From heaven, marred with
Inconsolable grief..
In throes, never ceasing;
Merciless.
They wash away
My only inspiration.
My last port of hope has vanished;
Drowned into the fen
Of nightmares
Into a bog of whores
Gulped by the hungry wolves.
My last defense weakens
My feeble strength loosens
No matter how hard
I tried to hold forth
My heart gives way ...
Gives in, relents...
Will fate ever return to me?
Will night sky drench me
With fervour
Of sweet kisses
And bind me into his arms
With loving embrace?
Darkness eluded me
The glow of your
Luminous smile
You turn dull and elusive
And hides in hypnotic
Pretence..
Nowhere in the sky
Of this tearful night
I will ever spy..
Not even your tandem flickers
Ever, ever glitter...
Supermoon, hear me moan!
Copyright @Leah C. Dancel
23 June 2013, Australia
N.B. Revised from the original posted first at Facebook. Please do not copy and owned it as your own.
"Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it." ~Eckhart Tolle
Thought to Ponder: "The deepest wounds we all carry are locked in our subconscious (out of our awareness). Deep memories and subtle impressions, from unfinished experience, rooted in the past. The pain from those wounds comes to revisit, to block and paralyze us in the moment called now. We all know it comes without warning - "Why am I feeling this way, I didn't mean to do that, I don't know what made me say that." Healing does not mean finding and treating every single inner scar which send its message to haunt us. It means going even deeper, past those wounds, beyond those distant memories and recording of unfinished business, to the core of our self, to the heart of our spirit, where we find the light and warmth of our own core qualities of love and peace. They are eternally present within us they are what we need to heal all our inner wounds. That's why this kind of deep healing is called spirituality and not therapy." ~Thought for Today-UK
"Sometimes man could not lead people fairly until he saw the view of the ground while he is on top." ~Haris Acob (People who stay on top really have no time looking down on what's creeping on the ground, unless they're bitten by that creeping creature, and until such time they fall down to the ground themselves to see the view around one more time in their lives. The above quote in my opinion fairly describes the discrimination going on in most churches today, sadly.) ~LCD, 23 June 2013
"You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals." ~Paul McCartney (Right on cue Mr. McCartney, please be kind to animals like me.) -19 June 2013
A heartfelt sympathy for the demise of your loved one dear Grace. ~18 June 2013
"How experience taught me best. It's not a matter of predictors for what's coming next but things even happened before you think of them or perceived them. Needless, as what Karolina Grekov said: 'You'll never be sad if you remember all the good things that have happened to you.' It's safe to stay on the positive side of the fence." ~LCD, 18 June 2013
"Pneumonia is the last voyage of a living person upon entering his final destiny. That's the impression I have drawn in my hospital experience especially with the old patients." ~LCD, 17 June 2013
"A child's innocence and purity is shown through her straight no-nonsense language expressed with clarity."~LCD, 15 June 2013 (After some swirls and twirls of her girly dance in front of the mirror, she heard a noise, then turned around to look at me with that thoughtful look in her eyes, and placed her pointer finger on her right temple and asked: Lola, what's my Daddy doing?)
"Soft morning light
Cracks through a doleful dawn
Past a dreamy night
Gently caresses me with sweet delight.
Misty dew drips down on earth
Bathing the core of my heart
With tender kisses
In the garden of bliss."
Copyright@Leah C. Dancel (revised from my old manuscript - updated 6 June 2013)
"What better reason is there to smile and feel exuberant about than when you have a phone conversation with a 3 year old grandchild, hearing her angelic happy voice. She told me about her days at a Day Care Pre- School to which she is most happy about. I can only hope she will continue on her enthusiasm and be confident about herself throughout her childhood till she reaches adulthood. Today, it was our very first phone talk between grandmother and granddaughter. I am very proud of the way she is raised by a young nurturing mother and a very loving and supportive father. ~LCD, 6 June 2013
"Vanity of vanities of thoughts ... as when you journey through life and elsewhere you can think of a factor what constitutes to be ... "A woman who is in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself." ~Maya Angelou (N.B. NO PRETENSE and only HERSELF!) To me, it was the blessings that overflowed. Huge blessings out from the goodness and kindness of friends, families and strangers. Such are the rivers of my life. ~in my nostalgia mood." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 June 2013
"Looking at the picture of "an empty train passing by an empty station one early morning and vanished into the fog and darkness" (Chris Allen Photography)... makes me ponder by just how much lonely life can be to some on a cold dismal day like that especially if you're alone standing on that ghostly platform, waiting for a ride, enduring the severity of the chilling and otherwise eerie atmosphere. Been there, done that." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 June 2013
"This quote sums up my incredible experience on a tramway ride to the high mountains of San Jacinto in Palm Spring for indeed how would I thought I would get there? Not an aeon of micro frontal dream! - “There's no thrill in easy sailing ... but there IS satisfaction that's mighty sweet to take, when you reach a destination that you thought you'd never make.” ~Spirella (Thank you so much Rose Encina - I feel blessed! So are you!" ~May 2013
Thought to ponder: "When we fill our thoughts with the right things, the wrong things have no room to enter." ~Joyce Meyer
"If our online safety is guaranteed SAFE ... surely there will be no SPIES (Frienemies) who can hack and destroy computers and friendships and marriages? - on FB privacy..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2013
"I travel fast when there is no rope to pull." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 May 2013
"My children's childhood, I believe, were tended with normalcy unhounded by political correctness. Religions and Politics are so much alike. Both are impregnated with bureaucratic and illogical hipocrisy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 May 2013
"Some mothers need to be understood. But children require more loving than anything else." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 May 2013
"While I gather storm of quotations, nothing inspires me most than those contained in The Bible ... Timeless!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 May 2013
More so my thoughts and prayers go for the victims of catastrophes and calamities around the world.
"One needs a man who knows how to say uplifting and encouraging words to his wife, friends and family. Kudos to you Margo and Sir Wilson and to the students." -22 May 2013
"I thank my God everyday. I would like to live a grateful life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 May 2013
"There was a point in my life that I made a mistake. My Mom taught me a lesson without getting punished by. The look in her eyes and good actions have strongly impressed and impacted great influence on my being. What a way to discern without even hearing a single word from her. I would never forget that lesson." -Leah C. Dancel, 22 May 2013
"More angelic gifts: trips to Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, President Ronald Reagan Library and Museum and Airforce One, the J. Paul Getty Centre Arts/Museum and Gardens, the Flea Market... And more courtesy by Mari and Nong Vic Vasquez.... What an experience!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 2013
"How wonderful to reach the highest peak of California! Who in the world would ever thought I could go up there! I called it heaven on earth! Thanks dear someone (Rose Encina) for your kindness. Strangers are angels in disguise!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 2013
"It was great to be with prayerful friends whom I did not see for 34-36 years! They stay the same and none of their prosperity made them puff-up! I learned from their humility. Such a humbling experience to fellowship with them. Yes, when The Lord is in charge, everything falls into place." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 2013 with Jo Navarro and Bernie Manzala and Family
It is in silence that we deeply perceived the truth.
Some wonderful opportunities just come along beautifully without stepping on someone else's toes! I am truly BLESSED!
(May 2013)
"Traveling is fun. Enjoying my TECANE (Texas, California and Nevada) solo adventure. You'll never know what's at the end of the tunnel. Colourful rainbow? Perhaps. (May 2013)
"Traveling makes me gain back my confidence. It gives me more opportunity to appreciate other cultures: people, food and their own natural gifts of beauty surrounding them. It helps broaden my mind how much we can learn from each other. The friendliness and kindness of strangers overwhelmed me most. The discovery that my friends whom I did not see for decades or lost contact with are still around and very much willing to embrace me as I am. Above all, as I dedicate this journey in praise to Him above, I cannot deny how much blessed I am." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 April to May 10, 2013 (Visited Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Dallas, Texas, Lago Vista, Texas, San Antonio, Texas, Duncanville, Texas, Loma Linda, California and Reno, Nevada)
"The Alamo Expedition was rather sentimentally touching. I was teary eyed and feeling creepy at the thought that I seemed to be in that place somewhere in time. Did I hear the echo of Davy Crockett? Or was it a whisper blown by the chills of the southern wind? (April 2013) with Lia G., Caroline, and Maya (thanks heaps Ladies)
Next stop is Austin, Texas historical Capitol of the Lone Star State. How vivid is my memory of that place! Lunch invite by Lindy and kids along with Lia and Amneh (April 2013)
To Lago Vista, Texas visiting a fellow poet and wife with Lia G. and Amneh. (Thanks for the hospitality, Texan Cafe dinner at Hutto and lovely mementoes John and Tamra Flournoy) (April 2013)
On a Historical Exploration with an old friend in downtown Assassination Rd. (Dallas, Texas with Lia G.)- April 2013
Arrived safely ... And my Camel walked back down under... all on its own. ~April 2013
A Long Walk to Freedom.... it's flying actually. May I have the safest journey in my life. ~April 14, 2013
Happy Birthday to my dearest little darling Sel! Nappy-changing days and sleepless nights are over for Mommy and Daddy! ~Lola
What a wonderful day to start feeling wonderful!!! To my true and faithful FRIENDS, my deepest gratitude for all your LOVE and SUPPORT! ~LCD, 12 April 2013
"Where the wind directs, the mind changes and thoughts deviate." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 March 2013
"In a hiatus of time
There was silence
A quietness
Following preponderance
Over grievous blasphemy
Desecrating friendship
In agonising act of treason
Such blatant treachery
Of trust, disconcerting." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 February 2013
"Mr Spy sneaked in at 5.33am my time, and now he's gone an hour later. Thank you Mister Spy for leaving my premise. May you rest in peace. Or do you, would you? You are one unforgettable experience. Did you say, never to outsmart you?" ~18 February 2013
"When unraveling a mystery in your life, especially those things that happened right before your eyes and in front of your nostril, consider Mary Oliver's wisdom: "Someone I loved gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift." Yes, it's a gift that you come to light of things to understand your dreams or should I say a Nightmare especially if it involved the people you trust and whom you thought were your friends. People who tell you there's something wrong in your brain and that you are INSANE! People who prays for you yet, underneath the current overflows. Then again, think of how Jesus was betrayed ~ for the cost of 30 pieces of Silver! Good stuff eh? ~18 February 2013
"Well, well, well... Finally, the meaning of my 12 December 2012 Dream was vividly revealed! Now the Prince of the Air and the King of the Earth is after every communication I write and wipe them off just because I egged on for Mr Spy not to Stop and hereby siphoned away all what I typed in. Kudos to you .... And "the Goddess of the Hunter is now being hunted" ~C. Spencer. So things are getting exciting and thrilling. But then again, what of this "Distractions, Deceptions and Detours" ~R.A.~ And what about this Ads sent to people purportedly coming from me? Hello!!!! Are you there? Is your GUILT being exonerated?~18 February 2013
"Believe it or not, I've been dealing with a load of flukes. I happen to be a Feast to be gobbled up, but not for long." ~lcd, 14 February 2013
"No compass of season supersedes the age of reason." ~LCD, February 2013
I don't understand why there are people who love stalking at me. What have I done and what did I do. Thank you very much my dearest FRIEND. ~lcd, 5 February 2013
Strong and powerful insight from Napoleon Hill: "Your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." ~(lcd, 1 February 2013)
I find this psychologically interesting: "Trust your hunches. They're usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level." ~Dr. Joyce Brothers (lcd, 1 February 2013)
"Mais oui! I'd rather be insomniac than amnesiac! Time swiftly flies and am counting down!!! God willing!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 January 2013
My own personal sentiments of Friendship as summed up by our Arab Brothers; this sounds ideal, but this kind rarely happens today: "A true friend is one to whom you can tip out all the contents of your heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away,"~ Arabs (lcd, 24 January 2013)
"Talking about my parents, I told my eldest daughter during our phone conversation that should their Grandparents are still alive, they would love them! I said that with no tinge of boasting, but a simple fact that they were well-respected and well-loved in our community wherever we lived. I hope my grandchildren (if there will be more than one) will accord me the same thought as those people did to my folks. Of course, I will not hold much expectation from them as this present generation has its own way of treating elderly people. However, it would be nice if my posterity will keep that "honoring commandment part" in the family." ~lcd, 20 January 2013
"In life, it is very important that our relationship with humankind is fair and just." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 January 2013 (from the blog 'Floating on the Air' - Main Blog: Parched Paper and the Quill)
"An old year is gone
At the strike of midnight;
The gong sounded the rhythms
As counting down begun.
When zero faded out in the last second,
A New Year was proclaimed!
At the top of their voice,
The world rejoiced in unison
HAPPY NEW YEAR! ~Welcome 2013 (LCD)
Inflamed by life's desires
Whatever left is there to care
Knowing where the rudder be
Destined to sail into another world
Where no fate dictates a lone sojourn
Life is broader than it was before.
The sun keeps smiling
While dreams keep coming
Spring and summer warm the heart
And a thornless rose never cease to please
The snow cap mountains still excite
To pump the blood with flowing guts
The life of three score and five!"
~@Leah Dancel, 20 June 2011, Three Score and Five
"Love is not in vain when there is sincerity and genuine affection and caring involved." - 16 June 2011
"Death that brings sorrow only happens on earth But life everlasting brings far more endless mirth." ~Leah Dancel, 3 June 2011 (Comment on Parents Goodbye by Marvin H Lee at The Rhyming Place)
"I'm a positive thinker with a zest for life trying to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones." ~lcd, 12 April 2011
"Here, tranquility resides where solemnity is a solace"~lcd, 6 Oct 2010
"In the calmness of thought ... humility silently speaks" ~lcd, 6 Oct 2010
"...there is a great difference between motivating and pushing." ~27 July 2010, Tears of Joy Blog
"You don't want the storm when you can have the rain, sunshine and rainbow." ~lcd, 16 May 2011
"The Lord has lifted me." ~14 May 2011
"A sterling poem can energize a tired heart from loving life." lcd, 2 May 2011
"Love is the spring of humanity that brings forth joy to the world of two people in love." ~lcd, 22 April 2011
"When faith is strong, determination outlasts." ~lcd, 29 March 2011
"I am a woman beneath a child's heart." ~22 March 2011
"Some of the legacies my mother left me: love, wisdom, wits and memories." ~ 09 Feb 2011
"The words of the wise are thresholds to acquiring knowledge." ~from my Echo
"Silent giving is humility enforced."~Leah Dancel, 11 December 2010
"Solitude is found in the company of quietude."~LC Dancel, Facebook, 6th October 2010
"Some beauty are hiding beneath the green thickets." ~lcd, Whale Beach, 8 July 2010
"we go where the horizon is blue ~
where the moon shines,
where stars twinkle ~
some days are bright ~
some nights are dark ~
most sojourns adjourned in climactic freedom." ~lcd, 30 June 2010
"Life is full of surprises and interesting notes and lessons to learn from other cultures."~Leah Dancel, comment to John, the Aware Writer on his blog Reflections: Holiday Windows, 25 December 2009
"Hugs never fail to express what words cannot." ~Anon
"The upright wisdom spoken of with integrity will uphold the spirit of truth and righteousness." ~Leah C. Dancel,7 April 2009
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
"I enjoy peace and goodness of life with ease and simplicity." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 February 2009
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
"Lucy, your mother might be one in a million but you are one in a trillion." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 2008
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
"I HOLD MY DREAMS IN MY HANDS and tirelessly WEAR THEM IN MY HEART". ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 December 2008
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
"In my pensive mood
mind far away
and thoughts floating
in the stream of pinkish clouds
kissed by a meandering sunset.
