tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58739674109701288112024-03-14T00:02:47.845-07:00solivaganticwanderer of lifeyuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-35519044990079943502019-07-01T03:35:00.002-07:002022-10-25T10:32:00.318-07:00Writing Again <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<img alt="pen on white lined paper selective focus photography" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1462642109801-4ac2971a3a51?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1000&q=80" title="" /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> photo by Aaron Burden</span><br />
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I've been writing again lately, my journal is filled with the lines of my thoughts and stanzas of poetry that aren't usually there. Oftentimes, they would be uploaded online to my poetry accounts, but now they're between pages, with illegible handwriting and smudged ink, away from the eyes of individuals who don't know me. Readers who only know of my name don't scare me, what scares me are the people who know not only my name but also who I am. </div>
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It's probably one of the reasons I don't write as much here anymore. I used to think I could express myself in words, since I've always been a reserved person and kept my thoughts to myself. Someone who hid herself behind letters and suppressed her emotions with punctuation marks. Now I realize there isn't much difference. Whether I speak or write, people will eventually know who I am. I still don't understand why I'm so afraid. </div>
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While I'm in the process of understanding myself, I'd like to show appreciation to you, reader. It amazes me that there are actually people who are interested in what I have to say.<br />
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In other words, what I'm trying to say in this post is that,<br />
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I'll be back soon. </div>
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yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-4937865308658305522018-07-19T23:34:00.000-07:002018-07-19T23:34:04.891-07:00Kids Like Us by Hilary Reyl | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">This novel asks us the questions about love and our identities.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">It took me two days to finish this story and I really enjoyed the time I spent on this book. A coming of age story about a boy named Martin, a sixteen year old with autism. The book starts in second person which confused me at first. Eventually, I got used to it; this actually makes us more immersed in the story because it transposes us to his life. I do not have much knowledge about autism but this really got me thinking about it and how most of us actually see it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;"><i>Martin is an American teen on the autism spectrum living in France with his mom and sister for the summer. He falls for a French girl who he thinks is a real-life incarnation of a character in his favorite book. Over time Martin comes to realize she is a real person and not a character in a novel while at the same time learning that love is not out of his reach just because he is autistic.</i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">It fascinates me how Martin associates the people he meets in France to the characters in his favorite book, In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust. He attends a summer school where he meets a girl who he believes to be Gilberte (a character in his favorite novel) but soon learns <i>isn't</i> Gilberte, and falls in love with her anyway. I really love the line Martin says in one of the chapters, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">At first, Mr. Swann loves Odette because she looks like this painting, but eventually Mr. Swann loves the painting because it is a painting of her.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">I had to pause after reading that because yessss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><b>Things I love:</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">+ </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">There’s soo much food which delights our senses as we read the ingredients that are used by Martin and Bernadette. Now where can I get myself some madeleines?</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">+</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">I rarely read much books set in France so this was really cool. What makes this even more interesting is how they speak in French (although the book is in English) and it explains the little details and differences the language has.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">+ There are several discourses about neurodiversity which give readers a lot to ponder about.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><b>Things I didn't quite like:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">+ As much as I like Martin (and his sister Elisabeth and friend Layla,) I didn't really like the other characters, I felt like they were too shallow. I would have loved to get to know his love interest more because I wasn't really attached to her, as if she was just there and nothing more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">+ The ending. Don’t get me wrong, I was satisfied at what happened in the end. I just want mooore.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Let me add, this isn't <i>just</i> a love story, it's so much more than that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Overall, it was a good read and I'd recommend it to anyone who wishes to better understand the autism spectrum, who are looking for a quick touching read, and to those who want to recall the feeling of awkward first love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Rating: 4/5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Genre: fiction, young adult<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33155339-kids-like-us">Goodreads</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Like-Us-Hilary-Reyl/dp/0374306281">Amazon</a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i>Many thanks to Hilary Reyl, Text Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange of an honest review.</i></div>
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<i>What books are you currently reading?</i></div>
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yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-57163366535063316172018-07-02T06:21:00.000-07:002018-07-02T06:21:00.538-07:00Hello?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo by Samuel Zeller</span></div>
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It's been <i>forever </i>but enough about me saying my apologies and typing overused excuses on why I haven't been on here for months, which I've already been telling in every post I write. Instead, how have <i>you </i>been? As for me, not much has happened in the three months I've been gone, except that school started again for me and... that's pretty much it. </div>
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I guess that's the problem with me these days. I can't gather my thoughts together, I've been feeling empty due to the fact that I haven't been <i>collecting</i>? By that I mean, I just let the things that are happening to me pass by without actually noticing it and I stopped observing my surroundings like I used to. I never really am present in the present?</div>
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I'm not sure how to put these things into words and when I do get to, they all end in question marks.<br />
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However, I'll be back.</div>
yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-81617353928190090602018-04-17T01:48:00.000-07:002018-04-17T02:15:23.769-07:00Dawn & Dusk, an April Playlist <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Even if I try to narrow it down, I don't have a specific taste for music. A little of this tune maybe with a mix of that beat and that really pretty chord. This April however, my ears have been loving the chill beats of these songs I've listed down. I've separated them into two, dawn being more of the lively one since I enjoy music that wake me up in the morning while dusk having the soothing melody to calm me at night.<br />
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You may click on the title to be delivered to the youtube video or listen on the Spotify playlist I added at the end of this post :')<br />
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</b> <b>D A W N</b><br />
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1. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOCkne-Bku4" target="_blank">Paris in the Rain by Lauv</a><br />
<i>anywhere with you feels right</i><br />
<i>anywhere with you feels like</i><br />
<i>paris in the rain</i><br />
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</i> I have been singing this song for <i>weeks </i>and I can't get enough of it.<br />
<i><br />
</i> 2. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycy30LIbq4w" target="_blank">Lost in Japan by Shawn Mendes</a><br />
<i>all it'd take is one flight</i><br />
<i>we'd be in the same time zone</i><br />
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</i> Was so excited and impatient to be able to hear this song and it doesn't disappoint.<br />
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3. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWOB5QYcmh0" target="_blank">Day 1 by HONNE</a><br />
<i>you'll always be my day 1</i><br />
<i>day zero when i was no one</i><br />
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</i> A tune that will tempt you to randomly dance in the streets.<br />
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4. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HnLRrQ3RS4" target="_blank">Lover Boy by Phum Viphurit</a><br />
<i>wondering if she's the shade of you</i><br />
<i>and if so, should i see it through </i><br />
