ASHES IN THE WIND

Some morning when you awake you'll find that everything has changed over night. 
Reality hits like a bolt of lightning, a ton of bricks.

All that was once familiar is ebbing away. The people who once mattered don't anymore. You struggle to remember their faces.

Life, like a passing cloud is fast disappearing in the distance, ashes scattered in the wind.

When we're through chasing our noble ambitions - fanning our personal agendas - living our fantasies, persistent love quietly pleads our case and presents the verdict.
It is only in total surrender with all humility, that love will bring us home.
Love and love alone ...

GOOD TRADITION

Tradition is a good thing, especially upholding the practice of bringing families together. 
It's heartwarming to see relatives from near and far converge in festive celebrations - reunion dinners, birthdays, weddings, new births etc. 
In those gatherings, the atmosphere is mostly happy complemented by plenty of food, boisterous conversations and jovial back slapping.

On such auspicious occasions, everyone tries a little harder to be cordial and accommodating; their cantankerous behavior put on hold!
Disputes and differences are momentarily set aside!

The young ones in observing their elders learn to adopt those positive traits which will stand them in good stead. 
What pride and pleasure to see young children who observe fundamental good manners - politeness, respect, obedience, basic social etiquette - all of which are evidence of well brought up kids.

And that's the way it ought to be in the spirit of keeping tradition...

SHORT LIVED

He turned her life around. She turned his upside down.
It was the most extraordinary - gut wrenching, nerve wrecking, pulse racing, heart stopping, feet stomping - time in their lives.
Enriching, fascinating, liberating; spontaneity at its best.

Man fully alive.

Short lived but momentous.

Despite the drama, turbulence and trouble, given half the chance, they'd make a go at that again...

CRYING SHAME

Sometimes, it's not that people are deliberately abrasive, vicious and mean. 
Could be that they don't know any better.  

One should always try to be optimistic especially in crisis!

As for the aggressors, we make excuses for them. 
Not in a naive manner as in the ostrich burying its head in the sand but confronting stark reality instead.

if one has never known kindness, how does one know how to dispense kindness? 
If one has never known grace, how does one behave graciously? 
If one has never experienced compassion, how does one demonstrate compassion? 
If one has never known love, how does one apply love in return? 

So, I say, lets not begrudge such psychologically and emotionally deprived people. 
Show them mercy and  pity rather than punish them.  Keep your peace.

In contrast, a pessimist would hold differing views.  
He may not be so tolerant or forgiving. 
After all  it is utterly unfair that the majority should prey on the minority, the strong on the weak. And this is the case whether in the bedroom or boardroom!  
Weep for man in his fallen state.

What a crying shame...

SECOND CHANCES

One good thing about 'second chances' is we get to save a lot of resources, time, trouble and heartache by not repeating the same mistakes that caused the 'break-up' in the first place. 
Blame it on the ego. Bring that to submission and we'll stand a better chance at developing intimate relationships.
In business we think nothing about giving all our time, thoughts and talents into planning, pursuing (and perspiring) until we 'land the deal'.
What more when we wish to capture and hold the attention of people who matter most to us. We give it all we have...
Nothing worthwhile comes easy.

It has been said that a relationship is sweeter the second time round.

(Chinese Proverb: At first, it's bitter; at the end, sweet.)

BREAD AND BUTTER

I feel really sad and sorry for people who are stuck in their job. No way out, they lament. Long hours, underpaid, unappreciated, scrutinized with suspicion, suppressed into submission; doomed. 

They hate it but can do nothing about it. Uh!

And so the poor soul plods on, agonized, tortured; dragging his feet into a hell he's created for himself.

And it doesn't help to see the long, sour faces of colleagues who are probably in a similar pitiful state, facing the same plight.

Is it worth it? To continue slogging? What of those empty promises? Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

Should he throw in the towel now or wait another 6 months, a year? Perhaps things will be different, improved. He's skeptical but continues hoping.

Maybe, someday ...

A suggestion, if you are in that predicament.

Observe how previous colleagues who have gone before you were treated. With dignity, decency or degradation? 

Did you approve? Did it ignite fear or disgust in you? Consider those actions and your reactions. These are helpful tips in your own decision making. If others were treated unkindly, be warned, you'll probably face the same fate.

With the New Year, resolve to make things better all around and it jolly well starts with that job-activity that brings in the bread and butter. Cut the bitter.

The work place should be fun, in an atmosphere of co-operation, healthy competition and strong team work for mutual benefits.

THE WAY WE WERE

"The Way We Were"

Mem'ries,
Light the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored memories
Of the way we were
Scattered pictures,
Of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another
For the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then?
Or has time re-written every line?
If we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me, would we? Could we?
Mem'ries, may be beautiful and yet
What's too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So it's the laughter
We will remember
Whenever we remember...
The way we were...
The way we were...