~Leah C. Dancel, January 2009 while watching the sunset in Liverpool, after Sabbath Service.
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
a lost girl in the woods,
by the creek
hiding behind a tall tree
smiling for all the world's care
somewhere in Bright Victoria shire.
(2003) (photo at Bright VIC)
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
Undated:
Donned in robe
on a chilly breaking of dawn,
I sneaked out from my room,
while every one was still asleep.
Here I watched in silence
as the day slowly came forth from darkness.
I savored the country’s stillness
to find solitude,
feeling at peace with my soul.
Across the wired fence
Is a hay farm....
(July 2010)
"I watched in silence as the day slowly breaks away from darkness. I savored the country’s stillness to find solitude, feeling at peace with my soul.
Land, Man and Weather
The man toils the land for a living.
At pre-dawn, he sets on a lonesome cold journey,
Armed with tools, towel, and victuals.
His neighbourhood is just a sparse of empty space,
Where he lives is remote dense woodland,
Under no circumstances, civilization exists.
He walks briskly, whistling, a solace for company,
While the watchful owl looks on, nonchalantly agrees.
The colossal tasks ahead are his alone to mind.
His face shines with delight to see the sunrise
Slowly, and softly springing out from the east.
He’s enthused by the burgeoning weather fair.
He sweats blood from morning till twilight drapes the sky;
His labour is not in vain when harvest time comes.
His work is over; happy is he at the close of day!
The land gives back what the man does to her.
Opulent yields are rewards for his untiring duty.
By gracious weather in all seasons’ due are given.
Man, land, and weather are three vital forces
Inherent stakes for survival in this world of care.
Man works...
weather nourishes...and,
land produces!
Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@2008,
All rights reserved
17 March 2008,
SH NSW Australia
Author’s Note: In dedication to my late Grandfather, Juan Casis, a farmer by day and fisherman by night, figuratively speaking.
╔═════ ೋღ☃ღೋ ═════╗
"Numbers were my weakest link: Arithmetic, Mathematics, Algebra, Geometry, Physics. I didn't even know how to subtract or put fingers together to add up numbers. Yes, there was that four basic operating principles called My Dear Aunt Sally, but what the heck! I was scared to study Commerce for fear of dealing with numbers. Until I studied Pharmacy, that's when my world in numbers turned around!" ~17 July 2013
"When that glorious day shines through in your dream and you wake up just as bright." ~Leah C. Dancel, 16 July 2013
"Easy money, easy go. Hard-earned money makes everything go a long long way." ~Leah C.Dancel, 16 July 2013
"I can see your Dad when you smile
Your Mum in your eyes,
Your Teta in your pensive mood
And Lola in your Happy Mode!" ~12 July 2013
"Happy is the day when the sun sends its warmth love and joy to all!" ~Leah C. Dancel, ~4 July 2013
"Courage and acceptance of the Lord's WILL is the most inspiring legacy a mother can impart and leave her children with as virtuous inheritance to them. She takes sufferings in stride and in silence." ~Leah C. Dancel, 1 July 2013
"When time and chance permit me to go visit our country again, you and I will go together to do walkabouts. I want to refresh life down memory lanes before the last dawn creeps and the last ray of sun sets on me." ~in my reminiscing mood addresses to JM Casis, 28 June 2013
"Gillard is now history. No woman is allowed to sidestep a man in Australian Living History. Her attempt of success will always be squashed, choked and smashed by ravenous, proud, arrogant and jealous men. Australia can never create its own Iron Lady, mighty hard she may have had tried." ~LCD, 27 June 2013
"Winter clothes worn in a hot desert is better than going naked out in a snowfield at wintertime." ~LCD, 27 June 2013
"Come along and experience the out of ordinary. Let things go and let time flows. Do not hold any expectations and learn to take things as they come. Bear it and grin it. That's when the good things happen and surprises appear." ~LCD, 27 June 2013
"Your jaw dropped. You looked downcast and aghast...inconsolable. You and your big sister were both upset. The Moymoy was not real inspite of their appearance hanging on one makeshift long straight branch inside the Newsagency shop. Today, your wish will be granted... Then again, it's but a mere photo of the Macaque Family I took during my holiday in Bohol. They represent you, your big sister and me. Ain't we all monkeys (clown) in our family? Surprise!!!! Happy Birthday my Snow Baby darling." ~25 June 2013
"Simple or complex camera will always capture the most vivid imagination you can give life to our humble but great heritage." ~Leah C. Dancel, 24 June 2013, FUNtastic Philippines FUNgroup
Cascading throng of angels
With wings unfurled in the air
Drifting through the clouds
Like larks in a silvery sky
Sweetly humming hymns and lullabies
Slipping down the mountainside
In their majestic power
Gently falling, falling,
Falling...
Copyright @Leah C. Dancel
24 June 2013, Australia
N.B. Amended from the original manuscript initially posted at FB. Copy not.
Here's a train of familiar scenario that eventuated in a restaurant somewhere in California on our way to Reno, Nevada last May 2013 ... "At that moment their eyes met. He raised his eyebrows slightly and gave her a look that was so direct and ironic that she almost swallowed her sandwich whole." ~Zagha Muriel (posted 24 June 2013)
Will I ever get to see
My dream tonight?
The gloom pollutes the sky,
Obscured by clouds,
And darkens all
My aspirations...
Teardrops keep falling
From heaven, marred with
Inconsolable grief..
In throes, never ceasing;
Merciless.
They wash away
My only inspiration.
My last port of hope has vanished;
Drowned into the fen
Of nightmares
Into a bog of whores
Gulped by the hungry wolves.
My last defense weakens
My feeble strength loosens
No matter how hard
I tried to hold forth
My heart gives way ...
Gives in, relents...
Will fate ever return to me?
Will night sky drench me
With fervour
Of sweet kisses
And bind me into his arms
With loving embrace?
Darkness eluded me
The glow of your
Luminous smile
You turn dull and elusive
And hides in hypnotic
Pretence..
Nowhere in the sky
Of this tearful night
I will ever spy..
Not even your tandem flickers
Ever, ever glitter...
Supermoon, hear me moan!
Copyright @Leah C. Dancel
23 June 2013, Australia
N.B. Revised from the original posted first at Facebook. Please do not copy and owned it as your own.
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"Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it." ~Eckhart Tolle
Thought to Ponder: "The deepest wounds we all carry are locked in our subconscious (out of our awareness). Deep memories and subtle impressions, from unfinished experience, rooted in the past. The pain from those wounds comes to revisit, to block and paralyze us in the moment called now. We all know it comes without warning - "Why am I feeling this way, I didn't mean to do that, I don't know what made me say that." Healing does not mean finding and treating every single inner scar which send its message to haunt us. It means going even deeper, past those wounds, beyond those distant memories and recording of unfinished business, to the core of our self, to the heart of our spirit, where we find the light and warmth of our own core qualities of love and peace. They are eternally present within us they are what we need to heal all our inner wounds. That's why this kind of deep healing is called spirituality and not therapy." ~Thought for Today-UK
"Sometimes man could not lead people fairly until he saw the view of the ground while he is on top." ~Haris Acob (People who stay on top really have no time looking down on what's creeping on the ground, unless they're bitten by that creeping creature, and until such time they fall down to the ground themselves to see the view around one more time in their lives. The above quote in my opinion fairly describes the discrimination going on in most churches today, sadly.) ~LCD, 23 June 2013
"You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals." ~Paul McCartney (Right on cue Mr. McCartney, please be kind to animals like me.) -19 June 2013
A heartfelt sympathy for the demise of your loved one dear Grace. ~18 June 2013
"How experience taught me best. It's not a matter of predictors for what's coming next but things even happened before you think of them or perceived them. Needless, as what Karolina Grekov said: 'You'll never be sad if you remember all the good things that have happened to you.' It's safe to stay on the positive side of the fence." ~LCD, 18 June 2013
"Pneumonia is the last voyage of a living person upon entering his final destiny. That's the impression I have drawn in my hospital experience especially with the old patients." ~LCD, 17 June 2013
"A child's innocence and purity is shown through her straight no-nonsense language expressed with clarity."~LCD, 15 June 2013 (After some swirls and twirls of her girly dance in front of the mirror, she heard a noise, then turned around to look at me with that thoughtful look in her eyes, and placed her pointer finger on her right temple and asked: Lola, what's my Daddy doing?)
"Soft morning light
Cracks through a doleful dawn
Past a dreamy night
Gently caresses me with sweet delight.
Misty dew drips down on earth
Bathing the core of my heart
With tender kisses
In the garden of bliss."
Copyright@Leah C. Dancel (revised from my old manuscript - updated 6 June 2013)
"What better reason is there to smile and feel exuberant about than when you have a phone conversation with a 3 year old grandchild, hearing her angelic happy voice. She told me about her days at a Day Care Pre- School to which she is most happy about. I can only hope she will continue on her enthusiasm and be confident about herself throughout her childhood till she reaches adulthood. Today, it was our very first phone talk between grandmother and granddaughter. I am very proud of the way she is raised by a young nurturing mother and a very loving and supportive father. ~LCD, 6 June 2013
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"Vanity of vanities of thoughts ... as when you journey through life and elsewhere you can think of a factor what constitutes to be ... "A woman who is in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself." ~Maya Angelou (N.B. NO PRETENSE and only HERSELF!) To me, it was the blessings that overflowed. Huge blessings out from the goodness and kindness of friends, families and strangers. Such are the rivers of my life. ~in my nostalgia mood." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 June 2013
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"Looking at the picture of "an empty train passing by an empty station one early morning and vanished into the fog and darkness" (Chris Allen Photography)... makes me ponder by just how much lonely life can be to some on a cold dismal day like that especially if you're alone standing on that ghostly platform, waiting for a ride, enduring the severity of the chilling and otherwise eerie atmosphere. Been there, done that." ~Leah C. Dancel, 5 June 2013
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"This quote sums up my incredible experience on a tramway ride to the high mountains of San Jacinto in Palm Spring for indeed how would I thought I would get there? Not an aeon of micro frontal dream! - “There's no thrill in easy sailing ... but there IS satisfaction that's mighty sweet to take, when you reach a destination that you thought you'd never make.” ~Spirella (Thank you so much Rose Encina - I feel blessed! So are you!" ~May 2013
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Thought to ponder: "When we fill our thoughts with the right things, the wrong things have no room to enter." ~Joyce Meyer
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"If our online safety is guaranteed SAFE ... surely there will be no SPIES (Frienemies) who can hack and destroy computers and friendships and marriages? - on FB privacy..." ~Leah C. Dancel, 2013
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"I travel fast when there is no rope to pull." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 May 2013
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"My children's childhood, I believe, were tended with normalcy unhounded by political correctness. Religions and Politics are so much alike. Both are impregnated with bureaucratic and illogical hipocrisy." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 May 2013
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"Some mothers need to be understood. But children require more loving than anything else." ~Leah C. Dancel, 27 May 2013
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"While I gather storm of quotations, nothing inspires me most than those contained in The Bible ... Timeless!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 May 2013
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More so my thoughts and prayers go for the victims of catastrophes and calamities around the world.
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"One needs a man who knows how to say uplifting and encouraging words to his wife, friends and family. Kudos to you Margo and Sir Wilson and to the students." -22 May 2013
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"I thank my God everyday. I would like to live a grateful life." ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 May 2013
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"There was a point in my life that I made a mistake. My Mom taught me a lesson without getting punished by. The look in her eyes and good actions have strongly impressed and impacted great influence on my being. What a way to discern without even hearing a single word from her. I would never forget that lesson." -Leah C. Dancel, 22 May 2013
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"More angelic gifts: trips to Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, President Ronald Reagan Library and Museum and Airforce One, the J. Paul Getty Centre Arts/Museum and Gardens, the Flea Market... And more courtesy by Mari and Nong Vic Vasquez.... What an experience!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 2013
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"How wonderful to reach the highest peak of California! Who in the world would ever thought I could go up there! I called it heaven on earth! Thanks dear someone (Rose Encina) for your kindness. Strangers are angels in disguise!" ~Leah C. Dancel, May 2013
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"It was great to be with prayerful friends whom I did not see for 34-36 years! They stay the same and none of their prosperity made them puff-up! I learned from their humility. Such a humbling experience to fellowship with them. Yes, when The Lord is in charge, everything falls into place." ~Leah C. Dancel, April 2013 with Jo Navarro and Bernie Manzala and Family
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It is in silence that we deeply perceived the truth.
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Some wonderful opportunities just come along beautifully without stepping on someone else's toes! I am truly BLESSED!
