Waiting

The prompt for this week: Wait

During my wedding, my twin sister mentioned in her speech the long wait I went through before finding the right person to share my life with.

I remember telling my sister years before that although I am already past my prime years, I will not settle just so I can see myself married. I've seen relationships fail due to lack of love and respect and understanding between partners. I won't put myself to the same situation if I can help it. I'd rather stay single than be part of an unhappy marriage. That's why I always felt a kind of dread every time I see a bride walking down the aisle. I always keep thinking, "Do they know this is forever?".

My wait for my partner took a long time but I finally found the right one. I just knew it in my heart that someone was meant for me and that one day he will find me. I believed it the same way I believed I needed to breath. Someone who has lesser faith in their partner would have given up. But I didn't. I waited patiently and finally found my partner.

These days, women they say outnumber the men at least 3 to 1 (or is it 10 to 1?). But does it mean women now need to settle with just anybody even if the person they are with is not the right one?

Some women, in their haste to be part of a relationship, easily fall into it even when they know in their heart that it is not the right one and that they are not getting the right attention they deserve. Is it wrong for them to do this? I don't know. Sometimes I guess you have to make mistakes to know what to look for in the next person.

I cannot say the same thing will work for everybody. Maybe I was just lucky that my waiting was not for vain.

I just hope that women out there don't settle just because they think they cannot find someone else. You'd be selling yourself short if you do. One day when you find the right one, you'll know and you'll be thankful that you did wait.

Crossroads

The prompt for this week: Yes

The time has come. It's time to choose which part of the road you're crossing. Do you continue on your current path: safe, familiar, unchanging? Or do you opt to turn left or right and embark on a new beginning?

It's time to choose. Say Yes or No. Maybe is not part of the equation.

Take the chance. You just might be surprised.

New Leaf

The prompt for this week: New Leaf

I miss writing. Using my imagination to come up with stories based on a word, a phrase, an event. I realized I challenge myself more whenever I try to envision a story out of a writing prompt. Sometimes, I even surprise myself with the results. But as days turn to weeks and weeks turn to months, I found that I started to do it less and less until one day I totally stopped.

As the new year arrives, I promised myself I would write more and go back to creative writing. Not for want of awards or recognition but for my self accomplishment. I love writing and I want to go back to that which makes me feel fulfilled.

New Year, new leaf, old loves. Can't wait to surprise myself again.

Curiosity Didn't Really Kill The Cat

The Writer's Island prompt for this week: Curiosity

The Sunday Scribblings prompt for this week: Vision


Curiosity and pride got the better of her. She knew she’s not supposed to be there but the taunts and dare is just too much for her young pride.

“You’re too afraid to go inside.”

“Am not!”

“Oh yes, you are!”

“Am not!”

And to prove that she isn’t afraid, she found herself running over across to the old blue house and went inside without prompting.

Her heart is beating fast. Her heightened senses was on full alert for any problems she might encounter. She heard a noise from upstairs like someone was pacing and unable to sleep. Her heart almost leapt out of her when she felt something touch her right leg.

“Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!”

“Meow.”

Oh my golly! It’s Red! She found her kitten! It was silly of her to feel frightened. The old house has been empty for years and was even considered as the local haunted house. But it doesn’t mean she has to jump at almost everything when inside!

She heard again the pacing sound from upstairs. It was coming from the upper right bedroom, the one that overlooks the lake. Who could it be?

Vision of ghosts and monsters filled up her young mind. And even as she felt the icy fear trickle down her spine, she felt a certain thrill.

“Cool! Ghosts!”

She put Red on the roomy pocket of her jacket. It’s got a hole on both side so Red won’t feel suffocated. She slowly went upstairs, trying to hide her progress by skipping the squeaky floorboards. The house looked normal enough in daylight but at night it can be creepy. Louise and her friend Ryan used this house as their pirate headquarters. Due to the nearness to the lake, it is the best place to do their mini-boat sailing and pretend like they are on a journey to capture other ships.

She reached out to the doorknob even as she tries to calm her erratic heart. She held on tightly to the bat that she brought for her protection. Her pulse is like a loud beating drums drowning out the noise from everything else. She turned the doorknob slowly and opens the door and almost lost her breath from the sight that greeted her.