<i><br />
</i> I love his voice! Replay replay replay.<br />
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<b>D U S K</b><br />
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1. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0LudN1DsGs" target="_blank">Break My Heart Again by Finneas</a><br />
<i>it must be nice</i><br />
<i>to love someone who</i><br />
<i>lets you break them twice</i><br />
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</i> Quite a sad song but a really beautiful one.<br />
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2. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1hlevsLXyY" target="_blank">The Simple Things by Michael Carreon</a><br />
<i>and it's the simple things you do</i><br />
<i>i just can't get enough of you</i><br />
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</i> Honestly the sweetest song ever. I cannot express how much I love it.<br />
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3. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3FQfBBJWeQ" target="_blank">Sweet Hurricane by Phum Viphurit</a><br />
<i>when you're belong</i><br />
<i>it's with you, i belong</i><br />
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I'm so glad I found this song, another of my favorites.<br />
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4. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg7r4kQUbPw" target="_blank">Girl Like You by Toro y Moi</a><br />
<i>using up all the lifelines</i><br />
<i>tryna turn out decent</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> Recently found this through the blog <a href="http://ghostsonmars.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ghosts on Mars</a> and have been really liking it.<br />
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<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:user:yukimotokane:playlist:3R4r20L8vupCRBjc2huura" width="300"></iframe><br />
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what songs have you been listening to this April?</div>
<br />yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-53293775126669306762018-04-11T22:10:00.000-07:002018-04-11T22:10:12.571-07:00Hello, I'm Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEUFLCWkT3c/Ws4G5MFsKII/AAAAAAAABHU/WTWqgByp9JsCYijNXZljHjYFoKioW7BcgCLcBGAs/s1600/30582057_1839723706060074_1334061346588721152_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEUFLCWkT3c/Ws4G5MFsKII/AAAAAAAABHU/WTWqgByp9JsCYijNXZljHjYFoKioW7BcgCLcBGAs/s1600/30582057_1839723706060074_1334061346588721152_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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The first three months of the year passed by me pretty quickly. I lost the energy to write and was drowned by <i>thoughts</i> of wanting to do so but never really grabbed any pen or paper. I told myself I'll make<i> just </i>the month of January as a rest from my blog but until now, I still don't have any motivation to type anything.<br />
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Today was unplanned, I was lying on my bed and scrolling through my social medias until it dawned to me that if I didn't do anything and allowed my laziness to control me, I wouldn't get anywhere. I would be stuck in my room telling myself lies such as "<i>I'm just resting right now, I'll definitely do it later" </i>and "<i>Everyone does things on their own pace, it's no biggie."</i><br />
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But no. It isn't like that. If you wait for the day you'll be motivated, that would either be a really long wait or it would never come at all because honestly, it doesn't happen by itself.<br />
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The best time to start is <i>right now.</i><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. <span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">– Chinese Proverb</span></span></blockquote>
yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-23957389058369871022017-12-30T06:14:00.001-08:002017-12-30T06:16:36.292-08:00My 2017 in Quotes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container tr_bq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b9Mtgwqhuxk/WjUg7YtEJYI/AAAAAAAABDk/mfp4wLQBsQsGpJEByZfmGGjaGvhQyiSRACLcBGAs/s1600/kyle-glenn-392519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b9Mtgwqhuxk/WjUg7YtEJYI/AAAAAAAABDk/mfp4wLQBsQsGpJEByZfmGGjaGvhQyiSRACLcBGAs/s1600/kyle-glenn-392519.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Kyle Glenn</td></tr>
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I think that there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives. - RJ Palacio</blockquote>
<b>
Appreciation</b> is very important but sometimes it's something we forget to do. I have to admit, I'm guilty of this. I made sure to say thank you at all times this 2017 but sometimes I forget to <i>really </i>appreciate and to be more genuine.<br>
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We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. - Oscar Wilde</blockquote>
All of us face challenges in life but some of us are aiming high, despite of the struggles we have, we strive to remain positive and <b>focus in achieving our goals</b>. I may have lost sight of my goal in the early months of this year but I remembered them again around the middle of the year and I've been trying to hold on to them and taking the steps to achieve them.<br>
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Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It's what the sunflowers do. - Helen Keller</blockquote>
I've been practicing <b>positivity </b>in my life and it helped a great deal in my life. Being optimistic helps me to not be overtaken by negativity and bad thoughts. To not look back at the past and to face life forward.<br>
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If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you're not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later. - Richard Branson </blockquote>
<b>Grab the opportunities</b> that are given to you, they are rare and fleeting. There are so many times that these come to me but I usually avoid them because I get afraid of not being able to accomplish them because I do not know how to. I'm still in the process of learning and I've come to realize that we will never actually know how unless you try to do it.<br>
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We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses. - Alphonse Karr</blockquote>
Sometimes, when we see things in a different <b>perspective</b>, we learn to be more happy in life :)<div><br></div><div><br></div><div>What quote describes your 2017?</div>yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-34208890078960514772017-12-09T03:42:00.001-08:002017-12-09T04:09:13.025-08:00Sea of Strangers by Lang Leav | Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 150%;">This is the first poetry book I read by Lang Leav (aside from the few poetry in Love & Misadventure my friend read to me, the quick pages I scanned in book stores, and the book Sad Girls) and I wasn't disappointed. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 150%;">It contained the words of heartbreak, love, and life. A mix of prose and poetry yet I enjoyed the prose the most because they really bring out the emotions in you. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 150%;">However, I slowed down reading in the middle of the book because some of them were quite repetitive and they sort of reminded me of poetry I'd see in my Facebook feed (don't get me wrong, I like some of them which is why I still follow the pages) but it did achieve staying in my mind as I try to sleep at night, her words were so relatable, simple, and raw.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 150%;">This made me want to buy her previous books and not just read it on book stores. I would recommend this to people who enjoy reading modern poetry, Rupi Kaur, Atticus, and many more.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"> Meant to be</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">If they were meant to be in your life, nothing could ever make them leave. If they weren't, nothing in the world could make them stay. </span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "" serif "" , "serif"; line-height: 150%;">Rating: 3/5</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "" serif "" , "serif"; line-height: 150%;">Genre: Poetry </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36100966-sea-of-strangers">Goodreads</a></span><span id="goog_1234445882"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1234445883"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 150%;"> and </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Strangers-Lang-Leav/dp/1449489893">Amazon</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 150%;"> (available January 9, 2018) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 150%;">Many thanks to Lang Leav, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange of an honest review. </span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;"> Have you read any of Lang Leav's works? What did you think of them? What are your favorite poetry books?</span><br />