(May 2013)
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"Traveling is fun. Enjoying my TECANE (Texas, California and Nevada) solo adventure. You'll never know what's at the end of the tunnel. Colourful rainbow? Perhaps. (May 2013)
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"Traveling makes me gain back my confidence. It gives me more opportunity to appreciate other cultures: people, food and their own natural gifts of beauty surrounding them. It helps broaden my mind how much we can learn from each other. The friendliness and kindness of strangers overwhelmed me most. The discovery that my friends whom I did not see for decades or lost contact with are still around and very much willing to embrace me as I am. Above all, as I dedicate this journey in praise to Him above, I cannot deny how much blessed I am." ~Leah C. Dancel, 14 April to May 10, 2013 (Visited Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Dallas, Texas, Lago Vista, Texas, San Antonio, Texas, Duncanville, Texas, Loma Linda, California and Reno, Nevada)
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"The Alamo Expedition was rather sentimentally touching. I was teary eyed and feeling creepy at the thought that I seemed to be in that place somewhere in time. Did I hear the echo of Davy Crockett? Or was it a whisper blown by the chills of the southern wind? (April 2013) with Lia G., Caroline, and Maya (thanks heaps Ladies)
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Next stop is Austin, Texas historical Capitol of the Lone Star State. How vivid is my memory of that place! Lunch invite by Lindy and kids along with Lia and Amneh (April 2013)
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To Lago Vista, Texas visiting a fellow poet and wife with Lia G. and Amneh. (Thanks for the hospitality, Texan Cafe dinner at Hutto and lovely mementoes John and Tamra Flournoy) (April 2013)
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On a Historical Exploration with an old friend in downtown Assassination Rd. (Dallas, Texas with Lia G.)- April 2013
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Arrived safely ... And my Camel walked back down under... all on its own. ~April 2013
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A Long Walk to Freedom.... it's flying actually. May I have the safest journey in my life. ~April 14, 2013
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Happy Birthday to my dearest little darling Sel! Nappy-changing days and sleepless nights are over for Mommy and Daddy! ~Lola
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What a wonderful day to start feeling wonderful!!! To my true and faithful FRIENDS, my deepest gratitude for all your LOVE and SUPPORT! ~LCD, 12 April 2013
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"Where the wind directs, the mind changes and thoughts deviate." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 March 2013
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"In a hiatus of time
There was silence
A quietness
Following preponderance
Over grievous blasphemy
Desecrating friendship
In agonising act of treason
Such blatant treachery
Of trust, disconcerting." ~Leah C. Dancel, 21 February 2013
"Mr Spy sneaked in at 5.33am my time, and now he's gone an hour later. Thank you Mister Spy for leaving my premise. May you rest in peace. Or do you, would you? You are one unforgettable experience. Did you say, never to outsmart you?" ~18 February 2013
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"When unraveling a mystery in your life, especially those things that happened right before your eyes and in front of your nostril, consider Mary Oliver's wisdom: "Someone I loved gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift." Yes, it's a gift that you come to light of things to understand your dreams or should I say a Nightmare especially if it involved the people you trust and whom you thought were your friends. People who tell you there's something wrong in your brain and that you are INSANE! People who prays for you yet, underneath the current overflows. Then again, think of how Jesus was betrayed ~ for the cost of 30 pieces of Silver! Good stuff eh? ~18 February 2013
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"Well, well, well... Finally, the meaning of my 12 December 2012 Dream was vividly revealed! Now the Prince of the Air and the King of the Earth is after every communication I write and wipe them off just because I egged on for Mr Spy not to Stop and hereby siphoned away all what I typed in. Kudos to you .... And "the Goddess of the Hunter is now being hunted" ~C. Spencer. So things are getting exciting and thrilling. But then again, what of this "Distractions, Deceptions and Detours" ~R.A.~ And what about this Ads sent to people purportedly coming from me? Hello!!!! Are you there? Is your GUILT being exonerated?~18 February 2013
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"Believe it or not, I've been dealing with a load of flukes. I happen to be a Feast to be gobbled up, but not for long." ~lcd, 14 February 2013
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"The cold winter broke the boughs in silence
Relentless in its pride that held its defense
But Mother Nature has force to bend
The recalcitrant voice who would never repent." ~lcd, 13 February 2013
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"Be astute in your appraisal with people and situations." ~Joanne Madeline Moore - Something of value that is most important to me besides knowing about love and compassion. (lcd, 11 February 2013)~•✿•~ ~•✿•~
"No compass of season supersedes the age of reason." ~LCD, February 2013
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I don't understand why there are people who love stalking at me. What have I done and what did I do. Thank you very much my dearest FRIEND. ~lcd, 5 February 2013
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Strong and powerful insight from Napoleon Hill: "Your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." ~(lcd, 1 February 2013)
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I find this psychologically interesting: "Trust your hunches. They're usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level." ~Dr. Joyce Brothers (lcd, 1 February 2013)
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"Mais oui! I'd rather be insomniac than amnesiac! Time swiftly flies and am counting down!!! God willing!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 31 January 2013
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My own personal sentiments of Friendship as summed up by our Arab Brothers; this sounds ideal, but this kind rarely happens today: "A true friend is one to whom you can tip out all the contents of your heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away,"~ Arabs (lcd, 24 January 2013)
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"Talking about my parents, I told my eldest daughter during our phone conversation that should their Grandparents are still alive, they would love them! I said that with no tinge of boasting, but a simple fact that they were well-respected and well-loved in our community wherever we lived. I hope my grandchildren (if there will be more than one) will accord me the same thought as those people did to my folks. Of course, I will not hold much expectation from them as this present generation has its own way of treating elderly people. However, it would be nice if my posterity will keep that "honoring commandment part" in the family." ~lcd, 20 January 2013
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"In life, it is very important that our relationship with humankind is fair and just." ~Leah C. Dancel, 19 January 2013 (from the blog 'Floating on the Air' - Main Blog: Parched Paper and the Quill)
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"An old year is gone
At the strike of midnight;
The gong sounded the rhythms
As counting down begun.
When zero faded out in the last second,
A New Year was proclaimed!
At the top of their voice,
The world rejoiced in unison
HAPPY NEW YEAR! ~Welcome 2013 (LCD)
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In memoriam
(Switzerland)
December 2012
"Two days ago, our late father spent down the ground over thirty years. By this time, I'm sure he is complete ashes. Having that in mind, I also think of my mother who followed him a year after. Though Mother's Day is a long way off yet, I bumped into this little verse I read from Our Daily Bread as written by Stairs which I dedicate to her (my Mother):
Thought to ponder: "Love's but the frailty of the mind, when 'tis not with ambition joined." ~William Congreve. Aha! I perfectly understand you Mr Congreve! Can't disagree! ~14 January 2013
"It's nice to plan something interesting and in advance!" ~lcd, 10 January 2013
"May every sunrise hold more Promise and may every sunset hold more Peace." ~Blessing
"People!!!!! What's wrong with peoples these days? Are they worth my worry? Of course not! Life aplenty to be thankful for. And am sure there are many wonderful years awaiting for me ahead. Infact, am very positive, not very long from now. Cheers!!! ~Leah C Dancel, Australia, 30th December 2012
My pick for today: "Behind everyone who behaves as if he were superior to others, we can suspect a feeling of inferiority which calls for very special efforts of concealment. It is as if a man feared that he was too small and walked on his toes to make himself seem taller." ~Anon ...Ahhh now, that explains. Wanna be wannabe?
I could not disagree the author of Characters or Manners of the Age, 1688, Jean De La Bruyere when he said, "There are some who speak before they think" which can be sum up to being "a chatterbox" to borrow the word of one person I know. ~lcd, 17 December 2012
A thought I strongly agree: "The only people who have been blissful in the world are the people who have lived according to their own intuition and have rebelled against any effort by others to impose their ideas. Howsoever valuable those ideas may be, they are useless because they are not yours. The only significant idea is that which arises in you, grows in you, blossoms in you." ~Osho
"Weird dream I had last night: strong storm, 3 windows set on the west. one window with one piece of wall slab broken, singular beds piled in columnar rows and a window on the northern end unfizzled by raging winds, appearing calm and composed. Hmmm, that's quite intriguing." ~lcd, 13 December 2012
My Pick for Today: "Observe your enemies, for they first find out your faults." ~Antisthenes (Why else some idiots planted Spywares and Malwares in my Computer and threw at me the words of others? Shall I condone or condemn?)~lcd, 12 December 2012
My pick for Today: "It is time to dream a new dream, begin a new life, but with a heart that's mended and stronger than ever before." ~FB, Betrayed by Love'", 11 December 2012
"If we all understand the word empathy and try to show it to all humanity instead of just giving it to a select elite society, then perhaps, it will help us learn to control our sharp tongue and be nice to everyone." ~lcd, 11 December 2012
My Favourite Pick for Today: "Walk in my shoes please and you'll see why I am the way I am. I am not mean, I have just learned the lessons in life quicker than you." ~gleaned from FB, Be thankful you have the day, 9 December 2012
"Though 2012 is tainted with annus horribilis (compliment for all concerns), it is going to end up to be an ANNUS MIRABILIS!"`~LCD, 9 December 2012
"My heart is open for a new Love to come in,
With pure content and honorable intent;
My hands will gently hold on to my Faith
For spiritual strength and fortitude;
While my soul clings to rays of Hope
That shed Light to the Truth of Life". ~Leah C Dancel, 9 December 2012
"We lost one barely newborn female sibling ... when I was young enough to remember... She showed up in my life in the form of my girls..." ~lcd, 9 December 2012
"A mother's love is always Free of Charge." ~lcd, 3 December 2012
"I always see God's glory in the clouds. I envisioned His throne right in the middle of the sun ... glaring and blinding." ~lcd, 3 December 2012
"I'd rather be happy ..." ~lcd, 3 December 2012
"Life must go on like a show so they say!" ~lcd, 3 December 2012
"Counsel from the olds is full of wisdom...." ~lcd, 3 December 2012
"The only chance to claim victory is to let others win. I have achieved that." ~lcd, 1 December 2012
"Sometimes in life, there are decisions to be made. Some are hard and some are not easy. But if a decision to be made makes others happy, then I am happy too. Simple as that. No drama." ~lcd, 1 December 2012
"When conflicts of choice arise between friends and family, my family will always come first; unless there is death occurring within the circle of my friends and my family are well-taken cared of." ~lcd, 26 November 2012
"I'm not a hiding place; am not a cover, let alone an option." ~lcd, 23 November 2012
"The truth is caught up in the throat." ~lcd, 22 November 2012
"I've been polished by compassionate, humble and kind people. Only God knows how they become to be." ~lcd, 18 November 2012
"I abhor, hate, loath and dread people who in their privileged positions look down on others whom they think are not on their equal footing. Such is the curse of hypocritical society. Even the fiercest beast sheds tears too." ~lcd, 18 November 2012
"If only my SERVERS will not charge me too much on my phone bill, I don't mind calling God from my telephone everyday. He answers even if the Call Center is busy....He's always on the line, you know." ~lcd, 18 November 2012
"Skepticism and Intuition makes a good pair." ~lcd, 16 November 2012
"If there are visiting hours in heaven, I would be the first to go... but I only reached the middle heaven called the sky ...." ~lcd, 16 Nov 2012
"Boomerangs are primitive weapons and the most effective. Think of people shooting birds. The bullets turn around and hit them back instead of the birds. It pays to live by the Golden Rule!" ~lcd, 16 November 2012 (in my early musing of funny things)
"In our days, our parents could send us on emergency errands even in the darkest hour in the night as there was no electricity in those time; and, nobody harmed us. Today, along with conventions and conveniences, come the crime of incomprehensible degrees. Very sorry state of the world we are in!" ~lcd, 16 Nov 2012
"For someone faithful, a divine help is always at hand." ~lcd, 16 Nov 2012
"Your boredom threshold is set on low and you don't have the patience to put up with boring people or long-winded explanations of lies and denials. Extricate yourself from such situations in a tactful way", says Joanne M Moore ~ (lcd, 16 November 2012)
"Some things are worth dying for ... but reserve some for yourself or you'll die ahead, not that I mind." ~Leah Dancel, 15 November 2012
"Pray that the good God will give him (Pres. Barack Obama) wisdom to tackle the challenges he has yet to face.... all the unfinished business. It's a lonely place to be up there you know. His burdens are heavy... with two small shoulders carrying the gigantic problems of the world. He needs the world to pray for him!" ~lcd, FB, 7 November 2012
"Socializing is not bad. It's just that, people in a society puts a dirty stigma attached to it depending on what kind of people whom you are encircling with.... I am a strong nonconformist to that kind of social aura especially with those people who look down on others. If only we look back to where we come from." ~lcd, 18 November 2012
"In the beginning I wanted to have a dozen kids of my own ... but then after one child, the war begun ... but I got two ... so I endured two world wars... I ended up raising them alone. No Regrets!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 November 2012
"Yes, dreams are free for as long as no one will tell you are INSANE with no offense meant. But really, look at Carlos P Romulo? When he became the UN Secretary-General, in his short stature, he stood tall surrounded by giant people and declared: "I feel like a Gold surrounded by Silver!" So dream along Girlie. It's Free and it's all Yours. Wow! Don't give up that hope. Next question: will you be ready to withstand the pressure like a teabag in a boiling water?" ~lcd, 7 November 2012
"The perfect cycle of a circle: It goes round and round and round ... one end meets the other and they bond! Such is the philosophy of bondage! (no, I just make this up)... but it's true! haha..." ~lcd, her folly at FB, 7 Nov 2012
"I treat my FB Friends as if I really have known them in real life .... Though we are told to choose friends carefully for as long as they don't harm me in any way, then they are as good as my nearest and closest neighbours." ~lcd, FB, 7 November 2012
"May the sunset kiss your dreams." ~lcd, FB, 6 November 2012
"There's plenty to share: good, kind and nice thoughts with ... but I guess it's time for me to hang up my keyboard. Thanks for your friendship dear kind folks ... including those who hide and who seek." ~lcd, FB, 6 Nov 2012
"I hope there is a big space in your heart for me without leaving a room for prejudice because I am not like you. I can never be like anyone." ~lcd, 6 November 2012
"If Facebook is my country, I would have been living in the outback of Tumbuctu; out in a far-flung country called the Wizard of Snooze hanging around near the Wanderer's Creek and walking back and forth on a one way street called Nomad's Rage Road." ~lcd, FB, 6 November 2012
"How many can really say 'Thank You Lord for the Troubles' I am having? We can only pray about it to go away ... can't we?" ~lcd, 6 November 2012
"I love being a Grandma and there's no other way I can be." ~lcd, 6 November 2012
"Facebook is a Venting point of Vantage view." ~lcd, 28 October 2012
"A journey is never too long or tiring and all adversities concomitant are wiped out for those who walk with God." ~lcd, FB, 27 October 2012
"If dreams are miracles, then I wouldn't know how our lines would one day wound up from sea to poetry." ~lcd, 26 October 2o12
"I just want to feel blessed, not obsessed." ~lcd, 8 Oct 2012
"For everything that happens there is always a reason. That reason is about cause and effect." ~lcd, 29 September 2012
"At past 7am - I heard baby Selima greeted me for the first time, "Hello Lola" while I was still in bed, having spent the night with them." ~29 September 2012
"God humbles me because He knows I am wrong. And I am not hurt because I am aware of my mistakes. God does not look on my sin credits but of my sincere repentance." ~29 September 2012
"Move on without climbing to someone else's ladder. A spiritual ladder is all I have, hence I survive." ~lcd, 11 September 2012
"My heart was glad especially when my son-in-law advised me to put my mind and heart in the right place." ~lcd, 11 September 2012
"Today's Reflection: The value system which our late parents inculcated and instilled in us was compassion towards fellowmen, and not material obsession. I can't go wrong with that." ~lcd, 9 September 2012.