A ghost! A white creature is pacing around the room like a caged lion. But when it felt Louise’ presence, it stopped. Slowly, it approached her. She didn’t notice she was backing out until she bumped into the wall.

But something is amiss. This can’t be a ghost. No ghost wears a neon green sneakers like that!

“Ryan!”

And a young boy went out under the white cloth he used to cover himself.

“Ha ha! I fooled you! You thought I was a ghost! Ha ha ha!”

“It’s not funny!”

“Oh yes, it was. You should have seen your face. Now, what? Why are you looking like that with your big eyes all wide and looking surprised? The joke is over!”

“Ryan.”

“What!”

“There’s a lady standing behind you.”

Ryan froze. The look of terror on his face had her feeling uneasy.

“Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh!”

That was the last she heard from Ryan as he ran as fast as he can down the stairs, to the front door and out to the street.

“He he. And he thought he can fool me.”

She walked down calmly and brought Red out of her pocket.

“We sure did fool him, didn’t we? We fooled him alright.”

She was whistling their favorite pirate song as she walked and skipped her way back home. She’ll talk to Ryan tomorrow and explain. She’s sure he’ll understand.

As she walks away, a white figure can be seen at the upper right bedroom looking down on her.

Kiss me, kiss me, kiss me

The prompt for this week: My Nights

A few years back, I was in São Paulo, Brazil on assignment for a month. We have a few local colleagues who introduced us to their night scenes. One night we were at this bar and it was full of locals and foreigners alike. There was a big bar area and an even bigger dance floor. We managed to get a high table and was drinking in place when I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder. When I looked around, the man behind me smiled and leaned down to whisper.

"Can I kiss you?"

I thought I misheard what he said so I asked him to repeat it again.

"Can I kiss you?"

Incredulous, I laughingly dismissed the guy's request and for the life of me cannot remember what I said.

I told my local friends and they said that's how it is in their country.

A few of my Filipino male colleagues was so happy when I told them about it and we were waiting for any one of them to approach a girl and ask her for a kiss.

They never did. =)

The Date

The prompt for this week: The Date

It was at a time when I have just recently broken up with my boyfriend and I was in a rush to get back out there and forget about the past. I don't know how it happened but I found myself on a date with my doctor.

It was not even a really proper date because it was just to watch a movie. I cannot even remember what movie it was.

I was wearing a short skirt and a simple blouse. I was at the best of my weight at a mere 98lbs so wearing a short skirt was something I can still get away with. I remember the film being a good one but it was not one to invite conversation. He tried to get closer by constantly whispering comments about the movie.

Sad to say but the movie date was boring because there was just no spark. My heart was just not in it. But he still tried a come-hither statement by saying he'll bring me home but he left his car at his place and would I like to come over and pick up the car first. I have always been a prude and I don’t sleep around. The short skirt might have given him a different idea but there was no way I would have slept with him on that first date regardless if there was a spark or not. It was just not my style.

Looking back, I realized that it was the wrong thing to do. It was not a good idea to rush out and try to look for a new relationship when your heart is not yet ready.

I never saw my doctor again, personally or professionally. That date ruined any chance of me coming back to his clinic.

A few years later when my heart has finally healed, I did find myself again on a date with someone I care about. He was a friend. Nope, I still did not sleep with him even after several dates. Remember, I was a prude, and I think I still am. But I realized that it is much better to go out with someone you know and care about than to go out with a stranger. Nothing came out of the dates but at least we're still friends.

Money

The prompt for this week: Money

Her young eyes beseech without a word
Her palms outstretched and waiting for a coin
She begs for mercy and for money
Depending on strangers to survive

The wealth she earns is kept and tightly guarded
From the vultures with heavy hands and stinking breath
They will take all that she has without a thought
If given a glimpse of her treasure trove

She lives each day for that coin or two
Fighting with other children for people’s alms
When she passes by no one notice
The old eyes in such a young child

Hospital

The prompt for this week: Hospital

Cold whitewashed walls
Halls that are never empty
Walking, pacing, fidgeting
Waiting for any news with dread

I bore witness to shouts of grief and relief
Tears of happiness and silent anguish
The echo of their cries rings continuously
They will be a part of me through eternity

Different people from all walks of life
Have passed through my white doors
No one wants to stay here with me
But they will not leave unless it’s time

I am a pariah that no one can do without
The mention of my name puts distaste in their mouth
No matter how much they avoid me
In the end, they always come

Powerful

The prompt for this week: Powerful

“King of the world!”