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yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-73909896081400107322017-12-02T05:44:00.000-08:002017-12-02T05:44:02.197-08:005 Thought-Provoking Short Films<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was watching in YouTube yesterday, going through music videos to trailers to vlogs and to travel videos, until I arrived to the short films. Eventually, I moved to Vimeo because they had more quality shorts which were easy to find (staff picks!! though make sure to visit the recent ones too because some are hidden gems.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've picked out five films I really enjoyed the most and that also got me thinking about life, I really recommend watching them! I've added a few descriptions and thoughts because I don't want to give away what happens in the story. I watched these without knowing what was going to happen and I think that's the best way to do so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So in no particular order (you may click the title to be directed to the short film on Vimeo): </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkNoirXUezk/WiKn3AOb6oI/AAAAAAAABBM/3J4oKLfeKWkUZhzSNUkhID2406_kai1-wCLcBGAs/s1600/1447895540834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="870" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkNoirXUezk/WiKn3AOb6oI/AAAAAAAABBM/3J4oKLfeKWkUZhzSNUkhID2406_kai1-wCLcBGAs/s1600/1447895540834.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/145897706">Eggplant </a>by Yangzhi She </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A very beautiful animated short film. It tells a story about a boy who was born with facial expressions that deliver the opposite of what he's truly feeling. This made me tear up because I could feel what he felt about what others thought of him, how what he does isn't the "norm" to society. Through this, I realized how being different is what makes each of us beautiful.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ0ZJ-QGvsk/WiKn5jjGftI/AAAAAAAABBk/CLQIYqqkFoolOUCRjRa509U5jqAEVMqXwCEwYBhgL/s1600/TRIAL_POSTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="1000" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ0ZJ-QGvsk/WiKn5jjGftI/AAAAAAAABBk/CLQIYqqkFoolOUCRjRa509U5jqAEVMqXwCEwYBhgL/s1600/TRIAL_POSTER.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/150586243">Trial</a> by The Brothers Lynch</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The transitions in this short are gold!! (Especially the mirror scene, really amazed how it transitioned at that part.) It shows the story of a paralyzed soldier who was offered an opportunity to transfer his mind to a new body.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-72z_j3k1zZc/WiKn3SsPw8I/AAAAAAAABBk/vvHEJrgmaeQ2G-w7VVBZQE3Gw2WJSegPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/621619610_1280x720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-72z_j3k1zZc/WiKn3SsPw8I/AAAAAAAABBk/vvHEJrgmaeQ2G-w7VVBZQE3Gw2WJSegPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/621619610_1280x720.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/161274386">Lifeline</a> by Sam Jones</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of my all time favorites, Lifeline! I've previously written about this a few months ago which can be read <a href="http://solivagantic.blogspot.com/2017/03/lifeline.html">here</a>, but I'm mentioning it again because it's something really worth it to watch! This film portrays how a desperate mother will do anything for her son and how she puts her morality to a test. MUST WATCH.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqKv6zGZpYM/WiKn4ZZvNNI/AAAAAAAABBk/ylXncPQGpb86ZETGmI6JYu8rKJ86EcaHwCEwYBhgL/s1600/669030722_1280x536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqKv6zGZpYM/WiKn4ZZvNNI/AAAAAAAABBk/ylXncPQGpb86ZETGmI6JYu8rKJ86EcaHwCEwYBhgL/s1600/669030722_1280x536.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/channels/staffpicks/244125158">Dissonance</a> by Till Nowak</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I really like how this film was a combination of live action and animation, a really stunning work of art! This is about a talented musician and how his world blurs between his imagination and reality.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yw_rRsmze8/WiKn3WLDh9I/AAAAAAAABBk/JqzMuOYy6e0LoRDTwBjrM9cgZYwY-teSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/668855698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yw_rRsmze8/WiKn3WLDh9I/AAAAAAAABBk/JqzMuOYy6e0LoRDTwBjrM9cgZYwY-teSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/668855698.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/channels/staffpicks/244405542">Happiness</a> by Steve Cutts </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So sad and yet absolutely true! If you have five minutes to spare, this is something I'd recommend you to watch, it is a film that shows what the world is turning into nowadays. At the end you'd ask, what does happiness really mean?</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have you watched any of these short films? What did you think of them?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What are your favorite films?</span></i></div>
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yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-35442337335183643632017-11-22T05:32:00.000-08:002017-11-29T03:46:16.171-08:00Jazz Music Starter Pack<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0r2fYN-jrlc/WhWFvg71KxI/AAAAAAAABAs/dENIZ0WgYJUz-cISlwn66Ksz91gVSMv4wCLcBGAs/s1600/joseph-pearson-352145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A stack of vinyls, Photo by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0r2fYN-jrlc/WhWFvg71KxI/AAAAAAAABAs/dENIZ0WgYJUz-cISlwn66Ksz91gVSMv4wCLcBGAs/s1600/joseph-pearson-352145.jpg" title="Photo by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few weeks ago, I was going through playlists in Spotify in search of a genre that would fit my mood, and I stumbled across a playlist that included jazz and blues music. This led me to continuously listen to a lot of them, and I am really loving it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't get me wrong, I've heard at least one here and there before but none of them really captured my interest. I want to share five songs that caught my ears as I first listened. There are a hundred more songs that I love but these are some songs that I listened to before I ventured even more deeper into this genre. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. <b>Fly Me To The Moon</b> by Frank Sinatra </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Fly me to the moon</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Let me play among the stars</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Let me see what spring is like</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>On a Jupiter and Mars</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. <b>La Vie En Rose</b> by Louis Armstrong</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>When you press me to your heart</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I'm in a world apart</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>A world where roses bloom</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. <b>Mack the Knife</b> by Bobby Darin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This song is really interesting! It may seem like an upbeat song but it turns out the lyrics are about a murderer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Ya know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Scarlet billows start to spread</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Fancy gloves, oh, wears old MacHeath, babe</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">So there's never, never a trace of red</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. <b>Everybody Loves Somebody</b> by Dean Martin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Everybody finds somebody someplace</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>There's no telling where love may appear</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Something in my heart keeps saying</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>My someplace is here</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. <b>Mr Sandman</b> by The Chordettes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Mister Sandman, bring me a dream </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Make him the cutest I've ever seen</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Give him two lips like roses in clover</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Then tell him that his lonesome nights are over</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Do you have any jazz music recommendations? What kind of music do you listen to?</i></span></div>
yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-26553560821427345452017-11-17T02:00:00.000-08:002017-11-25T20:24:05.883-08:00My Younger Self Gave an Advice to My Present Self <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhQT38gT850/Wg6xJonG0RI/AAAAAAAAA_s/4wASD-AjWfMfR0I-Mk4yXtveFGTaKM1lQCLcBGAs/s1600/konstantin-dyadyun-261479.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Photo by Konstantin Dyadyun on Unsplash" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhQT38gT850/Wg6xJonG0RI/AAAAAAAAA_s/4wASD-AjWfMfR0I-Mk4yXtveFGTaKM1lQCLcBGAs/s1600/konstantin-dyadyun-261479.jpg" title="Photo by Konstantin Dyadyun on Unsplash" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was a point in my life when I feared being happy, nervous of what may come my way. I like to think that I'm happy most of the time. Although there's always this <i>thing</i> in the back of my head that warns me that if I become <i>too</i> happy, the negative or sad events will come to me right after. The only light that keeps me going was it's opposite, on when you're sad or feeling very down, sooner or later the smiles and the new fresh air to breathe in will come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a few months of this going on in my head, I came to realize that it was just natural. Obviously, you can't be happy forever nor be continuously sad. It was plain <i>logic</i>. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">I think life is like numbers</span>, odds and evens. They always go alternately.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just awhile ago, I was scrolling through my social medias until I realized I haven't touched my Wattpad account for so long, it's been more than a year actually. After multiple guesses of what my password could be, I got in! </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The first thing I went through was my drafts, since I've unpublished all my works before I went on hiatus and while I was reading each of them, I was so surprised, I don't even remember writing them. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Reading each chapter that I wrote was a suspense for me and the last I've written would be a cliff hanger</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was this particular chapter I wrote in one short story that truly surprised me most of all, it was written in a text message style and it gave me the words I've needed to read all this time.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">People say that when you laugh a lot, you'll cry later on."</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sent 10:18 pm.</span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></i></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I watched as the words Thale sent through a text message burned through the screen of my phone. I thought about what he meant, and I typed my reply carefully.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">What do you think?"</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sent 10:20 pm.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">It's Fate's game. When you're too happy, things will go downhill later on. It's like, the universe is mocking us or something. What do YOU think?"</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sent 10:25 pm.</span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></i></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="background-color: white;">"</i><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">I believe it's what reminds us that we are human and </span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">we can't have perfect lives, but we </span></i><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">can</span><i><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> live a great one</span><span style="background-color: white;"> instead. Think of a concrete wall, without holes or cracks, no lights would come in. The holes may represent the problems we face, but because of these, they give us the opportunities to actually see and get to know ourselves better and maybe even get to meet new people."</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sent 10:39 pm.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">That's a long message ;)"</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sent 10:40 pm.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Haha. Who started the subject? ;)"</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sent 10:42 pm.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">But what if it's a big hole?</span>"</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sent 12:47 am.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Even better. It'll be more brighter."</span></span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></i></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sent 1:13 am.</span></i></span></div>
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<br />yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-30796120870665268592017-11-08T06:30:00.001-08:002017-11-25T20:24:18.419-08:005 Valuable Things I've Learned at 16 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I69_rHlfBjc/WgMWCl3WXcI/AAAAAAAAA_M/-cUmtg6cZ-858ZuMwadHlfDG0LMuzileQCLcBGAs/s1600/diego-ph-249471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I69_rHlfBjc/WgMWCl3WXcI/AAAAAAAAA_M/-cUmtg6cZ-858ZuMwadHlfDG0LMuzileQCLcBGAs/s1600/diego-ph-249471.jpg" title="Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today marks the day of my seventeenth year! I've honestly enjoyed being sixteen so much and yet it flew past by me without me knowing it. This year has made me go through a lot of experiences that let me gain so much new knowledge. Before I say farewell to sixteen, I decided to think back through everything and pinpoint out all the most memorable lessons God has given and blessed me with.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">1. <b>You're not too young or too old</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Of course there are situations when this isn't applicable but there are also times I feel like I'm too young or not well experienced to <i>do</i> something, to take those steps that I have a passion for. Like writing which I stopped doing because I fooled myself into believing that I stopped because I lost my interest in it, and yet the real reason is my lost motivation and my constant convincing to myself that I'll just do it in the future. Like creating a short film which I postponed for so long after watching a lot by others that made me doubt myself, thinking that I'm a broke student who couldn't afford any gear or software for me to create a great one. I learned to try and create first steps, it might not be <i>immediately</i> great, but it'll get there eventually.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">2. <b>Its okay to repeat clothes.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I used to think that my wardrobe was empty (sometimes I still do) and I came to realize that it's actually filled with <i>mountains</i> of clothes, I just wanted something new. I always craved for new shirts or pants even when I had a lot before me, and that's not healthy. It came to me that I don't have to wear the same outfit twice in a row, yet I can make the most of what I already have, try out different ways to style it and create an entirely new outfit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">3. <b>Don't be afraid to be alone.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I stayed at home most of the time, sprawled on my bed, and my devices in my hands. I didn't go out unless I go out with friends, buy groceries with my mom, or walk my dog. If I want to go to the mall or anywhere else, I always drag my mom with me. It didn't come to my mind that I was like this until my mom pointed it out, asking why I couldn't go out to enjoy myself, <i>by myself</i>. As of this month, I've went out twice and I loooved it. Getting a sundae for myself or strolling around in the streets or taking a break in the park or just having time with myself. Alone time can be quite essential in our lives, not just one where we stay in our homes, but out our comfort zones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">4. <b>Say thank you.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I have quite a funny experience with this, because I've gotten so used to giving my thanks that in almost everything, I say thank you. Like when someone accidentally bumps at me, "thank you!" or when I hold open the elevator while other people are entering, "thanks!" People would look at me funny and I'd be trying so hard not to face palm myself at those times. Which leads me to tell you guys that mere thank yous aren't enough. I learned to use it in a daily basis yet not in a way that I don't hear myself anymore, rather, still have my <i>sincerity</i> in those words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">5. <b>Don't be lazy to walk your dog.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">As much as I love my dog, walking her at night (since she takes short walks both morning and night) is something I'm always too lazy to do. What I didn't know was how I overlooked the importance of this to our dog, Shara, and how much it means to her. This situation can be related to other circumstances. Not doing something out of laziness because it doesn't benefit you in any way is not how the world works. You can never do anything alone, at some point, you'll also need the help of those around you. </span></div>
yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-82428978312911933022017-10-23T04:28:00.001-07:002017-11-25T20:24:34.664-08:003 Must Reads for October | 2017<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gPK4BhlT7u4/We3QIREkIsI/AAAAAAAAA-A/zS76fxb8HSwqzOr0wQF8H7Mv8w9WKI3oQCLcBGAs/s1600/yulia-chinato-155237.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Photo by Yulia Chinato (unsplash)" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gPK4BhlT7u4/We3QIREkIsI/AAAAAAAAA-A/zS76fxb8HSwqzOr0wQF8H7Mv8w9WKI3oQCLcBGAs/s1600/yulia-chinato-155237.jpg" title="Photo by Yulia Chinato (unsplash)" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">It's the month of October and I believe reading Zombie Novels would be a great thing to do, it goes along quite well with the Halloween atmosphere. If you haven't already known, I'm a huge enthusiast for anything zombie. I've read a number already and I thought that I should definitely share my favorites with you guys before the month ends. </span></div>
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1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/World-War-Oral-History-Zombie/dp/0307346617"><b>World War Z</b> by Max Brooks</a> - Most of you have probably already heard of the movie but I must tell you that it has a completely different plot. Not only that, but most of the characters that appeared in the film aren't in the novel. The book doesn't follow one single narrative throughout, instead, it is a collection of interviews with different people who survived the zombie apocalypse. </span></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8908.World_War_Z">Goodreads</a><span style="font-size: medium;">: The Zombie War came unthinkably close to eradicating humanity. Max Brooks, driven by the urgency of preserving the acid-etched first-hand experiences of the survivors from those apocalyptic years, traveled across the United States of America and throughout the world, from decimated cities that once teemed with upwards of thirty million souls to the most remote and inhospitable areas of the planet. He recorded the testimony of men, women, and sometimes children who came face-to-face with the living, or at least the undead, hell of that dreadful time. "World War Z" is the result. Never before have we had access to a document that so powerfully conveys the depth of fear and horror, and also the ineradicable spirit of resistance, that gripped human society through the plague years. </span></i></span></div>
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Ranging from the now infamous village of New Dachang in the United Federation of China, where the epidemiological trail began with the twelve-year-old Patient Zero, to the unnamed northern forests where untold numbers sought a terrible and temporary refuge in the cold, to the United States of Southern Africa, where the Redeker Plan provided hope for humanity at an unspeakable price, to the west-of-the-Rockies redoubt where the North American tide finally started to turn, this invaluable chronicle reflects the full scope and duration of the Zombie War. </i></span></div>