"People makes me confused by their differing and contradicting ideas caught right from their own mouth. Be enlightened by one Great Name only and follow your own counsel." ~lcd, 9 September 2012
"A garden with roses is no doubt called a Garden of Love. Their flowers are free to be shared." ~lcd, 28 August 2012
"Magic is shining up in her own heaven - alas, her heaven is the top of your laundry pile, peacefully asleep. Now, in her dust, she's forever yours inside a golden box." ~lcd, Mother's jesty condolence to her daughter's cat called Magic who died in a tragic inhumane killing by an arrow... 21 August 2012, Orange, NSW
"Precious is my joy of life..." ~lcd, 17 August 2012 (a line from my poem)
"Rhyming Place is one of my place of refuge where I can be myself." ~lcd, 17-8-2012
"I want to reclaim my gift long lost in the wilderness of confusion." ~lcd, 17 aug 2012
"Sometimes we need to give that sleeping lard a hard push out from a steaming wok.... and get that dormant brain going." ~lcd, 17 August 2012
"PEOPLE basically CHANGE whether we like it or not! But someone who endures to the end is a Gem!" ~lcd, 12 August 2012
"My children call me either "cool" or "lame" whatever it means... I call mine a Proverbial Woman." ~lcd, FB, 12 August 2012
"Even our winter down under, rains are withheld in most places leaving the fields fallowed and dry." ~lcd, FB, 12 August 2012
"I do not regret being poor. It is to my personal advantage that I am poor. My problem would not be as intensive and extensive as what most rich people do have, especially in this unstable financial climate and apocalyptic season." ~lcd, 12 August 2012
"Early blessings for a night's peaceful rest; bright sunshine and smiles for today, and a happy spirit of doing good for those unfortunate ones who are in dire need of help at this very moment." ~lcd, 8 August 2012
"Children are the extension of our guts ..." ~lcd, FB, 8 August 2012
"Enduring to the end will gauge your resilience and measures your strength ...." ~lcd, FB, 8 August 2012
"You cannot get up if you don't fall down." (Get Up Australia!) ~lcd, FB, 8 August 2012
"Friends, even them have wings. They fly to our thoughts, hold us in their hearts... walk with us under our shadows ... and always there in time of our distress; visibly or invisibly." ~lcd, FB, 10 July 2012
"We have a milky morning hovering in the eastern sky. And the "brume" lingers in the lowland. Fantastic day it's going to be here!" ~lcd, observing the environ, 10 July 2012
"The best instruction manual to live life fully as purposed by the Supreme Being, is the Bible. No human counselors can equal God's wisdom." ~lcd, twitter, 7 July 2012
"Behind the clouds, lies the silver lining." -words I'll never forget from my dear late Mother. ~twitter, 6 July 2012
"When love comes in, nothing else matters." ~twitter, 6 July 2012
"Human flaws and life experiences are truly universal." ~24 June 2012 twitter
"I was fed on corn, a "poor man's staple." ~Leah, 24 June 2012, Twitter
"Even if fake friends appear ONLY because they want something from you, don't let it cause to be of concerned. Instead continue to count your blessings because it is blessed to give than to receive. I have many true friends who were there for me in times of my down moments. But I have never been there for all of them when they needed me most. However, my absence didn't mean I didn't care. In some way, I am with them through prayers in lieu of my physical presence." ~lcd, 24 June 2012, FB
"To walkabout is what is life about. Hungry crocs inland are far more dangerous than those found in the southern coastal lowlands." ~lcd, 21 July 2012
"On the street where I live
Here I pass its tranquil pave
Sweeping in quietude
It fills my heart with gratitude."
~Leah~ 10 June 2012
"To you I say: Sweeter as the years go by!" ~lcd, 20 June 2012
"I didn't ask for wealth, but I am sure by faith, God provided me the wealth I didn't ask in the form of my two lovely girls." ~Leah, 6 June 2012
"All the shambles we passed through life, helped us develop a virtue called Patience." ~Leah 3 June 2012
"People complain when it rains and they call it gloom. They also complain if there is no rain and they call it doom." ~Leah, 2 June 2012
"The hardest thing to keep is the reputation." ~Jenolan Caves Cottage, Single Camp, 20 May 2012
"Sometimes what life can offer is more than a hat trick! We all have the same lion share Girlie - in every form and at all costs." ~LCD, FB, 15 May 2012
"A forgiving person doesn't necessarily have to lean on the 7 times 70 formula of Jesus counsel on forgiveness. That itself is a metaphor. " ~lcd, 2 May 2012
"Life is a great Eye Opener especially if you are someone who experienced factual difficulties of struggles in order to survive." ~lcd, FB, 30 April 2012
"True love transcends despite the distance and even in wartime." ~FB, 25 April 2012
"It's nice to live with our heart, to love with all our heart and to give with our whole heart." ~lcd, 24 April 2012
"No matter what you do, no Man can stop the Evil's doings what he needs to do for his time on earth is running out." ~FB, 22 April 2012
"Thus in turn with lessons learned
You taught me how to comprehend ...
That life's pathways should be treated good
And make more room for every kindness
Where acts of love and compassion dwell." ~15 April 2012
"Today is my eldest daughter's birthday. I still call her My Princess like she's a little girl she used to be. Happy Birthday Langga. Blessings and Joys be yours!" ~lcd, 3 April 2012
"Sometime in life, you have to be there to know where you are." ~FB, 3 April 2012
"How nice when love lives in us!
There is peace, there is contentment." ~1 April 2012
"Some prayers can be said through our hearts and mind." ~FB, 31 March 2012
"Have you been on my shoes long enough to really know me? Watch your own back lest you'll be tempted to swiftly judge other people." ~Leah Dancel, FB, 31 March 2012
"Life is a ballad by itself, a song to sing and music to live on and the note is its own parody." ~Leah Dancel, FB, 27 March 2012
"Behind the bush, there lies a naturally brown beauty!" ~Auntie Leah to my niece Anielord, FB, 27 March 2012
"When you're down deep in the pit - remember what others have been through and yet they pull themselves out from that darkness. All because they hold on to their faith!" ~Leah Dancel,FB, 27 March 2012
"Sometimes in life, doubt covers the view of our perspective no matter how hard we try to stay positive on our fence. Strength is the force that comes from above that move us to go on! All because we have faith "- Leah Dancel, FB, 27 March 2012
"I hope I count worthy of all your friendship in spite of my shortcomings." !FB, 27 March 2012
"I wish our planet earth was ruled by civilized tellurians right from the beginning of the creation so that we who live today need not have to put up with the mess due by the ignorance of their predecessors." ~Random Notion, 26 March 2012
"I love being a Grandma! It's a joyful job! Free of charge compensated with delightful pleasure. Priceles!" ~FB, 22 March 2012
"Nature is God's own garden. It is His resting place, where man takes pleasure to find leisure in watching His grand creation." ~lcd 17 March 2012
"I learned to be stoic with my emotion outwardly, but suffering inwardly." ~12 March 2012
"I am accustomed to a quiet life. Reading books is my hideaway, a favourite company in the woods of quietude besides my friends Lemmy and my hobbies." ~ FB, 4 March 2012
"Ah that true love! Will it ever descend through the rain? Such fine romantic words in a dreamworld setting. The best of your bests!" ~lcd, 3 March
"Yes, it's but nature's clouds that doomed the sky
Yet, the heaven shines with gleaming light
Behind its screen of silver and grey
It brings some hope, not only misery." ~lcd, australia 2 March 2012
"Your poems are my roses.
Suave words their breath of scents;
Coloured petals their eloquence
Exquisite in their sweetness." ~lcd, australia 2 March 2012
"Life is as perennial as the grasses - when resilience and endurance forge whatever circumstances befall." ~FB - 22 February 2012
"What a lovely way to gallivant: having coffee with muffins, soaking our feet in the soft red sandy shore of Palm Beach; taking pictures, meeting people, etc." ~Leah on our random escape to the northern beaches with Mila, 21 February 2012
"Each journey has its own precious stone to step on. They come in different shapes and sizes and edges. They are called challenges that sometimes can get you in the crossroad of uncertainty of what decision to decide and option to choose." ~FB, 6 February 2012
"Herbs are more than just condiments to add flavor to culinary preparations. They are also created for many purposes. Medicinal properties are hidden behind their appearance and taste." ~FB, 6 February 2012
"Condiments and spices are Nature's own Antibiotics." ~FB, 6 February 2012 "Age is no barrier in learning new things. Some of us are slow; others are fast. What matters is, we all learn!" ~FB. 3 February 2012
"Sometimes facts are hard, cold and cruel. But we do need to get over it!" ~FB, 3 February 2012
"I want to be married again dear Lord. Please preserve me for someone who deserves me." ~lcd, 2 February 2012 (in my lonely time)
"Eat and talk go together to make Work effective! Nobody can function well with an empty stomach." FB, 24 January 2012
"Hearsays and money - it's like honey attracting the bees!" ~FB, 21 January 2012
"Anger reveals the wound of inner self; laughter heals the wounded interior of that self" ~Leah Dancel, FB, 2o January 2012
"Rough waters will test the durability of the boat and the endurance of the pilot. At the end of the sailing, the boat will settle back to its calm waters. That's one happy ending!" ~FB, 21 January 2012
"As human as we are, possessing that Nature of a human's disgraceful attitude, humbling down is the Hardest Thing to do! We toss away our faith, we throw our spiritual knowledge out of the window. ... and for worldly liberty and wrong freedom sake, Pride rules!~Fb, 20 January 2012
"We need good ending, at least!" ~FB, 20 January 2012
"When calamity strikes, do you save someone's life instead your own?" ~FB, 20 January 2012
"When money counts, trouble sprouts." ~FB, 18 January 2012
"Change is the only permanent thing before after life." ~FB, 18 January 2012
"I will forever love you in my heart, soul and spirit." ~16 January 2012
"The load they could no longer bear that the easy option is taking a Silent Exit to the Point of No Return!" ~CW_FB 16 January 2012
"Though hope is dimmed and the light slightly flickers, let's keep the doom at bay by doing the Right Thing!" ~posted on the wall of Jmac Here, FB 14 January 2012
"A lender is no respecter of a kingly title." ~FB comment via Ilonka Vos, 14 January 2012
"In Australia, the government uses a hard core form of advertisement based on REAL LIFE experience as depicted by the picture above to cut the heart of the message across to the PUBLIC to show the result and the consequence what's going to happen if people will not do the right thing. Now, that takes a good mind to discern and understand what's the Rationale behind the Irony and Sarcasm of this post. It is far beyond the OFFENSIVE intent of the Postee but in fact, this not only applies to the government but to the People in General as well. Think that our EXISTENCE rely on the Land, Weather and ENVIRONMENT!!! If we continue to IGNORE, DEFY and remain IGNORANT to the NATURAL LAWS of Nature - then things that are happening NOW will continue to happen - We are now living in the END TIME where natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoon, storms, volcanic eruptions, and many more will continue to come! Someone said - time of purging! Ignore the Warnings and Suffer its Consequences." ~13 January 2012
"Helping one another makes a heavy load lighter." ~lcd, 13 January 2012
"Letters are precious to receive especially with perfumed flowers." ~9 January 2012
"Our country (Philippines) is rich in natural resources. They are wealth that God purposely put in unstable places so no one will molest or touch them. God wants us to keep His creations pure and immaculate. But out of pernicious greed of the opportunists who defy the Law of Nature, a disaster is born. It is called calamity and catastrophe. These said wealth are set in such a fragile environment that intruders are forbidden to touch let alone take them out from their hiding. It is like the Pandora's Box - "Touch Me Not!" ~lcd, FB, 7 Jan 2012
"The reward of my trip home however disappointing was to see my family all sparkling with smiles." ~lcd, 30 December 2011
"Regardless of my circumstance, I am still a Filipino by heart. It is my desire to make a difference for my woeful country perpetrated with crocodiles and vultures. My countrymen make me proud of them. Every good men have come together and joined hands in helping the victims of the flood brought by Typhoon Sendong - (17 December 2011)." ~Twitter, 26 December 2011
"Preserve and conserve our Forestry!" ~FB 23 December 2011
"It's not necessarily the Will of God to cause the flood for He did not create His creation to suffer. It is the unwillingness on the part of humankind that continue to cause havoc of this disproportionate length. Then there are bad leaders who plunged their followers into their own death. No sufficient warnings and preparations were done and many did not take it to heart. However, if it was indeed His Will, then He certainly has a Lesson to teach. One of which is HUMILITY, the hardest thing to do! Also, He plainly told us as it is also found in your Ku'ran that if we Forget Him, He will also forget us." ~a conversation with my friend Maguid Maruhom (Ecologist) on the recent Flash Flood brought by Typhoon Sendong that hit Iligan City, my hometown last 17 December 2011.~ @lcd 22 December 2011
"The wheels can't roll without oil." ~lcd, FB, 21 December 2011 (note to Marissa)
"A true rich person is one who gives from the heart and who gives willingly and unconditionally regardless of its size, value or quantity. One who gives without evil intent. One who doesn't slap on your face whatever goodness she has done to you in time you err. It is in the Quality and Thought of Giving that counts for it is blessed to Give than to Receive!" ~attributed to Noemi Dancel. She is my daughter and I am very proud of her! - 5 December 2011 at FB
"He laurelled me one day, With a poem everlasting; A Spring Kiss sweet and lasting." ~lcd, 29 Nov 2011
"Medicine is not a science but an art. Hence, where there is doubt, a second opinion is sought." ~@lcd, Parched Paper and the Quill blog, 3 October 2011
"My imagination hovered like the wasps on the wall outside, perched by a nagging enthusiasm. That alone has stimulated my mental activity atrophied in time due to uninspiring events that eventuated between now and then." ~@lcd, Parched Paper and the Quill blog, 3 October 2011
"Sometimes we need to let our light shines brightly to others so it will give them an insight what kind of God's people we are! - FB - 3 October 2011
"You are given the Light of the Truth so you will shine and can be seen in Darkness by those around you." - FB - 3 October 2011
"May you be blessed by the morning light
By its golden rays that beamed in the sky
As it nourished our soul and spirit alike
Thankful are we to safely awake from the night." ~lcd, 2 October 2011
"I know that there are many fishes out in the ocean swimming but I've never known any salmon that sings in the street." ~lcd, 29 September 2011 inspired by W. H. Auden's quote of the same theme.
"True love doesn't limit itself to what comfort or convenience life can only offer to a loved one. It should be as "Eternal" as to the one from above, our loving Life Giver and constant Provider. ~lcd, 28 September 2011.
"Humans are hyped up with physical beauty. Oftentimes, they overlook that even that attribute also has its own history that originated from an unsightly form. Then slowly it undergoes metaphysical development until the final stage is reached as in the case of the ugly duckling turning into a beautiful Swan! So is life!!!" ~lcd, FB, 16 September 2011
"There is no better harmony in living life to what we believe. Practice is the best demonstration of what we think. "Walk the Talk" so the cliche goes. " ~lcd, FB, 12 September 2011
"One day, there came a knock at my door. It was an insurance Agent. He asked if I was insured. I did not say a word but just pointed my finger above the Sky. He smiled and left." ~FB, 12 September 2011
"I get weepy looking at old people holding hands." ~9 August 2011
"Love is the spring of humanity that brings forth joy to the world of two people in love." ~Sept 01, 2011
"The Bible teaches us many good things. For many years that people read this Sacred Book, I just wonder how they really apply to their daily lives what they read. It's been one of my disappointments to learn how others are, toward their fellowmen. The Bible has been always my guide all along since childhood - To have Fear in God! My person will always remain fair and just to everybody. And loving with pure, sincere and genuine action beyond words is what I am." - 3 August 2011
"People scorn at what the Bible is teaching about clean and unclean food. It is for health reason why God instructed us of what to eat and not what to eat." ~Twitter, 1 August 2011
"The Biblical dietary teaching has made me realize how effective it is now that I am old. It is a way of life and I am not hurt." ~Leah Dancel, Twitter, 1 August 2011
"Good morning Winter. Please give us another beautiful day today. It's still dark, I can't see the dawn lifting its curtain yet. Work awaits." ~Twitter, 31 July 2011
"The best Anti-Aging Skinscare: clean living, water, good sleep, rest, proper nutrition, sunshine, fresh air, and good attitude. Drink moderately, no smoking and speaking of healthcare, the Bible has a lot to say." ~Twitter, 31 July 2011.
