The Time Keeper

This is  a story about the meaning of time

I first saw the cover of this book while updating my list on Shelfari. Released last September 04, 2012, it is now one of New York Times Bestseller in Fiction. I barely browse for new books cause I always purchase  mine at Booksale. Anything that caught my attention and has a good blurb will do, no matter what the release date it. But this book really had me at first glimpse of the cover. I fell in love with the pocket watches and not to mention that this was brought to us by Mitch Albom, the one and only author of Tuesdays with Morrie. 

Although I love to read, I don't do book reviews. I tend to spoil the fun for those who haven't read it yet (spoliler yeah) due to excitement. And for the record I won't do it still. I just want to leave you with remarkable thoughts I found so compelling to share and who knows might lead you to browse for the book at goodreads  and understand the real essence of time. 

• "It is never too late or too soon. It is when it is supposed to be" - Old Man
• "Man alone measures time. Man alone chimes the hour. And, because of this, man alone suffers the paralyzing fear that other creature endures. A fear of time running out". - Old Man
• "We all yearn for what we lost. But sometimes, we forget what we have". Dor
• "With endless time, nothing is special. With no loss or sacrifice, we can't appreciate what we have". - Dor
• "There is a reason God limits our days. To make each one precious". -Old Man
• "When you are measuring life, you are not living it". - Dor

When all you can do is dream

Whenever I find myself in the middle of a traffic or on sleepless days, I do dream about wonderful stuffs instead of counting sheep on my head. And when I say wonderful stuffs, that includes endless things including the plan of my dream house and everything in it.

What a cozy place to read isn't it? Opps, I mean to live. But heck, seems like every part was meant to jive well with my reading hobby. And speaking of reading, just in case you're concerned or you care about my hobby marathon sort of list, you can click here.

photo credit by number 

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11

Life is just a cup of cake

I saw this photo while browsing Pinterest. Of course there is where people go when they would like to see mouth watering diy's, outfit style, home decor and furnishing and anything in between. 

photo source

How true that life is just a cup of cake I asked myself and suddenly I had a trip down memory lane. Maybe it was triggered by the fact that I saw someone last week ( a close family friend) whom we've lost in touch with since I moved to my new place. Like the old story, I was so eager to get out of the place then, hence, I never had the chance to drop by and bid my proper bye for now see you soon thing.

Okay, so I saw the couple when I was running errands. We did a little hi and hello and what's your number cause I am running late for a meeting. I sent them a message as soon as I boarded the public vehicle (I doesn't do it usually - the texting on PUV). I thought what made them lose weight was the old age factor, but I learned that their only child was battling cancer for three years now. That is exactly the number of years (almost) since I moved.

I really don't know what to feel, but if there's one thing I am thankful is that they are keeping their high hopes and strong faith. Really, that couple  earned my respect then and I awe them more now. 

Honestly, I felt shame. Comparing what they're going through, mine was just a piece of cake, but I almost let my world go tumbling down. 

Please include them in your prayers, that God's plan for their lives would be administered perfectly no matter how hard it maybe.

Caleruega

Had you ever been in a place that made you gasp, like the only word you managed to say was wow and after that you can't get enough of the place and you wanted to stay there forever?

That's exactly what happened to me during our trip to Caleruega in Nasugbu Batangas. Just a few laughter and chit chat away from Tagaytay. This trip was more of like a tradition between us friends to go to a place where we've never been each year to celebrate our birthday, but more than that, I am also in a journey. A journey to visit 7 churches I'd never been and so far this is my fourth. I'll blog about the others soon, but for now, let me show and share the experience on this majestic prayer and renewal place.

Close to nature, closer to God is indeed true. The moment you set your foot on it's boundaries, your burden seems to if not vanished will lighten. A perfect place for prayer and be close to God.

There's a Sunday mass at 11:00 a.m, so be sure to be there early. So serene and peaceful on the outside and so humble in the inside.

Transfiguration chapel

Lush green tress which made the place awesome and the air so pure. Gazing above would feel like you're somewhere in Forks. 

And the stairs and pathways below were breathtaking. If you knew me well you know why, but if not, be aware that I love bricks. Seriously, I can sit there.

And, do you see that white portion, in the midst of the green vegetation? Guess what is it? No clue? Okay, scroll down and you'll see. Be patient, let's hike up and down to reach that spot.

To get to that special place, you have to walk down the road, pass their cafeteria and down the steel bridge to the Koi pond.

Their Kois were so big and so healthy. Stress free fish. I'm a little envious.

After the Koin pond, you have to pass through this hanging bridge. It's a bit long, but it's not that shaky and you'll enjoy it, I swear. Even for those who have acrophobia. Not to add that it's so romantic.

And here it is. An open air chapel where you can enjoy the other side of Caleruega, where the grass is more greener, the slope is higher, there's no stairs but just a trail, the air is a wind and the journey is worth the destination.

I told one of my friends that if I'd be gone missing, she knew where to find me but instead she said that she will plan my wedding and  that will be in this place. Tsk, tsk. And speaking of wedding, (information below was copied from the leaflet  they provided us. There's an entrance fee of Php 30.00)  the place is open to activities like retreats, recollections, prayer &renewal workshops, study research, youth camps, marriage and family encounter celebrations, skills training, leadership seminars, arts, music, and liturgy workshops and environment and agricultural-related activities.

They have various facilities available for each activity. For reservation guidelines and questions, you can email them at caleruega_philippines@yahoo.com or visit their Facebook page a for more information.

Notes:

• You have to ride a tricycle to get to the place from the entrance at Evercrest (if you're commuting). Don't forget to get the number of the trike driver so you can send him a message to fetch you up, because transportation out isn't available from the inside.
• They have a small cafeteria and there is not much food variation. If you're planning to stay longer, you can bring your lunch and eat there. A nice place for picnic.