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Most of all, the book captures with haunting immediacy the human dimension of this epochal event. Facing the often raw and vivid nature of these personal accounts requires a degree of courage on the part of the reader, but the effort is invaluable because, as Mr. Brooks says in his introduction, "By excluding the human factor, aren't we risking the kind of personal detachment from history that may, heaven forbid, lead us one day to repeat it? And in the end, isn't the human factor the only true difference between us and the enemy we now refer to as 'the living dead'?" </i></span></div>
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2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Dead-Stephen-Knight/dp/098710442X"><b>The Gathering Dead</b> by Stephen Knight</a> - Those who loves books with intense zombies and the military, you must definitely pick this up. Lots of military jargons, however, you'll come to understand it along the way. I like that it was fast paced and had tension throughout the novel. I don't really like 'smart' zombies because I really don't like the ones that run for some reason, but this one has great twist along it.</span></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11048733-the-gathering-dead">Goodreads</a><span style="font-size: medium;">: The Horde Is Always Hungry... </span></i></span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: medium;">The zombie apocalypse has begun, and Major Cordell McDaniels is given the most important mission of his career: lead a Special Forces team into New York City to rescue the one man who can stop the ghastly virus that reanimates the dead. </span></i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i>But as a growing army of flesh-eating corpses takes over the streets and a violent storm renders airborne extraction impossible, </i></span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">McDaniels struggles to find a way out of the Big Apple. The odds of anyone getting out alive plummet further when slaughtered members of his own Special Forces team join the ranks of the gathering dead... with their military skills intact! </span></i></div>
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3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot-Escaping-Dead-ebook/dp/B00BT1DZVK"><b>Escaping the Dead</b> by W.J. Lundy</a> - This is my first ever zombie book and a great start as well. Unlike the books previously mentioned, the author uses simple words and less jargons which makes it an easy read. The second book gets better than the first which leads me to think that this is simply an introduction to the real story. I also heard that the writer created his notes and ideas while he was deployed to Afghanistan, and is still a serving Veteran in the US Army! </span></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17619991-escaping-the-dead">Goodreads</a><span style="font-size: medium;">: The radio goes quiet while on convoy in Afghanistan, a lost patrol alone in the desert. </span></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">With his unit and his home base destroyed, Staff Sergeant Brad Thompson suddenly finds himself isolated and in command of a small group of men trying to survive in the Afghan wasteland. </i><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">The local population has been afflicted with an illness that turns them into rabid animals. They pursue him and his men at every corner and stop. </i></span></div>
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Struggling to hold his team together and unite survivors, he must fight and evade his way to safety. </i></span></div>
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I would also like to apologize for the three months of absence here in the blogging community. School and procrastination have taken a great deal of my time :( What have you read this October?</span></div>
yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-87883105020614218882017-06-30T05:02:00.000-07:002017-07-01T00:08:05.351-07:00June favorites and other highlights. | vol. 5<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IC5ioTLwKjw/WVYxR2dBvKI/AAAAAAAAA5c/nmq_czjsKoIYf_ym5u2A2FKqXjRZP7LbwCLcBGAs/s1600/jazmin-quaynor-97777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IC5ioTLwKjw/WVYxR2dBvKI/AAAAAAAAA5c/nmq_czjsKoIYf_ym5u2A2FKqXjRZP7LbwCLcBGAs/s1600/jazmin-quaynor-97777.jpg" title="Photo by Jazmin Quaynor (unsplash)" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">This is supposedly a highlights of the day/week/month post but most of the points here are just current favorites, nothing really significant happened this month. Aside from school starting last June 5, and it is currently my fourth week in school and there is already so much to do that I do not really have time to do anything else. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">1. <b>We moved</b> a few days ago. Although, our new place is just a few streets away from our previous one. Right now, it is filled with boxes. According to my mom, we have approximately 86 boxes, luggages and containers. Unboxing them is a horror to come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">2. I have been <b>YouTube hopping</b> and found vloggers who I am loving so much. First, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRtHvUqrz5qdA-a8K9QkmJA">Hi I'm Mimi</a>. I discovered her after seeing her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMp016SkwRQ">cover of City of Stars</a> (a soundtrack from La La Land) which was recommended to me by YouTube and I wasn't disappointed, I love it so much, along with her other original songs. To be honest, she is my aesthetic, her videos are really creative. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Second, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxZrj5lEksv_I7r9L854LeA">Amelia Gething</a>. I discovered her after searching for musical.ly compilations and I found her really hilarious. Her vlogs are awesome, she somehow has the ability to always make me laugh. (I have to mention that she is soooo pretty, she looks like Anne Hathaway to me.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">3. I knew <b>Seafret</b> since way back then but I never really checked out all their songs, I usually just listen to a couple of my favorites. This I regret because after searching them in Spotify (I am not a premium subscriber so I can't skip or pick songs, a bummer,) the first song that played was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj8IKtXczwI">Something in the Air</a> and it lifted my spirits, I like it so much. Another song I am recently liking is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXez7p1w2zs">Do Do Do</a> by <b>Dansu</b>, I think I found this because it was an intro song to one of the vlogs I was watching. It has that catchy old-ish vibe. Until now, the song is playing in my head!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">4. I actually got a <b>fidget spinner</b>. For 150 pesos (about $3) in the shade of pink. I honestly don't know what made me want to get one but I just felt like it. I heard it can help you stop fidgeting and maybe focus a bit? That it can relieve you of nervous energy and stress, correct me if I am wrong. I like spinning it, however, it isn't helping me focus at all. Rather, I get distracted and mesmerized by the spinning, haha. I am trying to learn some tricks (because why not :'>) and I shamefully boast that I can toss it to the other hand back and forth. Just that. Yet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">5. <b>Homeworks</b>. Projects and requirements, a lot of them.</span></div>
yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-49426850154663123162017-06-17T02:51:00.000-07:002017-11-22T05:44:47.511-08:00I forgive you.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LBlxjdS4ec/WUTwKYuGFpI/AAAAAAAAA3o/NZi0XsJmKa0j97afNUnPQzt8q9BPGOaCwCLcBGAs/s1600/jazmin-quaynor-97779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LBlxjdS4ec/WUTwKYuGFpI/AAAAAAAAA3o/NZi0XsJmKa0j97afNUnPQzt8q9BPGOaCwCLcBGAs/s1600/jazmin-quaynor-97779.jpg" title="Photo by Jazmin Quaynor (Unsplash)" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I believe the three words <i>I forgive you</i> are just as very beautiful like the words <i>I love you</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I remember walking around the mall last April with my mom, we were looking for casual sandals. My mother was trying some on and I was scrolling through my phone when I received a message from a close friend of mine on Snapchat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">She told me of something bad she did to her friend and she was asking me what I thought about it and asked for advice on what to do. I didn't know what to say, honestly, I was new to this kind of problem (which I will not be able to share due to personal and privacy reasons.) The most surprising part was that, the person she did wrong to, wasn't aware of this at all. There was also another person involved. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I suggested her to first reveal her mistake to her friend and apologize. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">At first she hesitated, worrying about what the reaction will be. And so, my friend questioned me if I didn't mind her practicing on me what she will say to her friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Of course, that is when I knew it was me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I sort of laughed at the first few minutes because this was such a cliche thing to do. After a moment, it dawned to me. I confirmed from her if it was indeed me and I received that dreaded reply of "Yes."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I have known this friend for years now so we are really close. All I asked from her was to explain to the other person involved in this situation, and that was all I needed. Surprisingly, I wasn't mad, I didn't feel any anger towards her. So I said, "I forgive you."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Afterwards, I felt even more lighter than I already did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">That was when I learned how the sentence I forgive you is such a powerful one, it could do magic! I am not kidding. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Forgiving is very essential in our lives. These thoughts of resentment and hatred will forever haunt us and be a burden when they occupy our minds. We could release them by forgiving, and with that, we will have more peace within us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Forgiveness isn't something you do for the person who wronged you; It's something you do for <i>you.</i></span></blockquote>
yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-41513377880667589492017-06-05T23:16:00.000-07:002017-11-22T05:44:59.818-08:00I didn't know about podcasts and i regret it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IpbIBxAPYE/WTPURZV_FZI/AAAAAAAAA3M/Ntdbjp6G8b4qHVrO74mma8jWTnMAnV3FACLcB/s1600/jonathan-velasquez-160775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IpbIBxAPYE/WTPURZV_FZI/AAAAAAAAA3M/Ntdbjp6G8b4qHVrO74mma8jWTnMAnV3FACLcB/s1600/jonathan-velasquez-160775.jpg" title="Photo by Jonathan Velasquez (Unsplash)" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I didn't know this actually existed and now I am thankful it does. I discovered Podcasts on the first day of June. I was swiping my home screen left and right, having nothing to do (lies actually, I was really just lazy to do anything else) and noticed this purple thing titled Podcasts. It is one of the apps already included in the iPhone, so I wasn't aware of it at all.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">So I clicked it and waited for a few minutes before realizing why the screen was still blank except for the bottom part, my data wasn't turned on for this. I quickly redid my settings and opened the application once again.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I am not sure how to describe my reaction after seeing its content. Quite speechless, maybe.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Now if you sadly happen to be like me who didn't have any idea about what it is, a Podcast is a digital audio file which you can download or subscribe to. For me, they sort of seem like audio blogs?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I absolutely love this because I could listen to it while doing something else at the same time! I even coincidentally discovered this right after watching some YouTube videos and wishing I could download mp3 formats of those instead so that I wouldn't waste so much of my time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">After a couple of days, I have made my list of favorites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">1. <b>Actualized.org</b>. Now this is actually more on self help and advices. This motivates me so much in different aspects of my life. I really recommend this. They can also be found in YouTube.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">2. <b>Author Audience</b>. I found this because I was searching for tips on writing. I have heard other podcasts, their tips are very helpful but they didn't quite capture me like this one did, because in here, the speaker Shelley Hitz not only gives you encouragement to write, but also includes spiritual inspiration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">3. <b>TedTalks</b>. I mean, come on, most of us know this. I really like them because I can learn so much about different things, it is so informational that I am really loving it. It is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Do you have any favorite Podcasts?</i></span>yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-84998421727118895562017-06-02T23:01:00.000-07:002017-11-22T05:45:49.439-08:00Why i stopped writing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGq_-jxw72k/WTJQVQIy1kI/AAAAAAAAA2s/xFmfWoXg8ds8-DvCMUAdA1wro7jYyvPDACLcB/s1600/oliver-thomas-klein-144899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo by Oliver Thomas Klein" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGq_-jxw72k/WTJQVQIy1kI/AAAAAAAAA2s/xFmfWoXg8ds8-DvCMUAdA1wro7jYyvPDACLcB/s1600/oliver-thomas-klein-144899.jpg" title="Photo by Oliver Thomas Klein (unsplash)" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I asked this a million times to myself, to be honest. Now, I'm glad to say I posses the answers. I haven't ended writing completely, as you can see, this blog is still up and running. But when it comes to other things, I just have this huge writer's block that hindered me from writing my book for almost a year. I try, however. From time to time, my notebook would be in front of me and I would try to focus, yet I just can't seem to wrap my finger around my pencil, nor mind on the story.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Trust me, <i>months</i> of thinking made me aware of the possible reasons. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Slowly, I'm trying to get through each of them. I know deep down that writing is my passion and I don't want these little things to prevent me from sharing the stories that rest in my heart and mind.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">1. <b>Lack of confidence</b>. I always have the thought of never being good enough. When I read books, instead of letting it motivate me, it lowers my self esteem, telling me that my works aren't great enough. I clearly know my writing skills aren't on point and most of my stories lack depth. What I realized was that, I'm missing out on practice. These great, amazing writers weren't born with the skill immediately! They <i>learned</i> it. Although maybe some are, but obviously, not all are blessed with this gift.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">2 & 3. <b>Laziness</b>. Not only am I lazy at writing, but pretty much with everything else as well. I have to work on my procrastination. I <i>know </i>that this isn't doing me any good but I still do it. This is where <b>stubbornness</b> comes in!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">4. <b>Distraction</b>. I have to admit, after I wrote that sentence before this, I actually stopped, grabbed my phone, and was scrolling through my social media. After I got a new phone (thank you tita Joanne!), I am always with it. Now I'll go in depth with this topic on a future post, since I had a post about "Living without a phone." which can be read <a href="http://solivagantic.blogspot.com/2017/03/living-without-phone.html">here</a>, I think I'll have to make another one all dedicated about living <i>with </i>a phone, haha.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I got this idea of finding out what's causing this major writer's block and maybe with this, I could put a stop to it. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">In order to diminish a problem, we all have to <i>know</i> the problem, we have to <i>acknowledge</i> it, in order to <i>find </i>the solution.</span><br />
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</span>yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-1484370554138293162017-05-30T22:08:00.002-07:002017-11-22T05:50:56.861-08:00On basketball and doses of evil | vol. 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IoHgJ8sfV8/WS5N1RkXYqI/AAAAAAAAA18/yW5uyEFJQCwD_WhHNoakozVQnvf9X-DcQCLcB/s1600/lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IoHgJ8sfV8/WS5N1RkXYqI/AAAAAAAAA18/yW5uyEFJQCwD_WhHNoakozVQnvf9X-DcQCLcB/s1600/lane.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">1. <b>Playing basketball</b> with my mom and titas (aunts.) It's been going on for quite a few days and it's very very fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. <b>I've been listening to the song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC4xMk98Pdc">Congratulations</a></b> by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOhtMAg7xh8wv_wUHMgFc-Q">Post Malone</a> and I am supeeerrrr loving it. I can't help but sing and dance along with it. I am also liking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZNflYqHlrhaSFFClR267LA">Terror Jr</a> (discovered this one through snapchat, the song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEHj_OyKY1Y">Come First</a> was playing in one of the filters) and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/1111MusicVEVO">11:11</a>, both having electro vibes. Lately, I love listening to rap. But I usually just listen to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/EminemVEVO">Eminem</a> and <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ali-future-8701167434">Ali 未来</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. <b>I renewed my passport</b> because it was expiring soon. My mom was with me and we sort of had a hard time with the application form because a lot of the words there were in kanji and we couldn't read most of them. Thankfully, someone assisted us. I really need to learn how to read and write nihonggo, I'm adding this to my goals this year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">4.<b> I recently finished the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-R-J-Palacio/dp/0375869026" title="">Wonder by RJ Palacio</a></b> and I really loved it. I honestly was searching for a romance YA book just for a fun read, this book is far from romance but totally showed inspiring friendships. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I also </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>read </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nimona-Noelle-Stevenson/dp/0062278223" title=""><b>Nimona by Noelle Stevenson</b></a></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> (a graphic novel/comics) and it was SO ADORABLE. I loved the artwork and the story itself, it contained the perfect mix of humor, friendships, and add in a little dose of evil! I totally recommend this for a fun entertaining short read. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVMovVUhznk/WS5OicV8bfI/AAAAAAAAA2E/fgyfUuXQw84xPh68KoLvBFP_X6yCZiu5ACEw/s1600/shark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="500" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVMovVUhznk/WS5OicV8bfI/AAAAAAAAA2E/fgyfUuXQw84xPh68KoLvBFP_X6yCZiu5ACEw/s1600/shark.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy.</b> Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are.</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="810" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8wpVdQ-N1I/WS5Onl4S55I/AAAAAAAAA2I/i7m0IUOPGLE0jPl6miHAl09cKzT21Yr9gCLcB/s1600/nimona2.png" /><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="font-size: large;">But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.<a class="jsHide hideAction" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19351043-nimona#" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;"> </a></span></span></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">5. <b>Footnote</b>, by basketball I meant the game in facebook messenger, haha!</span></span></div>