"Kindness deeply rooted will branch out and just naturally flow from within to whom it is given unconditionally and without bias." ~Leah Dancel, International Kindness Day, 19 July 2011
"Oil and Water are not miscible." ~11 July 2011
"Undressed by the season
Denuded by wintry reason." ~lcd, 20 June 2011
"Past many moons
Shifting days to nights
Of each challenging times.
Beacon of hopes and dreams(Switzerland)
December 2012
"Two days ago, our late father spent down the ground over thirty years. By this time, I'm sure he is complete ashes. Having that in mind, I also think of my mother who followed him a year after. Though Mother's Day is a long way off yet, I bumped into this little verse I read from Our Daily Bread as written by Stairs which I dedicate to her (my Mother):
'Since this priceless gift God gave us
Must from us one day depart,
Lavish her with love and kindness,
Real true love, with all your heart.'"
~lcd, 20 January 2013
Thought to ponder: "Love's but the frailty of the mind, when 'tis not with ambition joined." ~William Congreve. Aha! I perfectly understand you Mr Congreve! Can't disagree! ~14 January 2013
"It's nice to plan something interesting and in advance!" ~lcd, 10 January 2013
"May every sunrise hold more Promise and may every sunset hold more Peace." ~Blessing
"People!!!!! What's wrong with peoples these days? Are they worth my worry? Of course not! Life aplenty to be thankful for. And am sure there are many wonderful years awaiting for me ahead. Infact, am very positive, not very long from now. Cheers!!! ~Leah C Dancel, Australia, 30th December 2012
My pick for today: "Behind everyone who behaves as if he were superior to others, we can suspect a feeling of inferiority which calls for very special efforts of concealment. It is as if a man feared that he was too small and walked on his toes to make himself seem taller." ~Anon ...Ahhh now, that explains. Wanna be wannabe?
I could not disagree the author of Characters or Manners of the Age, 1688, Jean De La Bruyere when he said, "There are some who speak before they think" which can be sum up to being "a chatterbox" to borrow the word of one person I know. ~lcd, 17 December 2012
A thought I strongly agree: "The only people who have been blissful in the world are the people who have lived according to their own intuition and have rebelled against any effort by others to impose their ideas. Howsoever valuable those ideas may be, they are useless because they are not yours. The only significant idea is that which arises in you, grows in you, blossoms in you." ~Osho
"Weird dream I had last night: strong storm, 3 windows set on the west. one window with one piece of wall slab broken, singular beds piled in columnar rows and a window on the northern end unfizzled by raging winds, appearing calm and composed. Hmmm, that's quite intriguing." ~lcd, 13 December 2012
My Pick for Today: "Observe your enemies, for they first find out your faults." ~Antisthenes (Why else some idiots planted Spywares and Malwares in my Computer and threw at me the words of others? Shall I condone or condemn?)~lcd, 12 December 2012
My pick for Today: "It is time to dream a new dream, begin a new life, but with a heart that's mended and stronger than ever before." ~FB, Betrayed by Love'", 11 December 2012
"If we all understand the word empathy and try to show it to all humanity instead of just giving it to a select elite society, then perhaps, it will help us learn to control our sharp tongue and be nice to everyone." ~lcd, 11 December 2012
My Favourite Pick for Today: "Walk in my shoes please and you'll see why I am the way I am. I am not mean, I have just learned the lessons in life quicker than you." ~gleaned from FB, Be thankful you have the day, 9 December 2012
"Though 2012 is tainted with annus horribilis (compliment for all concerns), it is going to end up to be an ANNUS MIRABILIS!"`~LCD, 9 December 2012
"My heart is open for a new Love to come in,
With pure content and honorable intent;
My hands will gently hold on to my Faith
For spiritual strength and fortitude;
While my soul clings to rays of Hope
That shed Light to the Truth of Life". ~Leah C Dancel, 9 December 2012
"We lost one barely newborn female sibling ... when I was young enough to remember... She showed up in my life in the form of my girls..." ~lcd, 9 December 2012
"A mother's love is always Free of Charge." ~lcd, 3 December 2012
"I always see God's glory in the clouds. I envisioned His throne right in the middle of the sun ... glaring and blinding." ~lcd, 3 December 2012
"I'd rather be happy ..." ~lcd, 3 December 2012
"Life must go on like a show so they say!" ~lcd, 3 December 2012
"Counsel from the olds is full of wisdom...." ~lcd, 3 December 2012
"If you win
Will you take me in?
Let's fly to the sun
Let's fly to the moon
Wherever the Angel's wings
Take us off
Am sure God will keep us safe
To a destiny where He leads." ~lcd, 2 December 2012
Will you take me in?
Let's fly to the sun
Let's fly to the moon
Wherever the Angel's wings
Take us off
Am sure God will keep us safe
To a destiny where He leads." ~lcd, 2 December 2012
"Sometimes in life, there are decisions to be made. Some are hard and some are not easy. But if a decision to be made makes others happy, then I am happy too. Simple as that. No drama." ~lcd, 1 December 2012
"When conflicts of choice arise between friends and family, my family will always come first; unless there is death occurring within the circle of my friends and my family are well-taken cared of." ~lcd, 26 November 2012
"I'm not a hiding place; am not a cover, let alone an option." ~lcd, 23 November 2012
"The truth is caught up in the throat." ~lcd, 22 November 2012
"I've been polished by compassionate, humble and kind people. Only God knows how they become to be." ~lcd, 18 November 2012
"I abhor, hate, loath and dread people who in their privileged positions look down on others whom they think are not on their equal footing. Such is the curse of hypocritical society. Even the fiercest beast sheds tears too." ~lcd, 18 November 2012
"If only my SERVERS will not charge me too much on my phone bill, I don't mind calling God from my telephone everyday. He answers even if the Call Center is busy....He's always on the line, you know." ~lcd, 18 November 2012
"Skepticism and Intuition makes a good pair." ~lcd, 16 November 2012
"If there are visiting hours in heaven, I would be the first to go... but I only reached the middle heaven called the sky ...." ~lcd, 16 Nov 2012
"Boomerangs are primitive weapons and the most effective. Think of people shooting birds. The bullets turn around and hit them back instead of the birds. It pays to live by the Golden Rule!" ~lcd, 16 November 2012 (in my early musing of funny things)
"In our days, our parents could send us on emergency errands even in the darkest hour in the night as there was no electricity in those time; and, nobody harmed us. Today, along with conventions and conveniences, come the crime of incomprehensible degrees. Very sorry state of the world we are in!" ~lcd, 16 Nov 2012
"For someone faithful, a divine help is always at hand." ~lcd, 16 Nov 2012
"Your boredom threshold is set on low and you don't have the patience to put up with boring people or long-winded explanations of lies and denials. Extricate yourself from such situations in a tactful way", says Joanne M Moore ~ (lcd, 16 November 2012)
"Some things are worth dying for ... but reserve some for yourself or you'll die ahead, not that I mind." ~Leah Dancel, 15 November 2012
"Pray that the good God will give him (Pres. Barack Obama) wisdom to tackle the challenges he has yet to face.... all the unfinished business. It's a lonely place to be up there you know. His burdens are heavy... with two small shoulders carrying the gigantic problems of the world. He needs the world to pray for him!" ~lcd, FB, 7 November 2012
"Socializing is not bad. It's just that, people in a society puts a dirty stigma attached to it depending on what kind of people whom you are encircling with.... I am a strong nonconformist to that kind of social aura especially with those people who look down on others. If only we look back to where we come from." ~lcd, 18 November 2012
"In the beginning I wanted to have a dozen kids of my own ... but then after one child, the war begun ... but I got two ... so I endured two world wars... I ended up raising them alone. No Regrets!!!" ~Leah C. Dancel, 7 November 2012
"Yes, dreams are free for as long as no one will tell you are INSANE with no offense meant. But really, look at Carlos P Romulo? When he became the UN Secretary-General, in his short stature, he stood tall surrounded by giant people and declared: "I feel like a Gold surrounded by Silver!" So dream along Girlie. It's Free and it's all Yours. Wow! Don't give up that hope. Next question: will you be ready to withstand the pressure like a teabag in a boiling water?" ~lcd, 7 November 2012
"The perfect cycle of a circle: It goes round and round and round ... one end meets the other and they bond! Such is the philosophy of bondage! (no, I just make this up)... but it's true! haha..." ~lcd, her folly at FB, 7 Nov 2012
"I treat my FB Friends as if I really have known them in real life .... Though we are told to choose friends carefully for as long as they don't harm me in any way, then they are as good as my nearest and closest neighbours." ~lcd, FB, 7 November 2012
"May the sunset kiss your dreams." ~lcd, FB, 6 November 2012
"There's plenty to share: good, kind and nice thoughts with ... but I guess it's time for me to hang up my keyboard. Thanks for your friendship dear kind folks ... including those who hide and who seek." ~lcd, FB, 6 Nov 2012
"I hope there is a big space in your heart for me without leaving a room for prejudice because I am not like you. I can never be like anyone." ~lcd, 6 November 2012
"If Facebook is my country, I would have been living in the outback of Tumbuctu; out in a far-flung country called the Wizard of Snooze hanging around near the Wanderer's Creek and walking back and forth on a one way street called Nomad's Rage Road." ~lcd, FB, 6 November 2012
"How many can really say 'Thank You Lord for the Troubles' I am having? We can only pray about it to go away ... can't we?" ~lcd, 6 November 2012
"I love being a Grandma and there's no other way I can be." ~lcd, 6 November 2012
"Facebook is a Venting point of Vantage view." ~lcd, 28 October 2012
"A journey is never too long or tiring and all adversities concomitant are wiped out for those who walk with God." ~lcd, FB, 27 October 2012
"If dreams are miracles, then I wouldn't know how our lines would one day wound up from sea to poetry." ~lcd, 26 October 2o12
"I just want to feel blessed, not obsessed." ~lcd, 8 Oct 2012
"For everything that happens there is always a reason. That reason is about cause and effect." ~lcd, 29 September 2012
"At past 7am - I heard baby Selima greeted me for the first time, "Hello Lola" while I was still in bed, having spent the night with them." ~29 September 2012
"God humbles me because He knows I am wrong. And I am not hurt because I am aware of my mistakes. God does not look on my sin credits but of my sincere repentance." ~29 September 2012
"Move on without climbing to someone else's ladder. A spiritual ladder is all I have, hence I survive." ~lcd, 11 September 2012
"My heart was glad especially when my son-in-law advised me to put my mind and heart in the right place." ~lcd, 11 September 2012
"Today's Reflection: The value system which our late parents inculcated and instilled in us was compassion towards fellowmen, and not material obsession. I can't go wrong with that." ~lcd, 9 September 2012.
"People makes me confused by their differing and contradicting ideas caught right from their own mouth. Be enlightened by one Great Name only and follow your own counsel." ~lcd, 9 September 2012
"A garden with roses is no doubt called a Garden of Love. Their flowers are free to be shared." ~lcd, 28 August 2012
"Magic is shining up in her own heaven - alas, her heaven is the top of your laundry pile, peacefully asleep. Now, in her dust, she's forever yours inside a golden box." ~lcd, Mother's jesty condolence to her daughter's cat called Magic who died in a tragic inhumane killing by an arrow... 21 August 2012, Orange, NSW
"Precious is my joy of life..." ~lcd, 17 August 2012 (a line from my poem)
"Rhyming Place is one of my place of refuge where I can be myself." ~lcd, 17-8-2012
"I want to reclaim my gift long lost in the wilderness of confusion." ~lcd, 17 aug 2012
"Sometimes we need to give that sleeping lard a hard push out from a steaming wok.... and get that dormant brain going." ~lcd, 17 August 2012
"PEOPLE basically CHANGE whether we like it or not! But someone who endures to the end is a Gem!" ~lcd, 12 August 2012
"My children call me either "cool" or "lame" whatever it means... I call mine a Proverbial Woman." ~lcd, FB, 12 August 2012
"Even our winter down under, rains are withheld in most places leaving the fields fallowed and dry." ~lcd, FB, 12 August 2012
"I do not regret being poor. It is to my personal advantage that I am poor. My problem would not be as intensive and extensive as what most rich people do have, especially in this unstable financial climate and apocalyptic season." ~lcd, 12 August 2012
"Early blessings for a night's peaceful rest; bright sunshine and smiles for today, and a happy spirit of doing good for those unfortunate ones who are in dire need of help at this very moment." ~lcd, 8 August 2012
"Children are the extension of our guts ..." ~lcd, FB, 8 August 2012
"Enduring to the end will gauge your resilience and measures your strength ...." ~lcd, FB, 8 August 2012
"You cannot get up if you don't fall down." (Get Up Australia!) ~lcd, FB, 8 August 2012
"Friends, even them have wings. They fly to our thoughts, hold us in their hearts... walk with us under our shadows ... and always there in time of our distress; visibly or invisibly." ~lcd, FB, 10 July 2012
"We have a milky morning hovering in the eastern sky. And the "brume" lingers in the lowland. Fantastic day it's going to be here!" ~lcd, observing the environ, 10 July 2012
"The best instruction manual to live life fully as purposed by the Supreme Being, is the Bible. No human counselors can equal God's wisdom." ~lcd, twitter, 7 July 2012
"Behind the clouds, lies the silver lining." -words I'll never forget from my dear late Mother. ~twitter, 6 July 2012
"When love comes in, nothing else matters." ~twitter, 6 July 2012
"Human flaws and life experiences are truly universal." ~24 June 2012 twitter
"I was fed on corn, a "poor man's staple." ~Leah, 24 June 2012, Twitter
"Even if fake friends appear ONLY because they want something from you, don't let it cause to be of concerned. Instead continue to count your blessings because it is blessed to give than to receive. I have many true friends who were there for me in times of my down moments. But I have never been there for all of them when they needed me most. However, my absence didn't mean I didn't care. In some way, I am with them through prayers in lieu of my physical presence." ~lcd, 24 June 2012, FB
"To walkabout is what is life about. Hungry crocs inland are far more dangerous than those found in the southern coastal lowlands." ~lcd, 21 July 2012
"On the street where I live
Here I pass its tranquil pave
Sweeping in quietude
It fills my heart with gratitude."