“Sssssssshhhhhh. Stop shouting! You’re going to wake people up!”

“I don’t care for tonight I am as powerful as I can be, I am the King of the world!”

And she can’t help but smile at his childish antics. He's been jumping up and down and dancing all around. He just came from the office, all tired and worn out, but all that seems forgotten after she told him her news.

She’s pregnant. They’re pregnant. After two years of waiting, their effort has finally paid off.

And she feels powerful knowing she’s going to be a mother soon. Oh yes, she’s feeling just fine.

Collections

The prompt for this week: Collector Personality

My travels has brought me to a lot of places, places that I used to visit only in my imagination. And each time I visit a new place, I made sure that I buy a good postcard to include in my collection.

Each postcard is relegated a place in my albums, different compilations that showcase the places I’ve been to. It is full of colors, scenes, places and faces, each one a good medium to help one remember.

The pages are marked with small notes and quips, thoughts that might help to conjure memories long forgotten. They do bring out the emotions, the smells and the noises of each familiar place. I can sometimes just close my eyes and see each place once more.

It was my hope that anyone who sees my collection will be able to experience the same feelings I had. And walk with me as I travel through the side of the Seine. Wonder at the mystery of the Stonehenge, gawk at the open windows in Amsterdam. Hear the loud shouts and cries in the eerie silence of the Colosseum and taste the chocolates of Bruges.

I have stopped traveling for a while, limiting my visits to my home country. But I know that one day a new postcard will be added, a new place to include in my memory.


Photo from www.trabel.com

Note: I can't provide an example of my postcards because they're in my home country. Maybe one day I'll bring them over and take a picture of each one. Until then, I guess we'll have to make do with a postcard from other website. =)

Writing

The prompt for this week: Writing

Writing has always been an escape for me, a way to let go of all the stress and problems that you encounter everyday. It transports me from my living room to the fascinating world of a child, to a castle perhaps or to the humble abode of a farmer.

A multitude of thoughts passes through our brains. How often do we take stock and write about it? In some way, writing is not just about imagination. It is also an expression of one’s thoughts, opinions and emotions.

When you start expressing what you feel, you then open yourself to the possibility of ridicule. And that can be intimidating to some. But it also gives you the power to be heard and to be understood. That can be heady sometimes.

Nowadays, blogs allow anyone to be a writer. Some can go on and on about mundane things and still feel that they have not said enough. While others can really write well and hit the topic on the spot.

There are writers that tickle your funny bone and they make you yearn for so much more. Then there are those who attack your fragile heart and make you feel the ache in the pit of your stomach. There are those who tug at your sensitive soul and make you cry by the bucket. And there are those that can fill your imagination with fear and make the hair on your arms stand to attention.

I like reading but there is nothing to read if no one writes. So I salute all writers from all genres, professional or not. Let’s hope the juice of imagination continue to flow and our mind always filled with inspiration.

Twelve Years of Eternity

The prompt for this week: The End


“I don’t love you anymore.”

She shook her head to clear her mind hoping that she heard it wrongly. But he looks at her with serious eyes and she knew that her ears do not deceive her.

How can he stand there calmly and callously say those words with those same lips that kissed her tenderly not so long ago?

Has he forgotten those promises he gave her in their moonlit walks, his every whisper full of longings and praise? Where are the days of forever after and shared eternity? Maybe she was foolish to believe that it can last forever. Didn’t she say just the other day that twelve years is almost as good as eternity?

She watched him go and started to wonder if his rush to get away is due to a tryst with a new lover. But she realized that she forfeited the right to feel betrayed when she calmly accepted his goodbye.

This may be the end of their relationship, but it will not be her ending. She is far too strong to allow even a great blow like this to stop her from surviving.

She woke up slowly, the constant ache in her heart refuses to diminish even with the days and weeks that have gone past.

It was only the other day that she heard from a mutual friend that he is no more. A letter from his deathbed was delivered to her doorstep yesterday. And the tears have not stopped since she read his words.

