Step inside. Look around. Stay awhile. Make yourself at home. Leave your mark. Welcome to my little corner of the virtual world...

Monday, November 29, 2010

finding love


listen with your heart and may you derive much comfort and hope as you remember all that you have lost...





 

Thursday, November 25, 2010

happy thanksgiving



The Canticle of the Creatures - St. Francis of Assisi

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, honor and blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong;
no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

We praise You, Lord, for all Your creatures,
especially for Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
of You Most High, he bears your likeness.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars,
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

We praise You, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air,
fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Water,
so useful, humble, precious and pure.

We praise You, Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night.
He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Earth,
who sustains us
with her fruits, colored flowers, and herbs.

We praise You, Lord, for those who pardon,
for love of You bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
by You Most High, they will be crowned.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in their sins!
Blessed are those that She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.

We praise and bless You, Lord, and give You thanks,
and serve You in all humility.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Smashwords: An Introduction

Smashwords: Smashwords - Ebook Publishing and Distribution Mad...: "Over 10,000 authors and publishers around the world now use Smashwords as their ebook publishing and distribution platform. I'm thrilled wi..."


Sunday, November 21, 2010

love letter

a love letter from the One who truly, deeply and faithfully cares...

Friday, November 19, 2010

pick a book 03

"Ever wonder where you'd end up if you took your dog for a walk and never once pulled back on the leash?" 
- Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

"A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk." 
- O.A. Battista

"What really helps motivate me to walk are my dogs, who are my best pals. They keep you honest about walking because when it's time to go, you can't disappoint those little faces." 
- Wendie Malick

before you go on a jaunt with your trusted furry friend , be sure to pick a book!

You can Train Any Dog by Hammond Publications. $3.99 from Smashwords.com
This guide shows you how to teach your dog obedience like "sit" and "come" and other useful commands. It also provides ideas on how to teach your dog tricks and do work for you.

A Bark In The Park-Connecticut: The 20 Best Places To Hike With Your Dog by Doug Gelbert. $1.99 from Smashwords.com
Connecticut is a great place to hike with your dog. Within a short drive your dog can climb hills that leave him panting, explore dark ravines, or follow streams for miles and never lose sight of the water. This book describes the 20 best outings you can find with your best trail pal. While walking the dog, you'll get generous helpings of history, botany, geology, and more.

A Bark In The Park-Chesapeake Bay: The 20 Best Places To Hike With Your Dog by Doug Gelbert. You set the price! from Smashwords.com
The Chesapeake is a great place to hike with your dog. Around the bay your dog can climb hills that leave him panting, explore secluded beaches or take long walks for miles and never lose sight of the water. This book describes the 20 best outings you can find for your best trail pal. While walking the dog, you'll get generous helpings of local history, botany, geology and more.

A Bark In The Park-Northern Virginia: The 20 Best Places To Hike With Your Dog by Doug Gelbert. You set the price! from Smashwords.com
Northern Virginia is a great place to hike with your dog. Within a short drive your dog can climb hills that leave him panting, walk on some of the most historic grounds in America or explore great rivers. This book describes the 20 best outings you can find with your best trail pal. While walking the dog, you'll get generous helpings of local history, botany, geology and more.

A Bark In The Park-Finger Lakes: The 20 Best Places To Hike With Your Dog by Doug Gelbert. $1.99 from Smashwords.com
The Finger Lakes are a great place to hike with your dog. Within a short drive your dog can climb hills that leave him panting, explore dark ravines, or circle lakes for miles and never lose sight of the water. This book describes the 20 best outings you can find with your best trail pal. While walking the dog, you'll get generous helpings of history, botany, geology and more.

A Bark In The Park-Berkshires: The 20 Best Places To Hike With Your Dog by Doug Gelbert. $1.99 from Smashwords.com
The Berkshires are a great place to hike with your dog. Within a short drive your dog can climb hills that leave him panting, explore dark ravines, or circle lakes for miles and never lose sight of the water. This book describes the 20 best outings you can find with your best trail pal. While walking the dog, you'll get generous helpings of history, botany, geology and more.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

BlogUpp

i have been reading and skimming through a lot of blogs lately. banners and sidebars are often two things that draw me to a blog and i must say i'm quite impressed by the diversity of bloggers and  by the creativity involved in making their sites attractive.
one widget that caught my attention featured blog pages scrolling one after the other! definitely curious and feeling a little green, i told myself i just had to get one for my sidebar too.
BlogUpp offers a simple and free advertising service. sign ups are not required. one enters the link to his blogsite and a widget code is generated. all submitted blogs are analyzed individually and approval is made within one business day. this approach makes sense and gives me assurance that sites containing adult, gambling and illegal or inappropriate content will not show up on my widget!
the service works this way:
  • your blog snapshot with the latest post is advertised
  • 10 other blogs are shown in your widget and yours is shared in 9 others
approved blogs are also promoted through a blog directory, a blog discovery toolbar, Facebook and Twitter.
BlogUpp definitely offers a tool for increasing exposure and traffic. one just have to remember that it's  still the blogger's responsibility to do his part in posting quality blogs that appeal to his readers.