~Leah~ 10 June 2012
"To you I say: Sweeter as the years go by!" ~lcd, 20 June 2012
"I didn't ask for wealth, but I am sure by faith, God provided me the wealth I didn't ask in the form of my two lovely girls." ~Leah, 6 June 2012
"All the shambles we passed through life, helped us develop a virtue called Patience." ~Leah 3 June 2012
"People complain when it rains and they call it gloom. They also complain if there is no rain and they call it doom." ~Leah, 2 June 2012
"The hardest thing to keep is the reputation." ~Jenolan Caves Cottage, Single Camp, 20 May 2012
"Sometimes what life can offer is more than a hat trick! We all have the same lion share Girlie - in every form and at all costs." ~LCD, FB, 15 May 2012
"A forgiving person doesn't necessarily have to lean on the 7 times 70 formula of Jesus counsel on forgiveness. That itself is a metaphor. " ~lcd, 2 May 2012
"Life is a great Eye Opener especially if you are someone who experienced factual difficulties of struggles in order to survive." ~lcd, FB, 30 April 2012
"True love transcends despite the distance and even in wartime." ~FB, 25 April 2012
"It's nice to live with our heart, to love with all our heart and to give with our whole heart." ~lcd, 24 April 2012
"No matter what you do, no Man can stop the Evil's doings what he needs to do for his time on earth is running out." ~FB, 22 April 2012
"Thus in turn with lessons learned
You taught me how to comprehend ...
That life's pathways should be treated good
And make more room for every kindness
Where acts of love and compassion dwell." ~15 April 2012
"Today is my eldest daughter's birthday. I still call her My Princess like she's a little girl she used to be. Happy Birthday Langga. Blessings and Joys be yours!" ~lcd, 3 April 2012
"Sometime in life, you have to be there to know where you are." ~FB, 3 April 2012
"How nice when love lives in us!
There is peace, there is contentment." ~1 April 2012
"Some prayers can be said through our hearts and mind." ~FB, 31 March 2012
"Have you been on my shoes long enough to really know me? Watch your own back lest you'll be tempted to swiftly judge other people." ~Leah Dancel, FB, 31 March 2012
"Life is a ballad by itself, a song to sing and music to live on and the note is its own parody." ~Leah Dancel, FB, 27 March 2012
"Behind the bush, there lies a naturally brown beauty!" ~Auntie Leah to my niece Anielord, FB, 27 March 2012
"When you're down deep in the pit - remember what others have been through and yet they pull themselves out from that darkness. All because they hold on to their faith!" ~Leah Dancel,FB, 27 March 2012
"Sometimes in life, doubt covers the view of our perspective no matter how hard we try to stay positive on our fence. Strength is the force that comes from above that move us to go on! All because we have faith "- Leah Dancel, FB, 27 March 2012
"I hope I count worthy of all your friendship in spite of my shortcomings." !FB, 27 March 2012
"I wish our planet earth was ruled by civilized tellurians right from the beginning of the creation so that we who live today need not have to put up with the mess due by the ignorance of their predecessors." ~Random Notion, 26 March 2012
"I love being a Grandma! It's a joyful job! Free of charge compensated with delightful pleasure. Priceles!" ~FB, 22 March 2012
"Nature is God's own garden. It is His resting place, where man takes pleasure to find leisure in watching His grand creation." ~lcd 17 March 2012
"I learned to be stoic with my emotion outwardly, but suffering inwardly." ~12 March 2012
"I am accustomed to a quiet life. Reading books is my hideaway, a favourite company in the woods of quietude besides my friends Lemmy and my hobbies." ~ FB, 4 March 2012
"Ah that true love! Will it ever descend through the rain? Such fine romantic words in a dreamworld setting. The best of your bests!" ~lcd, 3 March
"Yes, it's but nature's clouds that doomed the sky
Yet, the heaven shines with gleaming light
Behind its screen of silver and grey
It brings some hope, not only misery." ~lcd, australia 2 March 2012
"Your poems are my roses.
Suave words their breath of scents;
Coloured petals their eloquence
Exquisite in their sweetness." ~lcd, australia 2 March 2012
"Life is as perennial as the grasses - when resilience and endurance forge whatever circumstances befall." ~FB - 22 February 2012
"What a lovely way to gallivant: having coffee with muffins, soaking our feet in the soft red sandy shore of Palm Beach; taking pictures, meeting people, etc." ~Leah on our random escape to the northern beaches with Mila, 21 February 2012
"Each journey has its own precious stone to step on. They come in different shapes and sizes and edges. They are called challenges that sometimes can get you in the crossroad of uncertainty of what decision to decide and option to choose." ~FB, 6 February 2012
"Herbs are more than just condiments to add flavor to culinary preparations. They are also created for many purposes. Medicinal properties are hidden behind their appearance and taste." ~FB, 6 February 2012
"Condiments and spices are Nature's own Antibiotics." ~FB, 6 February 2012 "Age is no barrier in learning new things. Some of us are slow; others are fast. What matters is, we all learn!" ~FB. 3 February 2012
"Sometimes facts are hard, cold and cruel. But we do need to get over it!" ~FB, 3 February 2012
"I want to be married again dear Lord. Please preserve me for someone who deserves me." ~lcd, 2 February 2012 (in my lonely time)
"Eat and talk go together to make Work effective! Nobody can function well with an empty stomach." FB, 24 January 2012
"Hearsays and money - it's like honey attracting the bees!" ~FB, 21 January 2012
"Anger reveals the wound of inner self; laughter heals the wounded interior of that self" ~Leah Dancel, FB, 2o January 2012
"Rough waters will test the durability of the boat and the endurance of the pilot. At the end of the sailing, the boat will settle back to its calm waters. That's one happy ending!" ~FB, 21 January 2012
"As human as we are, possessing that Nature of a human's disgraceful attitude, humbling down is the Hardest Thing to do! We toss away our faith, we throw our spiritual knowledge out of the window. ... and for worldly liberty and wrong freedom sake, Pride rules!~Fb, 20 January 2012
"We need good ending, at least!" ~FB, 20 January 2012
"When calamity strikes, do you save someone's life instead your own?" ~FB, 20 January 2012
"When money counts, trouble sprouts." ~FB, 18 January 2012
"Change is the only permanent thing before after life." ~FB, 18 January 2012
"I will forever love you in my heart, soul and spirit." ~16 January 2012
"The load they could no longer bear that the easy option is taking a Silent Exit to the Point of No Return!" ~CW_FB 16 January 2012
"Though hope is dimmed and the light slightly flickers, let's keep the doom at bay by doing the Right Thing!" ~posted on the wall of Jmac Here, FB 14 January 2012
"A lender is no respecter of a kingly title." ~FB comment via Ilonka Vos, 14 January 2012
"In Australia, the government uses a hard core form of advertisement based on REAL LIFE experience as depicted by the picture above to cut the heart of the message across to the PUBLIC to show the result and the consequence what's going to happen if people will not do the right thing. Now, that takes a good mind to discern and understand what's the Rationale behind the Irony and Sarcasm of this post. It is far beyond the OFFENSIVE intent of the Postee but in fact, this not only applies to the government but to the People in General as well. Think that our EXISTENCE rely on the Land, Weather and ENVIRONMENT!!! If we continue to IGNORE, DEFY and remain IGNORANT to the NATURAL LAWS of Nature - then things that are happening NOW will continue to happen - We are now living in the END TIME where natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoon, storms, volcanic eruptions, and many more will continue to come! Someone said - time of purging! Ignore the Warnings and Suffer its Consequences." ~13 January 2012
"Helping one another makes a heavy load lighter." ~lcd, 13 January 2012
"Letters are precious to receive especially with perfumed flowers." ~9 January 2012
"Our country (Philippines) is rich in natural resources. They are wealth that God purposely put in unstable places so no one will molest or touch them. God wants us to keep His creations pure and immaculate. But out of pernicious greed of the opportunists who defy the Law of Nature, a disaster is born. It is called calamity and catastrophe. These said wealth are set in such a fragile environment that intruders are forbidden to touch let alone take them out from their hiding. It is like the Pandora's Box - "Touch Me Not!" ~lcd, FB, 7 Jan 2012
"The reward of my trip home however disappointing was to see my family all sparkling with smiles." ~lcd, 30 December 2011
"Regardless of my circumstance, I am still a Filipino by heart. It is my desire to make a difference for my woeful country perpetrated with crocodiles and vultures. My countrymen make me proud of them. Every good men have come together and joined hands in helping the victims of the flood brought by Typhoon Sendong - (17 December 2011)." ~Twitter, 26 December 2011
"Preserve and conserve our Forestry!" ~FB 23 December 2011
"It's not necessarily the Will of God to cause the flood for He did not create His creation to suffer. It is the unwillingness on the part of humankind that continue to cause havoc of this disproportionate length. Then there are bad leaders who plunged their followers into their own death. No sufficient warnings and preparations were done and many did not take it to heart. However, if it was indeed His Will, then He certainly has a Lesson to teach. One of which is HUMILITY, the hardest thing to do! Also, He plainly told us as it is also found in your Ku'ran that if we Forget Him, He will also forget us." ~a conversation with my friend Maguid Maruhom (Ecologist) on the recent Flash Flood brought by Typhoon Sendong that hit Iligan City, my hometown last 17 December 2011.~ @lcd 22 December 2011
"The wheels can't roll without oil." ~lcd, FB, 21 December 2011 (note to Marissa)
"A true rich person is one who gives from the heart and who gives willingly and unconditionally regardless of its size, value or quantity. One who gives without evil intent. One who doesn't slap on your face whatever goodness she has done to you in time you err. It is in the Quality and Thought of Giving that counts for it is blessed to Give than to Receive!" ~attributed to Noemi Dancel. She is my daughter and I am very proud of her! - 5 December 2011 at FB
"He laurelled me one day, With a poem everlasting; A Spring Kiss sweet and lasting." ~lcd, 29 Nov 2011
"Medicine is not a science but an art. Hence, where there is doubt, a second opinion is sought." ~@lcd, Parched Paper and the Quill blog, 3 October 2011
"My imagination hovered like the wasps on the wall outside, perched by a nagging enthusiasm. That alone has stimulated my mental activity atrophied in time due to uninspiring events that eventuated between now and then." ~@lcd, Parched Paper and the Quill blog, 3 October 2011
"Sometimes we need to let our light shines brightly to others so it will give them an insight what kind of God's people we are! - FB - 3 October 2011
"You are given the Light of the Truth so you will shine and can be seen in Darkness by those around you." - FB - 3 October 2011
"May you be blessed by the morning light
By its golden rays that beamed in the sky
As it nourished our soul and spirit alike
Thankful are we to safely awake from the night." ~lcd, 2 October 2011
"I know that there are many fishes out in the ocean swimming but I've never known any salmon that sings in the street." ~lcd, 29 September 2011 inspired by W. H. Auden's quote of the same theme.
"True love doesn't limit itself to what comfort or convenience life can only offer to a loved one. It should be as "Eternal" as to the one from above, our loving Life Giver and constant Provider. ~lcd, 28 September 2011.
"Humans are hyped up with physical beauty. Oftentimes, they overlook that even that attribute also has its own history that originated from an unsightly form. Then slowly it undergoes metaphysical development until the final stage is reached as in the case of the ugly duckling turning into a beautiful Swan! So is life!!!" ~lcd, FB, 16 September 2011
"There is no better harmony in living life to what we believe. Practice is the best demonstration of what we think. "Walk the Talk" so the cliche goes. " ~lcd, FB, 12 September 2011
"One day, there came a knock at my door. It was an insurance Agent. He asked if I was insured. I did not say a word but just pointed my finger above the Sky. He smiled and left." ~FB, 12 September 2011
"I get weepy looking at old people holding hands." ~9 August 2011
"Love is the spring of humanity that brings forth joy to the world of two people in love." ~Sept 01, 2011
"The Bible teaches us many good things. For many years that people read this Sacred Book, I just wonder how they really apply to their daily lives what they read. It's been one of my disappointments to learn how others are, toward their fellowmen. The Bible has been always my guide all along since childhood - To have Fear in God! My person will always remain fair and just to everybody. And loving with pure, sincere and genuine action beyond words is what I am." - 3 August 2011
"People scorn at what the Bible is teaching about clean and unclean food. It is for health reason why God instructed us of what to eat and not what to eat." ~Twitter, 1 August 2011
"The Biblical dietary teaching has made me realize how effective it is now that I am old. It is a way of life and I am not hurt." ~Leah Dancel, Twitter, 1 August 2011
"Good morning Winter. Please give us another beautiful day today. It's still dark, I can't see the dawn lifting its curtain yet. Work awaits." ~Twitter, 31 July 2011
"The best Anti-Aging Skinscare: clean living, water, good sleep, rest, proper nutrition, sunshine, fresh air, and good attitude. Drink moderately, no smoking and speaking of healthcare, the Bible has a lot to say." ~Twitter, 31 July 2011.
Pakilawag, Karomatan, Lanao del Norte
"Imagine the uproar of the waves from the seashore of my childhood dreams when I'll finally set foot on a trail of past memories when I get back home!" - Leah Dancel on my homecoming! 30 July 2011
"Kind words overflow from a loving heart in all seasons tampered by the waves of ungracious spirit brought about by the wind of climate change." ~Leah Dancel, 30 July 2011
"I had a lovely time strolling down the lane by the quayside of Circular Quay last night. It was wonderful and the night though starless and moonless was perfectly balm for a winter night walk. It is my wish to walk with someone very special in my heart there. I still care for you and you know who you are. Just delete your disappointment. There is nothing irremediable." ~29 July 2011
"The glow of sunrise greets my dream with a bright smile. Pray my winter yawn will melt when captured by the light of the golden sun! " ~Leah Dancel, 28 July 2011
"Kindness deeply rooted will branch out and just naturally flow from within to whom it is given unconditionally and without bias." ~Leah Dancel, International Kindness Day, 19 July 2011
"Oil and Water are not miscible." ~11 July 2011
"Each time I make friends with the world, I know there is the unseen Spirit who guides me through. And if you stand on the principle of Truth, an adversary that lurks somewhere will eventually reveal itself in God's own time and that helps me think of the helmet of salvation that covers our soul. I don't want to feel bitter. I will just accept the things I cannot change. I can go home now with a light heart." ~ lcd July 10, 2011
"Truth is the fiercest enemy of Lies. I don't know why there is always that anode at the other end of the cathode. If you stand by it, you gather foes instead of friends." ~lcd, on Walk in the Light by Vagabond Journeys of DB 9 July 2011
"You sound to me, my fellow traveler for I also experienced your experiences and had been helped through the swamps, up the mountains and down the streets of life's metaphorical learning. You are a great educator DB and no pretense in your deliverance and passing of your knowledge, understanding and wisdom. Funny how we cannot find that kind of traveler in the real world nowadays." ~lcd, on Walk in the Light by Vagabond Journeys of DB 9 July 2011
"My girls love to stop each time they saw a busker and asked me some coins to put in the bag while the musician played with a big smile on his face. I loved watching them taking delight in appreciating someone's gift and talent being showcased in public places. Then it dawned to me that most of them were actually members of the Symphony Orchestra or whatever taking their time to practice outdoor hoping to get constructive feedback from the public prior to their performance." ~FB, 8 July 2011
"Today is my dear late parents' Wedding Anniversary. It would have been their 63rd Wedded Bliss together if they were alive." ~4th July 2011
"The best thing in life is being happy and feeling so good. God is so good to me! It's best to live His Way!" - 2 July 2011
"Motherhood especially if you are on your own makes a mother selfless." ~24 June 2011, The Wings, Prayer and a Curious Child blog
"... the - Airline cabin crew had seated us in our rightful place... and our life's journey resumed..." ~24 June 2011, The Wings, Prayer and a Curious Child blog
"As I travelled with children, Robert Benchley was spot on when he mentioned and I quote, "...there are two classes of travel - first class, and with children." It's pertinently obvious which class I belonged, not that I mind." ~24 June 2011, The Wings, Prayer and a Curious Child blog
"Undressed by the season
Denuded by wintry reason." ~lcd, 20 June 2011
"Past many moons
Shifting days to nights
Of each challenging times.