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yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-22939202162600279932017-05-22T21:33:00.002-07:002017-11-22T05:47:26.774-08:006 Weird habits most of us have<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuU8yBzPj-4/WLvE6QNBQUI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Ie5iAcV_7pUyvXbk8rbakKYUQ2Wq1NZeACPcB/s1600/16939267_1429395997092849_2659338419756110394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuU8yBzPj-4/WLvE6QNBQUI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Ie5iAcV_7pUyvXbk8rbakKYUQ2Wq1NZeACPcB/s640/16939267_1429395997092849_2659338419756110394_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I've been noticing some weird habits I'm doing lately. Most of them are quite common, I told them to some of my friends and they said they totally relate! So I made a list and here it is,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">1. <b>Creating arguments</b> with people in my head (with me winning, of course) and making myself hate them for a short period of time because of that conversation I totally made up. Now this habit I really want to lose. I hate arguments, unless they're short and only for some fun, maybe. Although, sometimes I do like debates but I get tired most of the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">2. <b>Thinking of a response waaaay too late</b>. Like, I would have this conversation with someone. A few hours later, home and on bed, a much more clever responses to our topics would pop in my mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">3. <b>Wrinkling my nose</b>. I didn't know I actually did this until I suddenly had this spontaneous idea of videoing myself of which embarrassing reason I will not share, and I noticed I did it often, probably about ten times per minute. Only to lift up my glasses, it kept slipping down and I was too lazy to use my hands. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">4. <b>Loving a song so much and eventually getting tired of hearing it</b> in a few days time. I'm not even kidding when I say my preferences change every single day, sometimes I'll like this, then that, and then this again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">5. I 'try' as much as possible to refrain from <b>saying curse words</b>. However, that rule is overlooked <b>when I sing songs</b> that have such words. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">6. <b>Using 'like'</b> in most of my sentences. <i>"Like, this is so cool. Like, I'd totally get this product. Like, I'm tired of using this word."</i></span></div>
yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-60684658012281677552017-04-19T09:10:00.000-07:002017-11-22T05:51:04.371-08:00On food trucks and adorable drawings. | vol. 3<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOfaC6sQxFY/WPeFrvM6M2I/AAAAAAAAARs/zYncRovTSB0kG9fAqfVt-Vkj7z2vdu9OgCK4B/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOfaC6sQxFY/WPeFrvM6M2I/AAAAAAAAARs/zYncRovTSB0kG9fAqfVt-Vkj7z2vdu9OgCK4B/s640/IMG_0666.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">1. I saw a pretty <b>view of the sky </b>as I was walking one late afternoon and I fell in love with the striking colors of pink and blue, though I wasn't really able to capture it the way I saw it. Or maybe I was just having a good day. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9HnNnPnzHKA/WPeFgQvxaRI/AAAAAAAAARU/h3I4vhUNlEUe_MN0W7MzPVGEl5L3qLp5gCK4B/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev0Bn-9GY6g/WPeFjPCycII/AAAAAAAAARc/GuoS1xu5KrM5pSkPWSBHcwm5tX9YY9-ygCK4B/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev0Bn-9GY6g/WPeFjPCycII/AAAAAAAAARc/GuoS1xu5KrM5pSkPWSBHcwm5tX9YY9-ygCK4B/s640/IMG_0641.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">2. Had a <b>hangout </b>with a close friend of mine in <a href="https://www.ayalaland.com.ph/mall/greenbelt/">Greenbelt</a>, it was loads of fun. It had been so long since we last had a proper talk face to face. My only regrets is wearing heels, by the end of the day my feet were so tired I almost gave up halfway on my walk back home.</span><br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9HnNnPnzHKA/WPeFgQvxaRI/AAAAAAAAARU/h3I4vhUNlEUe_MN0W7MzPVGEl5L3qLp5gCK4B/s640/IMG_0607.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">3. Saw this <b>cute <a href="http://churrerialalola.ph/">La Lola</a> food truck </b>and I just had to picture it because its a rare sight to see them in my place. I love their churros, especially the classic ones.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tyjUoNC_4o8/WPeFqEcN6bI/AAAAAAAAARk/vN6DmYgaUrcWwKdZ6FnyGyo3yru6c_XxgCK4B/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tyjUoNC_4o8/WPeFqEcN6bI/AAAAAAAAARk/vN6DmYgaUrcWwKdZ6FnyGyo3yru6c_XxgCK4B/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">4. Went to my friend's house today and saw this <b>adorable drawing </b>(from an old school project of hers)<b> </b>of me and three of our other friends. I was really touched to see this because I don't really see this particular bestfriend of mine as much as I would have wanted to. However, we still strive to keep in touch (we've known each other for about 10 years now, it's amazing), and this just honestly surprised me!</span>yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-39160761765170848822017-04-13T00:19:00.000-07:002017-11-22T05:47:44.885-08:00Art in the park.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I have recently been to an art fair called <a href="http://artinthepark.ph/" target="_blank">Art in the Park</a> that took place in Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, Makati City, Ph. last April 2, 2017 (okay, maybe not so recent.) This is quite near my place and I happened to pass across a banner that indicated this event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Since 2006, Art in the Park has gathered together a diverse group of galleries, art schools, independent art spaces, and collectives for the country's most significant affordable art fair. An annual event organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc. for the benefit of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines in it's mission to create awareness for the National Museum and its network.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">My mom and I decided to go around 5 in the afternoon after I did some research about it and found that it was open until 10 pm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photos are blurry because they were only taken by my phone :(</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvRtDyU2-zw/WO8eIfLiIjI/AAAAAAAAAPo/7wb3qWy4tlUi2kDMVY6BLaKkCBo34v8vwCLcB/s1600/UYHD2204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvRtDyU2-zw/WO8eIfLiIjI/AAAAAAAAAPo/7wb3qWy4tlUi2kDMVY6BLaKkCBo34v8vwCLcB/s1600/UYHD2204.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">The first stop was this sort of boat. I got really fascinated looking at this because it had hands under and a headless body as its passenger. I mean, why not? The first thought that came to my mind about its message was that in order to move, we need to experience some hardships and develop teamwork. Even without eyes, when the destination is in our hearts, we would be able to get there. Or something like that. What do you guys think?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">This was one of my favorites. Especially the hanging fish. With the help of the breeze , it moved around and it really looked like it was swimming!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Not only do they have those, but as expected, there were paintings as well. Almost all kinds of art were included in the fair. Prints, photographs, sculptures, new medias, and paintings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">They also sell in affordable prices, PhP 50,000 (about $1000) and below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">We actually wondered how this would last till late at night, because obviously, the place would be really dark by then. Turns out, our worries were for nothing. They had a lot of lights hanging around that gave the place a pretty ambiance. The fairy lights were cute and matched the place too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">They also had a number of food stands and gave out free cocktails. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Eventually, we got tired and got Chillz from a nearby Mini Stop and returned back to sit down on one of the benches the park offered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Although we weren't able to purchase any artwork, it was a fun experience to look and appreciate the exhibits. We will definitely come back here again next year.</span></div>
yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-38855329455740785952017-03-17T03:12:00.001-07:002017-11-22T05:48:58.024-08:00Lifeline. <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zKVlepkY8g/WMu4GVdLwrI/AAAAAAAAANE/epSkET11n5Mkde9QzXM7wpzYeAmu-IIKgCLcB/s1600/lifeline.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="an image from the short film lifeline" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zKVlepkY8g/WMu4GVdLwrI/AAAAAAAAANE/epSkET11n5Mkde9QzXM7wpzYeAmu-IIKgCLcB/s1600/lifeline.png" title="lifeline" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aside from writing, I've always been fascinated at indie short films.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most recent one I watched was <i>Lifeline</i> written and directed by <a href="http://www.samjonesfilms.com/" target="_blank">Sam Jones</a>. This was really a heartbreaking memorable film. Definitely one of my favorites. It shows us what life really is for struggling people, specifically a mother and son. A glimpse of reality and human nature.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">A story about Beth, a mother who is forced to the limit for her son Ash, putting her morality to the test. Lifeline asks how far we'd push ourselves for the people we love. The film shows that even in a brutally impossible situation, there will always be something human in everybody, a connection between every one of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If that doesn't convince you to watch it, it also won 1st prize at International BAFTA/OSCAR qualifying Rhode Island Film Festival for Kidseye Award 2016, Best Film at Cinemagic Belfast Film Festival 2016, Best Student Film, Nottingham International Festival and People's Choice Award, International IndieFlicks Festival 2016.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/161274386?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Films like these are what make me want to create one too. I think that short movies (or long, perhaps) is an art of someone's vision and they amazingly have the ability to inspire people. It helps people create what paper can't show.</span><br />
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<i>What other short films do you recommend?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">with love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">yuki motokane.</span>yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-6625173600091623182017-03-10T20:22:00.001-08:002018-07-19T20:29:38.612-07:00Living without a phone.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was charging my phone in class when a bottle of oil smashed it down. Now you may be wondering how that happened or how the oil was involved, or why I was even charging my phone during class hours. But that's a story for another time.<br />
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However, the screen of my phone cracked into the so called 'spider web art' with one-fourth of the LED screen broken. This led me to spending the rest of my school year (until now!) without a phone. Although I do bring a small keypad phone with me for emergencies. Technically, I don't have a phone because I don't have messages, games, and social media to distract me.<br />
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Hard for me to admit, but it did have it's benefits.<br />
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I got to be more social and had much more time to do productive things such as writing, reading, and doing some of my homeworks in advance. I became more observant of my surroundings and appreciated the little things I spend my time on when I have nothing to do.<br />
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The only disadvantage is when my teachers let us picture the notes on the board or handouts. I'd have the hard time of trying to jot down everything in my notebook before they move on to the next lesson. On the bright side, it helps me remember them more.<br />
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All in all, I think this is pretty helpful for me. I'm the type of person who always gets distracted when a phone is placed in front of me. I'd plug in my earphones and listen to music. I forget to look and appreciate my surroundings.<br />
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Let me just drop in one of my favorite quote:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.</span></span></blockquote>
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with love,<br />
yuki motokane.yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-29427900404505311592017-03-05T00:13:00.000-08:002017-11-22T05:49:26.769-08:00Greetings to you, March. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February has come to pass and the month of March came to acknowledge me, or I to march. However, I had to greet it with a sneeze and a few degrees of fever.<br />
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Not only am I disappointed with my colds, but also my inconsistencies in this blog. So far, I've only made about five posts, even when I was planning to make at least four per month. No, I will not be using my lazy excuse of being busy. I admit I procrastinated. <br />
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Now this "I will stop procrastinating" had been in my new years resolution and to do lists for years. As you may have already guessed, I procrastinated in stopping my procrastination. Despite that, I can only post maybe two or three for this month because of incoming exams withing the last week of March.<br />
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I also noticed that I have been 'too chill' in my studies. I like to believe that I did quite well last quarter, but I have a feeling my grades are declining this past February. Catching up will take some time and effort, but I have some to give. With enough determination, I believe I can do it.<br />
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<i>How did February go for you?</i><br />
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with love,<br />
yuki motokane.yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-57329574293224266002017-02-06T05:15:00.001-08:002017-11-22T05:49:39.571-08:00100 books for 2017.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Apparently, reading 100 books is one of my goals this 2017. </div>
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I decided to pursue this one and keep track of my reads, you can find the books I've read so far <a href="http://solivagantic.blogspot.com/p/100.html" target="_blank">here</a>. As of now, there are sadly only two books. Anna Karenina took me a really really long time, I didn't expect my copy to have 940 pages. However, it was pretty worth it.</div>
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My five 'to read' next are as follows:</div>
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1. <i>World War Z</i> by Max Brooks </div>
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2. <i>Northanger Abbey </i>by Jane Austen</div>
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3. <i>Dracula </i>by Bram Stoker </div>
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4. <i>The Zombie Survival Guide </i>by Max Brooks</div>
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5. <i>Chariot of the Gods </i>by Erich von Daniken</div>
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You could probably guess by that list my love for zombies.</div>
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What other books do you recommend?</div>
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with love,</div>
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yuki motokane.</div>
yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873967410970128811.post-21029214553013424302017-01-30T05:38:00.001-08:002018-07-19T23:12:08.372-07:00A feather quill pen + review on parker quink black ink.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A feather quill pen has been in my wishlist for a long time and my dad granted it! Coming from work in Singapore, he came across a shop that sold wooden pens and he thought that maybe they sold these there too (knowing that I've been wishing for this for months because I wanted to practice calligraphy and I'm so stubborn that I want to learn with this particular writing tool. I do have a brush pen, if that counts.) He also said it was the last stock! What a pleasant day it was when he gave it to me, I didn't even expect it!</div>
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It consists of a quill, a bottle of ink, and 6 nibs (including the one with the feather quill pen). </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYt_UG4ruic/WI8snqsLfzI/AAAAAAAAAKI/VF6exvXidNsxPRgBw5m3rTKd3oXmBGaugCLcB/s1600/photo_1_a00275f74ba7833163bdea898af37072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYt_UG4ruic/WI8snqsLfzI/AAAAAAAAAKI/VF6exvXidNsxPRgBw5m3rTKd3oXmBGaugCLcB/s640/photo_1_a00275f74ba7833163bdea898af37072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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However, I had to buy ink because I didn't want to use the ink included in the set, I wanted to use it in the future when I get better, however I'm not sure if this is a good idea because I'm not so sure whether the ink included has good quality or not. I originally wanted to buy India Ink because I heard it was cheap and it's pretty good for beginners. Although the store near my place didn't have stock of it for a long time so I chose this one, Parker Quink Black, which was only 250 php (about $5). But this is actually a fountain pen ink.</div>
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I was quite disappointed with it because I expected a really black ink, but it seemed more of a dark gray color when I tried it. But I suppose it's good enough for me, being a beginner. One quality I liked about it is the way it dries quickly (Quink being the combination of both words Quick and Ink). </div>
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Nevertheless, I am happy with both items and now more motivated to practice my calligraphy. What about you? How did you start? If you haven't yet, do you plan to? I advise you to do so, it's really calming and fun!</div>
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with love,</div>
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yuki motokane.</div>
<br />yuuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753578004432002973noreply@blogger.com