Monday, November 15, 2010

hiding place

take refuge in the only place that matters ...


Saturday, November 13, 2010

pick a book 02

an eclectic mix from spirituality, cosmetic surgery, music to employee engagement. whatever you fancy reading over the weekend, pick a book!

With God's inspiration and a willing hand, anything is possible. Are you looking to gain God's clarity and direction for your life? Want help connecting the principles of scripture with your day-to-day schedule? Like to avoid the many traps that keep people busy tending their garden instead of sharing the harvest? In nine action-inspiring chapters, Time for God will help you do all that and more.

This is the ultimate guide to the latest non-surgical methods to enhance one’s appearance. Written by a plastic surgeon’s nurse, it advises readers what to do instead of getting liposuction, facelifts, tummy tucks, etc. Contains reviews of popular procedures and products, like the Dermaroller and red LED light therapy, so readers won’t waste money on things that don’t work.

Manchester in the late 1960s and early 1970s revolved around the exploits of one man - George Best. At his side throughout this exciting period was his best friend and confidante Malcolm Wagner (or Waggy as he is universally known). Now for the first time Waggy sets the record straight on George’s exploits during a period when he was the most recognisable face in the world.

An honest look at being socially, economically, emotionally disenfranchised. Both a plaintive cry and introspective analysis, it's a calling to account of society and self. More than anything else, this book is a message. To all who know the frustration of moving inside a world that takes no notice, who struggle to become or remain loving under adversary, these poems say me too. You're not alone.

This is a true account of over 20 years of severe child abuse. It has been praised and endorsed by many relevant professionals including praise from the British Psychology Society. Bridget is admitted into a psychiatric unit for an initial 2 weeks which turns into years, as when she starts to reveal her past, even the most hardened professionals are shaken to the core and amazed at her survival.

Most people have heard that following Christ ought to be life changing. But even Christians know that life often feels too hard, even purposeless, and God seems too distant. It’s time we understood just how embedded we are with God, so that we can live free from guilt over past sins, free from spiritual failure resulting from ignoring God, and free from loneliness and spiritual isolation.

Are you interested in Global Business? Don't have time to read a book? This book is 123 one-liners collected after a 30 year career in international business. There are proverbs, checklists, and a great deal of good solid advice from the People who brought you Lessons from the Road; Start up tips 1-2-3

What is Employee Engagement? And why should I care? I was one of the leaders asking these questions. Perhaps you are too. This accessible guide shows you how to create an Employee Engagement program that fits your organization — resulting in new growth, increased profits and empowered employees. Join me for a trip behind the Corporate Curtain and explore the new gold standard in management.

Vegetarian Cooking Secrets contains over 500 nutritious, delicious, and creative vegetarian recipes These span from soups and stews to savory dishes, macaroni dishes, potato dishes, rice dishes, salads, vegetable dishes, pies, custards, cakes, and more It includes ways to make older and secretive dishes that have been passed from generation to generation.

Finally, a step by step guide on how to write hip hop lyrics that will amaze audiences! No longer do you have to scratch your head in confusion wondering how to get started in hip hop writing. Discover how to write dynamic hip hop lyrics........from your own mind and creativity. Grab a pencil and watch your abilities soar to new heights. Get this book today and be on the road to stardom!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

birthday blessings

yesterday was my eldest nephew's birthday. today is my brother's. in a week or so my other nephew will have his too. this old irish blessing is my wish for you three gentlemen and know that i love you!  we all do!


May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

pick a book 01

a selection of fiction and non-fiction ebooks to whet your appetite. pick a book!

At a time when gods and giants roam the earth, Seth is a kingdom in turmoil. King Aikah is dying. The Mikana, vicious descendants of the god-like Zuzim, threaten to attack. Only one of Aikah's sons has the power to rescue Seth from the Mikana. Only one can be the new savior-king.

Voices of the American Irish, from the famine to today




Who exactly are these fraudsters? Why do they do what they do? How are they recruited? How do they operate? From where do they operate? Are they alone? Or do they have godfathers in high places? An unholy link with law enforcement? Are legitimate banking institutions involved? What of the much talked about collusion of organized religion? How dangerous are they? Why are they so successful?