Inflamed by life's desires
Whatever left is there to care
Knowing where the rudder be
Destined to sail into another world
Where no fate dictates a lone sojourn
Life is broader than it was before.
The sun keeps smiling
While dreams keep coming
Spring and summer warm the heart
And a thornless rose never cease to please
The snow cap mountains still excite
To pump the blood with flowing guts
The life of three score and five!"
~@Leah Dancel, 20 June 2011, Three Score and Five
"Poetry is a powerful tool in its conveyance of the true meaning of life in the image of words regardless of their brevity, conciseness and terseness." ~18 June 2011
"Am grateful for the good and bad lessons I learned from life. They enriched me with experience. There's so much to share of what I reaped." ~18 June 2011
"Love is not in vain when there is sincerity and genuine affection and caring involved." - 16 June 2011
"There's always a way to find life interesting." Leah said that long time ago as she was rummaging thoughts somewhere from trash and treasure pad. ~16 June 2011
"The 'bend in the road' of my life was not meant to be 'the end of the road'" for me - when my ex-husband had 'failed to take a safety turn' and was trapped in his car by a road accident..." ~7 June 2011, Kindness in Time of Adversity blog
"We can know things but cannot understand. We can also know and understand things at the same time if we do it by heart. In knowing and understanding things heartily, wholeheartedly and genuinely with deeper comprehension and thoughts of their meaning or significance and let that soaked into our minds, whereby we can learn moral lessons from that knowledge and understanding and help us form some positive philosophical view and perspective that we can apply to our own lives, and impart them to others, then that's where and when Wisdom is developed. (I hope I don't sound too vague). Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom connect with one another. A good example for trio-logical philosophy. A recipe for acquired Intelligence as not everyone is born with it. This is good mental stimulant." ~lcd, comment to Happy Guy's blog Knowledge versus Understanding versus Wisdom. 4 June 2011.
"Death that brings sorrow only happens on earth But life everlasting brings far more endless mirth." ~Leah Dancel, 3 June 2011 (Comment on Parents Goodbye by Marvin H Lee at The Rhyming Place)
"When I was due to give birth to my second child, I dreamt of a big deep snow on the day my baby was born. It happened and the midwife whom I told about the dream I dreamt, the night before I gave birth, was not happy. There was chaos in the Maternity Ward the following day." ~Leah Dancel, Orange Hospital Maternity Ward, 25 June 1990. (2 June 2011)
"The only way I can beat the odds of life is by exercising "Positive Thinking", so they say, But it's the inspiration of the Divine Word that actually helps me to keep going." ~lcd, 31 May 2011
"Spring fills the garden with scented mirth.
Its fragrant beauty charms the earth.
Life is mystery no man discerns;
How God of wisdom make us learn
Of knowledge that comes from a humble seed."
~Copyright@Leah Dancel, from my poem Spring of Life, Revised Editon, 30 May 2011.
Its fragrant beauty charms the earth.
Life is mystery no man discerns;
How God of wisdom make us learn
Of knowledge that comes from a humble seed."
~Copyright@Leah Dancel, from my poem Spring of Life, Revised Editon, 30 May 2011.
"May the Music of Life continue to play in your heart with love, peace and happiness." ~Leah to Rosidah at FB 30 May 2011
"May the footprints you left in this world will remain in the sand of our life we are treading everyday. A great teacher as you did leave a legacy of worthwhile lessons which I personally hope the young generation today will pass down to the next future generation when we ourselves are out of this world." ~my Oprah's Farewell Season Guest Book comment that did not get through. 29 May 2011
"I'm a positive thinker with a zest for life trying to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones." ~lcd, 12 April 2011
"Here, tranquility resides where solemnity is a solace"~lcd, 6 Oct 2010
"In the calmness of thought ... humility silently speaks" ~lcd, 6 Oct 2010
"I was muted. I was speechless. I was not angry. I listened as I watched the pain etched through her facial expression. I kissed her and hugged her to let her know that I understood. Was I let down by her? In a way, but her opinion and feelings mattered to me most. And I respect her inasmuch as I love her." ~27 July 2010, Tears of Joy Blog
"...there is a great difference between motivating and pushing." ~27 July 2010, Tears of Joy Blog
"Twenty three long years of absence is quite a stretch of disciplined patience." ~lcd, A Journey Home blog, 28 May 2010
"You asked me if I understand your world. That your world is my world. Honestly, I don't know. Though I have rich friends and they take me as naturally as they do without prejudice and welcome me as they would to their equal counterparts, I am not really anxious of who they are. My feeling is, they are just like me in terms of their inner self. That like me, they too experience difficult times, hurts, heartaches, disappointments, failures and more like I do. That I get on well with them and they have accepted me and that they enjoy my company and friendship. That they are supportive of me one way or another as I am to them in my own small way. It is heartwarming when they make you feel welcome and the vibration of genuineness is uplifting and encouraging. Not one that puffs up. I also have worked for rich people. True, while they live life different to mine, the bottom line is, they are as humans as I am. I can look at them straight in the eyes, and talk to them without thinking they are above me or they act above me. They never make me feel that they are superior to me. So I have no special feelings about them just because they are rich and I am not." -Conversation - 27 May 2011
"You are one kind soul who touches one's heart with genuine friendship Rosidah. It's funny how we need friends when we are down - yet, we can only know who the true ones are in the real time appointed by Whom who Created us all! Let me take this opportunity to say, "Thank you for your Friendship." ~Leah 18 May 2011 on Rosidah's blog Music of My Life.
"I'm taking my old friends and classmates with me to my blogging trip. On my journey which they never have been before with twists and turns." ~lcd, 16 May 2011, Twitter
"When education collides with commonsense as to nature's existence, climate change is sure foreboding." ~Leah Dancel, FB, 16 May 2011
"For every travel I do, Prayer is my armor and shield for safety to keep me away from any road mishap." ~Leah Dancel, extracted from my Traveler's blog; 16 May 2011
"You don't want the storm when you can have the rain, sunshine and rainbow." ~lcd, 16 May 2011
"Today is our late dear Mother's 30th Death Anniversary. There's a lot to extol about this plain, unknown yet extraordinary woman who gave us life. In the plainness of life we have lived all these years, it would be hard to believe what this dear human being had done for us." ~lcd 16 May 2011
"The Lord has lifted me." ~14 May 2011
"I am not fettered by past experiences. I do not idolize the thought of the past. It is mainly the present unkind words of people that is causing the nightmare. Their sudden unpredictable twist and turn of a seemly appalling character and threats especially if they sport a notion as if I am after to something of what I can get from them because I have no vested interest whatsoever." ~14 May 2011
"Life is full of mysterious nightmares, a phenomenon no dumb layman can figure out. Yet, there's so much it can offer to those whose heart and mind is full of pure intent." lcd, 14 May 2011
"It's heavenly bliss to hold my first grandbaby in my heart. When she smiles, she is telling me, 'thank you dear grandma'. It melts my heart." ~lcd, 11 May 2011
"I am simple and covered with full simplicities contained within my simple heart. Simplicity helps me survive all damn complexities of life." ~lcd, 9 May 2011 on Twitting.
"Mother's Day is coming. I think more of my late Mother than of myself. Here are some of the legacies she left me: love, wisdom, wits and memories." ~lcd, 5 May 2011, Twitter
"I believe a special relationship should really spring from close and loving friendship with the presence of patience, endurance, affection and respect aided with loyalty and mantled with faith and trust." ~lcd 6 May 2011
"While autumn leads life to rest and make it hibernate at wintertime, spring fans a dying hope and stirs it to live." ~lcd, 2 May 2011
"I love being witty, cheeky and silly. It's my secret weapon to staying young physically and cardiac-ally (if there's such a word). It's sanity check to keep me fit." ~lcd, 5 May 2011, Twitter.
"A sterling poem can energize a tired heart from loving life." lcd, 2 May 2011
"No matter how simple your recipe is for as long as you season it with love, nothing could make it tastes better that you always want more." ~lcd, 25 April 2011
"I woke up to a gloomy day but not my spirit. Autumn sets in with cold and bleak mornings. Soon winter comes wondering what nature will bring. Happiness or sadness? There's always a new colour to every season." ~lcd, 23 April 2011.
"Love is the spring of humanity that brings forth joy to the world of two people in love." ~lcd, 22 April 2011
"A humble and serving spirit is pleasing to the Lord."~lcd, 22 April 2011, Facebook via Dante Dancel's quote of Faith via Meals-to-Learn.
"Nobody likes a sad story. God did not create humans to become miserable. He wants us to enjoy His blessings, to be joyful, thankful and grateful. It's paramount indeed that we live according to His Will." ~21 April 2011
"I find people dreading of getting old. I am 60 and nobody will believe I am and I don't feel Old. I still have a zest for life and love to laugh and smile regardless of inevitable hitches along the way. For this reason, my girls call me 'Cool'. " ~ 17 April 2011 (oh just methink)
"You can have all the money you want. I want peace, good night sleep, calmness of mind and contented heart. Also sunshine, flowers and rain." ~17 April 2011 Just twitting.
"Love is the beginning of life. From it, a seed of friendship grows and blossoms into love." ~ Leah Dancel, 13 April 2011
"When there is God involved in certain relationship, friendship is without exception; it makes the rapport going because there is a guiding star to enlighten and straighten something that tends to bend." ~lcd, 12 April 2011
"Today, I am going to accompany an elderly lady to the city to see her Eye Specialist. I wonder how Old Age will take me when I reach her age." ~13 April 2011
"Today is my Grand-daughter's First Birthday! There's no fanfare of celebration - but thankfulness she came out well in this world to which her parents made me so proud for bringing her up to be a very confident baby. I wouldn't mind minding ten of her kind at one time. I thank God for her in bringing joy to my lonely life." ~12 April 2011
"I believe in you with all sincerity for all the genuine things you do. I am glad you are that person worthy of my every respect." ~ 12 April 2011
"There are many high and imposing grandiose churches and cathedrals. At the same time, there are many homeless people lying on the street, cold and dying without the dignity of having a decent bed." ~12 April 2011
"Strength, courage and spiritual stamina are the primordial prerequisites for us to be able to let go of things that are impediments to our life's flow and growth and progress. Without the Let Go process, we can't move on." ~ 11 April 2011 Comment to Positive Thoughts
"If there is anyone who is instrumental in my appreciation of people's words of wisdom, it is my late Mother. At an early stage of my life when understanding started to form and develop in my youthful mind, my late mother opened up to me the gate to the world where compassionate and sage people lived and whose words bring positive impact to the lives of many. Norman Vincent Peale is among these people." 11 April 2011, Comment to Positive Thoughts
"Narrawallee - a lovely place, far away, up to the South Coast. I love the sight of the calm sea with gentle waves, cool air and serenity." ~10 April 2011
"Whether we are rich or poor, life has always its own 'downturn moment.' No one is spared even to those whom God had anointed to do His Will." ~9 April 2011
"I have seen, met, knew and even lived with all kinds of families. Normal and abnormal, functional and dysfunctional, traditional and conformist, stringent and religiously hard core. Family loaded with rebellious elements and family with complacent constitution." ~9 April 2011
"I think power over anything has something to do with faith: faith in your heart, faith in the ability to conquer adversity and most importantly faith in the Higher Power." ~ 8 April 2011
"There are two reasons that help keep my weight down. One, I cannot afford to buy clothes. Second, if there is a war, I cannot run fast. So am very happy where I am. The only drawback, there's not much to hug on me." ~8 April 2011
"Rare moments with loved ones come in the most apt time you needed it most pouring all what troubles your heart only visible in their eyes." ~ 2 April 2011 (with my daughter)
"To focus on the positive things in life helps bring the sun out from the gloomy sky." ~30 March 2011 (on reading the blog Positive Thoughts).
"When faith is strong, determination outlasts." ~lcd, 29 March 2011
"Australian outback romance is so dry with uncolourful script that even the hearts are suffering from a millennial drought" ~27 March 2011, FB
"A good relationship should have a balanced fulcrum between serious and fun togetherness, open communication, consideration and romance."~24 March 2011
"I am a woman beneath a child's heart." ~22 March 2011
"In the academe's point of view, a subtle subtrefuge is called "reverse psychology"; in the layman's point of view, it simply means deception." ~19 February 2011.
"Some of the legacies my mother left me: love, wisdom, wits and memories." ~ 09 Feb 2011
"Our dream in childhood has found its way to fulfillment without us knowing they become reality. Old age is its camouflage." ~Leah Dancel
"Power is only as good as you are able. When illness calls, power becomes meaningless. Take the lesson from Alexander the Great!"~ 30 January 2011 FB
"The words of the wise are thresholds to acquiring knowledge." ~from my Echo
Coffee "Back home, coffee is a form of social link connecting thoughts of people sitting in a round, square, rectangular or oval table. Some people prefer standing, squatting on the ground, walking, talking while holding that steamy cup of coffee black or white."~
"The coffee that I grew up with was an ordinary coffee. It was extended to an aromatic, salivating coffee - homemade and fresh from the coffee tree - coffea arabica - grown in someone else backyard to which we were allowed by the owner to harvest and make use of."