“I’m sorry to have left you behind and for saying goodbye too early. But I cannot allow you to see me at the time when my body is already riddled by the disease that threatens to be the death of me. I love you and I will always have our days together to keep me company until Death comes for me. Please do not weep when I am gone for I cannot bear the thought of you crying. Instead live each day with a happy heart and know that I will always be there with you until eternity.”

And so she tries to stop the tears but they have a life of their own. But as they fall she held her head up and tried to conjure a smile. She felt a warm embrace envelope her whole being and she knew that he is there with her.

“I forgive you and I miss you my darling.”

THE END

The Locket

The prompt for this week: I get that sinking feeling....

I get that sinking feeling that I am losing my mind.

It all started when I bought this locket from an antique shop during a recent field trip. I saw it on the window display and something compelled me to go inside and have a closer look. Once I had it on, it was just too difficult to part from it. And so I ended up buying something that is not in my budget.

Then two days after I’ve arrived home, I started hearing these voices. I thought someone was trying to talk to me but when I look around, there’s nobody there! But these voices persist and kept me wondering about my sanity.

“Hey. You’re out of the closet!”

“Yes. I’ve got a good feeling about it.”

“Huh! For me, sometimes I wish I were inside the closet every now and then. They abuse me, you know.”

“What do you mean?”

“When my machine sometimes get stuck because of lack of liquid inside my throat, they would just suddenly kick me.”

“Oh. That’s horrible.”

“Yes, it is. I sometimes want to refuse to work and stay silent but if I do that, I get more kicks and spanks like there is no tomorrow.”

“I know. They are not appreciative of us. Sometimes I just want to boycott them and see if they can survive.”

“Yeah. I wonder if I should ask around and get the others to agree. Let’s see how they survive without us.”

“Stop, she’s starting to turn.”

And the voices fade as soon as I turn my head in the direction of the conversation.

I hear almost similar conversations when I'm at the office but for the life of me, I can’t identify the source of it.

One day, one of the “talkers” let it slip that the refrigerator is planning on breaking down and that’s when it all clicked inside my head. The appliances are talking! And I am losing my mind!

I was so frightened the first time it happened that I ran outside and waited for the voices to stop. But after a while I got used to it and looked forward to the regular conversations from the radio and the washing machine and the vacuum cleaner. The TV is a bit shy about talking to the others but I hear him butt in every now and then.

I did realize just where all these are coming from. The locket seems to allow me to hear the thoughts of the appliances. When I take it out in the middle of their conversation, there would be silence but I’d hear the voices again as soon as the locket is put back on.

Hearing these voices made me realize that I need to take better care of my appliances. I have stopped kicking the vacuum cleaner when it wouldn’t start properly and I would gently close the door of the refrigerator to avoid it from getting a headache.

I know it sounds crazy but I have gotten used to the voices in my head that I don’t know what I would do without them.

Sssssshhhhh. The TV and the electric fan are talking. Be quiet because I want to listen.

Angel

The prompt for this week: Dear Diary


Today I continued with my exploration of Rome. I stepped into the Santa Maria del Popolo church, trying to adjust my eyes to the dark interior. The place was mostly lighted by candlelight and the stream of sun lighting the entrance.

I was busy exploring the chapels within the church, looking over the paintings that they hold. A man was seated in front of one of the chapel, busy listening to the music in his walkman. At first I didn’t mind him there but he suddenly looked up and I saw the most beautiful man I have ever seen. He went back to his music like nothing exceptional has happened. But my heart was captured and it thudded so fast while I try to act like nothing’s amiss.

Continuing my exploration, I tried to disregard the presence of the man who almost shocked my heart to stop. To be honest, I almost thought he was an angel, there to present me with a divine message. But Alas! He is a mere mortal although with a face that can be the envy of angels.

I seated myself strategically within the church that will allow me to see him unobserved. I don’t know what I wanted but I can’t seem to get myself off of the place and just satisfied myself with my constant glance to his direction.

Should I approach him and ask for directions? Allowing me to hear the voice behind the beautiful face. But I was a shy mouse then and would not have thought of doing something out of character.

After almost half an hour, I decided that I need to go. And with a heavy heart, I walked away outside, already missing him.

I tried to come back after visiting other locations in Rome. But he is no longer there. He is forever gone.