Angels on my mind

  With so many things that could go wrong around you…

with life pressing you down…

with all the expectations and responsibilities laid on your shoulders

– you begin to look around with despair in your eyes, and hope that somehow– some way, there's a way through all the hardships you are experiencing. When a miracle of relief happens, you somehow can't help but think that an angel helped you along.

Most people will openly scoff at the idea that there are angels, and yet in their hearts hope that they are proved wrong.

For me, angels are not visible nor tangible. I am not one of the lucky ones who can see them. All I know are their works and the feeling of relief I get when I make it through a difficult time I thought I would not be able to bear. But bear it I did.

One example that comes to mind is when I was in college. I was a nursing student then and I was failing my major subjects. It was depressing. The expectations to succeed and go abroad to work in the US or UK was big. The assumption that I would do well was there. It was horrible. There were times when doubt hit me so bad that it was all I could do to get myself out of bed and socialize with my family.

But I prayed hard to get through. I prayed for the courage to tell my father how I felt. I prayed for the strength to face the shame I was failing this course. When my father told me that he understood and that he would stand by any decision I would make regarding this, I prayed for the strength to overcome the shame at being happy. Happy that I did not have to go through a course that should have been a privilege but had become a burden.

I am not a spiritual person. I am not even a prayerful person. But since that day, my thoughts are never far away from God's angels who uplifted me from a depressing time when life didn't seem worth living anymore.

What Muse are You?

Your Inner Muse is Urania

You are most like this muse of astronomy.
Your head is in the stars, and you look to the future.
You give off a heavenly, mysterious vibe.
And you're not too bad at predicting the future.

What Muse Are You?

No Mes Ames

A beautiful song from Jennifer Lopez and her husband, Mark Anthony. What the song actually means, I don't really know but the liquid syllables sounds so romantic as they are sung in Spanish. I find that this song runs in my head a lot. 

No Mes Ames
duet by Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony

All I Ask of You

From the Phantom of the Opera comes the most romantic song I've ever heard since Endless Love by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross. Many versions of the song have been recorded, recordings from the Broadway play itself to recordings by famous solo artists like Barbra Streisand.

Whichever version you hear, the romance of the song can only sweep you away. It almost makes you want believe that there is a Prince Charming on a white steed who would sweep you away to his magical kingdom far, far away. (Not to be confused with Shrek's kingdom of Far, Far Away).

All I Ask of You

No more talk of darkness,
Forget these wide-eyed fears.
I’m here, nothing can harm you
My words will warm and calm you.

Let me be your freedom,
Let daylight dry your tears.
I’m here, with you, beside you,
To guard you and to guide you . . .

Then say you love me every winter morning,
Turn my head with talk of summertime . . .
Say you need me with you, now and always . . .
Promise me that all you say is true
That’s all I ask of you . . .

Let me be your shelter,
Let me be your light.
You’re safe: no-one will find you
Your fears are far behind you . . .

All I need is freedom,
A world that’s warm and bright
And you always beside me
To hold me and to hide me . . .

Then say you’ll share with me
One love, one lifetime . . .
Let me lead you from your solitude . . .
Say you need me with you here, beside you . . .
Anywhere you go,let me go too
That’s all I ask of you . . .

Say the word and I will follow you…
Share each day with me, each night, each morning . . .
Say you feel the way I do
That’s all I ask of you . . .
Anywhere you go let me go too . . .
Love me -that’s all I ask of you . .

(midi file available here: http://www.tristancafe.com/music/midis/alliask.html

I was born in the year of the metal pig

The Pig

(picture courtesy of Pig O' My Heart Potbellies)

Contrary to its rather negative reputation in the West, the Pig of Chinese Astrology may be the most generous and honorable Sign of the Zodiac. Pigs are nice to a fault and possess impeccable manners and taste. They have so much of the perfectionist in them that others may be inclined to perceive them as snobs, but this is a misconception. Pigs are simply possessed of a truly luxurious nature, one that delights in finery and riches (in surroundings, food, lovemaking and otherwise). This Sign believes in the best qualities of mankind and certainly doesn't consider itself to be superior. Pigs also care a great deal about friends and family and work hard to keep everyone in their life happy. Helping others is a true pleasure for the Pig, who feels best when everyone else is smiling.

A Pig with no one around to appreciate its giving nature is a sad sight. Pigs are so magnanimous they can appear almost saintly; this can lead some less-than-well-intentioned souls to stomp all over this Sign, and the bad news is, the Pig will take the blows! Pigs make great companions in part because of their refusal to see the more negative or base qualities in a partner, but that rose-colored view can lead to this Sign's allowing itself to be taken advantage of. Contrary to their seemingly benign dispositions, however, Pigs can be quite venomous in response to being crossed by a lover, friend or business partner.

Pigs are highly intelligent creatures, forever studying, playing and probing in their quest for greater knowledge. They can be misinterpreted as being lazy, however, due to their love of reveling in the good stuff; this Sign could happily spend hours on end making love, napping, taking a long bubble bath or dallying over an incredible spread of rich foods. Pigs tend to make wonderful life partners due to their hearts of gold and their love of family. Even so, Pigs can be rather exclusive, choosing to spend time with those who will appreciate them most and ignore the rest of the populace. Pigs would do well to realize that there's more to life than being needed. When they open up their world to a diverse group of people, they will truly bloom.

The most compatible match for a Pig is the Rabbit or the Sheep.

Explore the other Chinese Astrology Animals!

Metal

Those of you born under the influence of the Chinese Astrology element of Metal are determined, self-reliant and forceful. You enjoy the good life and all it has to offer — luxury, comfort and freedom, especially. You're like a reclusive film star: You want the acclaim, but you also want to be left alone. You create your own success, building your desired destiny with single-minded focus. Others look up to you in awe of your commanding, confident presence. While you Metal individuals are strong and virtuous, you can be a bit set in your ways. No arm-wrestling with the metallic ones, either; they might break that appendage in two! You can be a stern taskmasters as well, demanding the most from yourself and those you love.   Explore the other Chinese Astrology Elements!