"I learned that coffee helps or stimulates memory. No wonder why my Medical Student roommate in the university drank it like water in pure black brew! I could not remember her sleeping at all and I suffered in silence because the light was left on till morning. Fancy how I survive!"~Leah Dancel, comment to Luna Miranda's blog, Deja Brew, 28 June 2010
"Our journey in life comes in complete circle when we meet our old beloved friends again from one point to the end." - addressed to Ruth Acebedo Lopez at FB, 23 December 2010
"An early morning rise can prove very rewarding - soaking in a nice perfect breeze under a soft glow of the sunrise working outside in the garden while the rest in the village (compound) are still snoring in their sleep." ~22 December 2010
"Gratefulness is always my first cup to drink the moment I wake up and a minute before I go to sleep." ~22 December 2010
"Not all workplaces are ideal. Persist - Fight in a No Win Win situation if you can, in an obviously Undefinable condition; least apply a break and take a Flight. Our health and well-being must come first. There are always trials and they abound. They make you depressed. They sink you down to the bottomless pit of failure. But you have to rise up and overcome them. Depression is not necessarily gauged on the FACE of the victim. Count the INNER ATTRIBUTES that lie within that person that enable that individual to conquer the impossible transcending darkness to light."~Leah Dancel, 18 December 2010
"Silent giving is humility enforced."~Leah Dancel, 11 December 2010
"Sadly, sometimes, creatures like kittens, cats, birds or any pet make more harmonious and congenial company than some, if not most, human beings. In them, we fear no conflict, dread no argument, to some extent, violence."~Leah Dancel, 25 November 2010
"Let's not grow old quick - let's enjoy life by injecting humour and let laughter rings."~Leah Dancel, 25 November 2010
"I never grew up in Dansalan for we were only strangers there as transient residents. But my teenage life was centered over in that beautiful Lake Lanao and yes, having joined this group (thanks to the clever creator Alice) SMHS brings back good memories for me. Only I can't help with chuckles reading your high school antics. Amusing! ~FB, November 18, 2010
"Enjoy your youth and have as much fun as you can but do not neglect your duty to God, yourself, family and country."~Leah Dancel, 18 November 2010. My fb message to my niece, Anielord.
"Solitude is found in the company of quietude."~LC Dancel, Facebook, 6th October 2010
"The burden is heavy because we keep looking at the load. Learn to overlook trivial mistakes of others and avoid unwanted stress due to their impertinence and imperfection. We have our own to be concerned of." - Leah Dancel, my silent advice to a warring tribe, talking to myself while walking down the street on my way home tonight- 25 August 2010
"Some beauty are hiding beneath the green thickets." ~lcd, Whale Beach, 8 July 2010
"we go where the horizon is blue ~
where the moon shines,
where stars twinkle ~
some days are bright ~
some nights are dark ~
most sojourns adjourned in climactic freedom." ~lcd, 30 June 2010
"Words of love are wonderful when they are spoken with genuine purpose and from the heart." ~13 January 2010
"Life is full of surprises and interesting notes and lessons to learn from other cultures."~Leah Dancel, comment to John, the Aware Writer on his blog Reflections: Holiday Windows, 25 December 2009
"I am surrounded with boxes full of letters and cards. I just give up making scrap books of the cards because I cannot cope up. The letters back home were by the boxes and eventually I had to throw away some except the stamps. Part of letter writing was my love of collecting stamps, coins and notes, postcards among others." ~16 December 2009, blog
"Hugs never fail to express what words cannot." ~Anon"For how they (lighthouses) stand strong against the element of weather speak the strength of the designer's mind which comprise attitude and character.~lcd, 2 December 2009, comment to eileninmind's blog Traveling with Eilen.
"Dahlias are one of those garden delights that have soft and delicate petals yet beautifully layered by nature and arrayed with multiple colours to attract helpful visitors such as bees who are free to please themselves." ~Leah Dancel, 26 Oct 2009 comment to This is My Blog.
"Sometimes there are memories that will just pop up without expecting them to turn up." ~23 October 2009, Best Kept Secret Blog
"Time and mood is not constant or stationary. It is always moving. Moving in different space and tempo of our feelings both inward and outward that affects our outlook and uplook; feelings that compose of elation and depletion. As the Book of Ecclesiastes said, "there is a season for everything." ~lcd, 21 September 2009
"Even storms have categories. These categories represent the scale of our strength: inner, outer, physical, psychological, spiritual and so on." ~lcd, 1 September 2009, The Storm of Life blog
"The degree of our strength is gauged by the manner of our attitude, or by the way we handle situations in the face of adversary and adversity. Some are daunting; some are overwhelming; and, some are unbearable." ~lcd, 1 September 2009, The Storm of Life blog
"It's part of life that from time to time, there will be distraction that would allow us to get out of focus. Then, something within us will pull and guide us back to that focus." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 August 2009 reply to Ebie on her comment to a Beautiful Road blog
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
"Even these very people (Israelites) who were the inheritors of God's promised had taken 40 years to walk in the wilderness; the road they passed through heard all their grumblings, saw their resistance to God's commands and rebelliousness before they finally settled in the new land ... still with so many Roads that link to the roads we are living today." ~lcd, 23 August 2009, Beautiful Road blog
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"The gems of wisdom are extracted from the ore of experience." ~Leah Dancel, 20 Aug 2009 my comment to Vagabond Jottings
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"My day was 'quilted in quietude'" ~lcd, 18 August 2009 - Small Act of gratitude blog
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"How the building is designed, how the house is built with features simple and complex; the architectural structures involved therein are influenced by the character, the mind and workmanship of the builder." ~Leah Dancel, 15 August 2009 (inspired from the Window Views Meme of Small Reflections).
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"Sometimes life is a luxury when you're on your own." ~Leah C. Dancel on Sunday's Malingering blog, 21 June 2009
"Love is a consummate means where man is created under divine inspiration." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 June 2009 posted in Noel A Bayron's Verses of the heart!
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻"Where glory is found in commonplace
And calm rivers lay a carpet to rest
Knowing where peace hides away from cares
Here, there’s no trouble but silence bares."
~@lcd, all rights reserved
13 November 2009
And calm rivers lay a carpet to rest
Knowing where peace hides away from cares
Here, there’s no trouble but silence bares."
~@lcd, all rights reserved
13 November 2009
"Dahlias are one of those garden delights that have soft and delicate petals yet beautifully layered by nature and arrayed with multiple colours to attract helpful visitors such as bees who are free to please themselves." ~Leah Dancel, 26 Oct 2009 comment to This is My Blog.
"Sometimes there are memories that will just pop up without expecting them to turn up." ~23 October 2009, Best Kept Secret Blog
"Time and mood is not constant or stationary. It is always moving. Moving in different space and tempo of our feelings both inward and outward that affects our outlook and uplook; feelings that compose of elation and depletion. As the Book of Ecclesiastes said, "there is a season for everything." ~lcd, 21 September 2009
"Spring is back! All things are awaken from its long winter hibernation. Life that had been temporarily suspended from living so it could take reprieved from feeling over worked, over fatigued and over exhausted would be able to recharge, to re-energize and to gain back nourishment has now resumed to normal function.""...as we live everyday, we are always confronted with different kinds of storms. The storms of life either make us strong or make us weak." ~lcd, 1 September 2009, The Storm of Life blog
Spring brings promise of lovely days, warm days and sunny days. Spring is life! It is a very special season that makes the weather caroms the nocturnal habitats of nature back to its perpetual habitation at this time of year."
With the exception of the last two or three successive days, the Spring in our area was tainted with gloom and for a little while was sulking being soaked in the cold again. It only sneezed a few drips of drizzle from the sky and quickly dried up as if the hands of the earth hurriedly wiped off its lachrymal canal.
Meanwhile, the birds also spring back to their old habit of creating their symphony one more time to fill the deafening silence of this village with their brand of music that echoes on the air. They dispel the quietude of spring!" ~Leah C Dancel, 4 September 2009
"Even storms have categories. These categories represent the scale of our strength: inner, outer, physical, psychological, spiritual and so on." ~lcd, 1 September 2009, The Storm of Life blog
"The degree of our strength is gauged by the manner of our attitude, or by the way we handle situations in the face of adversary and adversity. Some are daunting; some are overwhelming; and, some are unbearable." ~lcd, 1 September 2009, The Storm of Life blog
"It's part of life that from time to time, there will be distraction that would allow us to get out of focus. Then, something within us will pull and guide us back to that focus." ~Leah C. Dancel, 25 August 2009 reply to Ebie on her comment to a Beautiful Road blog
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
"Even these very people (Israelites) who were the inheritors of God's promised had taken 40 years to walk in the wilderness; the road they passed through heard all their grumblings, saw their resistance to God's commands and rebelliousness before they finally settled in the new land ... still with so many Roads that link to the roads we are living today." ~lcd, 23 August 2009, Beautiful Road blog
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
"The gems of wisdom are extracted from the ore of experience." ~Leah Dancel, 20 Aug 2009 my comment to Vagabond Jottings
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
"My day was 'quilted in quietude'" ~lcd, 18 August 2009 - Small Act of gratitude blog
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
"How the building is designed, how the house is built with features simple and complex; the architectural structures involved therein are influenced by the character, the mind and workmanship of the builder." ~Leah Dancel, 15 August 2009 (inspired from the Window Views Meme of Small Reflections).
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
"Under every full moon,
My mind can be left stagnant in hebetude.
And no matter how I desire to write,
Words remained unwritten
while smitten by the beauty -
Of that mysterious bright yellow ball
Hovering in the sky."
~Leah Dancel, 7 August 2009
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻My mind can be left stagnant in hebetude.
And no matter how I desire to write,
Words remained unwritten
while smitten by the beauty -
Of that mysterious bright yellow ball
Hovering in the sky."
~Leah Dancel, 7 August 2009
Time✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻
What is time when life is full of pain?
Does it matter?
What time is it when life ceases
to spring from winter gloom?
Does it matter?
Time
Is the essence of hope
that goes down in the setting sun
Only to come ticking again
at sunrise from dawn.
@Leah C Dancel, 2009,
13 July 2009
All rights Reserved
"Sometimes life is a luxury when you're on your own." ~Leah C. Dancel on Sunday's Malingering blog, 21 June 2009
"Love is a consummate means where man is created under divine inspiration." ~Leah C. Dancel, 17 June 2009 posted in Noel A Bayron's Verses of the heart!
"I would love to see the United Kingdom where nature is rich in splendour of green and beauty untarnished; divinely sketched." ~Leah Dancel, 9 June 2009
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻"The world stopped orbiting, the clock stopped ticking, everything fell into complete silence as I absorbed every word you wrote. That was very powerful, emotive... believe me, the circumstances were compelling beyond my own comprehension." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 June 2009
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻"Some trials would test the depths of the water and the mood of the climate even in an established relationship. If it's not strong, then a tie can sever before it is bound." ~Leah C. Dancel, 28 May 2009, A Mother's Admiration blog
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻"Motherhood is an exhilarating experience for me. I can't trade it for anything else. Never mind the setbacks and drawbacks. They add colour to the meaning of life".~Leah Dancel, 6 May, 2009, my response to Rosidah's comment.
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻"The blogspot seems to be my 'mental pot and pan' where I concoct, brew, boil, grill and stir fry words than I imagine". I thought of these words randomly just then dated by me on a dismal, rainy Sydney day of the 19th April 2009, Leah C. Dancel
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻"The upright wisdom spoken of with integrity will uphold the spirit of truth and righteousness." ~Leah C. Dancel,7 April 2009
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"I enjoy peace and goodness of life with ease and simplicity." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 February 2009
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"Summer in Australia is not complete without bushfires, part of traditional Climate culture." ~Leah C. Dancel, 9 February 2009
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻"Lucy, your mother might be one in a million but you are one in a trillion." ~Leah C. Dancel, December 2008
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"'Love is easily forgotten' when humans get drunk at the pinnacle of their material success." ~Leah C. Dancel Love or Money blog, 25 Dec 2008
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻"I HOLD MY DREAMS IN MY HANDS and tirelessly WEAR THEM IN MY HEART". ~Leah C. Dancel, 22 December 2008
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"Life itself is a galaxy of questions, what is there to prove that reality cannot even fathom to demonstrate. Yet, in our quest of being loved and wanted and needed, there is only one source of strength that provides us confidence; that from the One above, who alone can inspire our heart and make our life worth living." ~Leah C. Dancel, 23 September 2008, Poetry Castle. Amended as of 18 April 2009. (My Comment on a poem: Unsung Hymn)
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻"In my pensive mood
mind far away
and thoughts floating
in the stream of pinkish clouds
kissed by a meandering sunset.
~Leah C. Dancel, January 2009 while watching the sunset in Liverpool, after Sabbath Service.
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"My being romantic has nothing to do with any seductive thoughts. It comes from within my soul as part of my whole being. My notion of romance is being a loving person I am. No more, no less." ~Leah C. Dancel, 3 August 2007
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻"I need your compassion to guide me
through the storms of strifes' beguile;
a life full of tempests and woes."
~Leah C. Dancel A Song to My Mother,
26 January 2006
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻through the storms of strifes' beguile;
a life full of tempests and woes."
~Leah C. Dancel A Song to My Mother,
26 January 2006
"Wherever I go, I always happen to pass by a roadside with wild flowers growing. I instantly feel in love with the blooms. Then my curiosity and innocence would impel me to bend down and pick a bunch. And whoever I meet on the road, especially someone looking sad, I would go near and offer a stem of that flower and say, "Here's one for you to cheer your day!"" ~Leah Dancel, January 10, 2006
✻ღ♥*✿*•♥ღ✻a lost girl in the woods,
by the creek
hiding behind a tall tree
smiling for all the world's care
somewhere in Bright Victoria shire.
(2003) (photo at Bright VIC)
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"Learning words of wisdom from people helps me to be philosophical and practical in my approach to life. Of course, I follow my own conviction trying not to compromise any conventions. I certainly do not lean on my own understanding either. We all need divine inspired guidance. My parents were my first teachers who taught me some "nuggets of wisdom". To them, I am indebted my knowledge of life to which they molded my intellectual and spiritual well-being." ~Leah C. Dancel from my Adage, Maxim and Proverb blog
Undated:
Donned in robe
on a chilly breaking of dawn,
I sneaked out from my room,
while every one was still asleep.
Here I watched in silence
as the day slowly came forth from darkness.
I savored the country’s stillness
to find solitude,
feeling at peace with my soul.
Across the wired fence
Is a hay farm....
(July 2010)
"I watched in silence as the day slowly breaks away from darkness. I savored the country’s stillness to find solitude, feeling at peace with my soul.
Land, Man and Weather
The man toils the land for a living.
At pre-dawn, he sets on a lonesome cold journey,
Armed with tools, towel, and victuals.
His neighbourhood is just a sparse of empty space,
Where he lives is remote dense woodland,
Under no circumstances, civilization exists.
He walks briskly, whistling, a solace for company,
While the watchful owl looks on, nonchalantly agrees.
The colossal tasks ahead are his alone to mind.
His face shines with delight to see the sunrise
Slowly, and softly springing out from the east.
He’s enthused by the burgeoning weather fair.
He sweats blood from morning till twilight drapes the sky;
His labour is not in vain when harvest time comes.
His work is over; happy is he at the close of day!
The land gives back what the man does to her.
Opulent yields are rewards for his untiring duty.
By gracious weather in all seasons’ due are given.
Man, land, and weather are three vital forces
Inherent stakes for survival in this world of care.
Man works...
weather nourishes...and,
land produces!
Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@2008,
All rights reserved
17 March 2008,
SH NSW Australia
Author’s Note: In dedication to my late Grandfather, Juan Casis, a farmer by day and fisherman by night, figuratively speaking.
THANK YOU