Leona slept for 13 years, and then she woke up with a roar! At first she was happy and confused, but the more she started to understand what was happening to her daughter, the more that happiness and confusion turned into anger. But somewhere along her path she learns about love. Will that be enough to subdue her vengeance? This suspense-thriller-mystery will have you guessing until the end!

Lifelong introvert Quinn Malone was sick of spending her evenings at home, watching reality TV. At 38-year old she embarks on a quest to find a man, using internet dating to get things moving. Through the triumphs and heartbreaks of dating, and of life in general, Quinn uncovers the resilient, dynamic person she’s always been. The question is, has Mr. Right been waiting in the wings all along?

Irish blessing, proverbs and toasts for every occasion




Amos Alonzo Stagg rose from humble beginnings to become the most significant coach in history. He lived to be 102, coached until he was 98 and spent 73 seasons in football. He introduced a plethora of innovations. The biggest names in football said, “All football comes from Stagg.”

Pot pies can be filled with fresh vegetables, poultry, and seafood and topped with any number of dough types including puff pastry, pie crust, biscuit mixes, and instant potatoes. Pot pies can be made using all fresh ingredients or it's a great way to turn leftovers into something delicious. Your friends and family will crown you their favorite chef when they taste your special pot pie.

SHADOWLAND by Mrinal Bose. $4.99 from Smashwords.com
Shadowland is the story of a doctor who seeks survival, sanity and justice after he is stripped of his right to a small piece of land in Kolkata suburb. Set against the backdrop of a degenerate Marxist regime in Bengal in the nineties, it is a compelling narrative of the doctor’s long battle with the powers-that-be, and a masterly portrait of contemporary India with dollops of authenticity, exotica and humor.

Monday, November 8, 2010

smashwords



over the years, i have amassed a considerable number of books - a collection of which i am very proud of. 
until i had my own laptop, i never expected nor dreamed of building an electronic library. the prospect of collecting ebooks was a daunting one.
nothing can definitely replace the feel, weight and smell of a paperback yet i also embrace the science and technology involved behind electronic books.
just like my forays into book stores, i found myself surfing the net looking for ebooks. one website i stumbled upon was Smashwords. here, one can find "new voices in all categories and genres of the written word."

Fiction
    * Adventure
    * Anthologies
    * Children's Books
    * Drama
    * Historical
    * Horror
    * Humor
    * Literary
    * Mystery and Detective
    * Romance
    * Sci-Fi and Fantasy
    * Thriller and Suspense
    * Women's Fiction
    * Young Adult

Non-Fiction 

    * Biography
    * Business & Economics
    * Entertainment
    * Health and Well-being
    * Inspiration
    * Parenting
    * Poetry
    * Reference
    * Religion
    * Self-improvement
    * Sports

with a lot of categories to choose from, there is surely one or two or more to satisfy a bibliophile's palate. all it takes is for a user to register with a valid and working email address.
users can read online. ebooks can be easily downloaded and are available in multiple formats  -  pdf, epub (open industry format), rtf, lrf (Sony Reader), pdb (Palm devices), mobi (Kindle) and plain text. 
some ebooks are offered for free. other publishers/resellers normally require a user to supply certain data in order to download a free ebook but at Smashwords, one can avail of it without giving out one's credit card or personal information.
users are encouraged to post comments or reviews about the ebooks they have read or purchased. and if a reader happens to be dreaming about becoming a writer, Smashwords provides a venue for publishing his/her work. 
visit Smashwords  yourself. i'm pretty positive you'll find something interesting to dip your head and sink your teeth into.

indulge!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

anniversary

i was out of town for a few days. together with my nephew and younger brother, i went to our hometown to commemorate Mommy's 1st death anniversary.
it was raining constantly out there but when we went to her gravesite, the weather took a hiatus and my siblings, nephews and i were able to offer flowers, light candles and recite prayers.
traditionally,
when the 1st death anniversary of a departed has come, family and friends offer Holy Mass. afterwards, everyone gathers for a feast.
later that afternoon, we assisted at Holy Mass. the dinner feast which followed was not lavish but a simple affair.
memories of that night a year ago when we rushed Mommy to the Emergency Room were constant in my mind. even the weather outside was the same - cold and rainy.
when dinner was over and everyone was settling down for small talk, i happened to glance at the clock which read 9:20 pm - the exact time that Mommy was declared dead at the hospital that fateful night. surprisingly, my heart did not feel so heavy anymore despite the onslaught of memories. i then realized that though i would never ever forgot what happened, i was finally beginning to heal myself of the pain of losing my mother. 

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