My Life Lately

What I’m currently focused on nowadays:

1. Studying in order to have a clear concept of God and unity in His worship

2. Trust in the Will of God

3. A firm belief in faith and religion

4. Striving to live a life of principles and virtues

5. Believing once again in the inherent kindness, compassion, goodness, and sincerity in people

6. Not compromising my religion and my identity

7. Acceptance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with past troubles

8. Ignoring trivial and worldly things which are of no benefit to the Hereafter

What I’d like to develop more in myself:

1. Volunteerism and assumption of responsibility

2. Sacrifice and patience

3. Charitable acts for those in need

4. Less attachment to worldly matters and material things

5. Compassion

6. Optimism and heartwarming disposition in life

7. Humility

8. Empathy and understanding

9. Discipline and maturity

10. Firm conviction and strong faith

Books I'm reading:

1. The Noble Qur'an
2. Slavery by Ibn Taymiyyah
3. Ibn Taymiyyah Expounds on Islam: Selected Writings of Shaykh al-Islam Taqi-ad-Din Ibn Taymiyyah on Islamic Faith, Life, and Society
4. Islamic Creed Series Vol. 1: Belief in Allah In the Light of Qur'an and Sunnah by Dr. Umar S. Al Ashqar
5. Muslim's Character by M. Alghazali

Mosque

Conclusions

There's an ending. There's a beginning.

I miss updating here on a daily basis. Changes are happening lately. I'm dealing with all the uncertainty, and hoping to get used with it.

Rains and Ramblings

Hello blog, I just arrived at the library a few minutes ago. I've been having chills and fever for three days, and I decided not to take my fast today so my body could recover just for now. This is what usually happens to me when I'm over-fatigued and stressed, and the tiredness doesn't have anything to do with my job, it's more on thinking too much accompanied by worrisome anticipations. My body is still aching, and I have a dry and sore throat, but hopefully I'll get better before this day ends. I need to get properly hydrated as well.

I hadn't been into an active lifestyle lately with no rigorous exercise, and it truly weakens health, and mind. Unlike those previous years when I had been going to places, walking to and fro, sometimes stretching my bones and muscles, even my vocal cords, now, I literally sit almost all day long, losing all interest in human communication and interaction (where there are numerous reasons why). I get impatient when having to exert effort on physical activities, such as cleaning the house and organizing things, walking, etc., getting very tired easily, and also losing a lot of focus and concentration when doing what I have to do. My memory is likewise, also weakening. Just this morning, when I was about to go to the office, I realized that I forgot where I put the keys, so I was forced to go back to our house just to locate where I put the keys...oh my, I'm getting old and very forgetful!! I thought I had put them on my backpack yesterday, but when I opened my bag, they weren't there. When I got home, I was surprised that they were kept by my father and thus he gave them to me. I sighed with a sense of relief as I was on my way to the library, being very thankful that at least, the keys weren't lost.

Perhaps, even my fever has something to do with the inclement weather lately. The rains had been frequent for the past few weeks, and many places in Luzon, particularly on Manila and nearby provinces had been drenched with floods. Many families were forced to leave their houses and temporarily stay on evacuation centers. The skies had been grey and rains would fall anytime during the day. 

The month of Ramadan is drawing to a close, and I'm thankful to experience it once more this year. It is a blessed month that teaches sacrifice, patience, discipline, and empathy for others who are less fortunate.

Welcome August

I hadn't been writing anything here for quite sometime, just piling up photos and doing artworks. Life had been fairly stable lately and I guess putting words on it wouldn't have that much impact because there are no strong emotions or thoughts that would go with expressing it. I'm spending my days glued in front of the computer for many hours during work, drawing on my spare time when inspiration strikes, reading books before going to sleep, and helping to prepare breakfast (Iftar) as we spend the month of Ramadan. We as family get to travel every weekend which is also one of my favorite activities

I was a very surprised today that my photo storage on Picasa albums had been used to the maximum limit that I can no longer upload any photos to put on this space. So I'm relying on my Tumblr photo URL's so I can continue posting photographs here on my blog. You can also visit my Tumblr if you like, and I also put up an Islamic Blog entitled A Garden of Islam, feel free to visit and follow. :-)

Ah, gone are the days of exploding emotions, and bitterness. And looking back at it and how it used to be only brings a feeling of deep relief. No more angst, or judging, or criticism. God had given me much and ample time to now regard a sense of forgiveness to whatever had happened. It was all a Decreed Fate, a precious lesson that I can refer to in case future incidents might happen. I wish that I have that much time to gather my thoughts and write them down, so I can emphasize how I came up to this form of healing. But if I can't, all I can say is that I'm very thankful to God for letting me understand when it was all a refusal to accept and confusion. Life is a continued growth and process, a journey, of moving towards maturity and considering more important priorities and what truly matters..

On another note, I'm so happy to see that this little space of mine had been garnering some traffic from many countries all over the world. Until now, I still get amazed that somehow this blog can be viewed from many people who are so far away from where I am. I would like to thank all of you for kindly stopping by here and taking a look at my random works though they aren't that excellently made.

I'm wishing you a peaceful and blessed day wherever you are in this world.

Love, Maica

Rose Bouquet

Rainy Days

Joie de Vivre

Pastel Garden

A Saturday Walk

Film Photographs from the '90's

We Need a Bookshelf, Maica!

My books and magazines are waiting for the longest time to be sheltered on a bookshelf.

Supposed to Be

Strolls and Coffee

Yesterday, my younger sister-in-law and I went out for a mall stroll after dropping the lessons at the Post Office. It was actually our first time to go the mall together since we usually go out as a family. Lately, I had been 'seriously contemplating' and 'thinking' of going to a coffee shop with a cozy atmosphere, soft-cushioned chairs, quietness, and an affordable cup of coffee while browsing through a book (something which I didn't even brought with me).

I did some surveying as we walked past the shops, and after a few stops, we ended up at Krispy Kreme. The place was warmly-lit, with printed mural, comfortable furniture, and it has a cozy appeal. I had a cup of Latte, which for me is quite expensive (a small-sized cup is worth eighty pesos!), and I still had to add sachets of brown sugar and creamer to neutralize the bitter taste, but it's really good tasting after all. We bought two pieces of spicy samosas from Passport Food just before we headed to the coffee shop, and my sister, who doesn't drink coffee, ordered a peach tea drink instead.

Before going home, we stopped by at a quaint vintage shop,  with many special goodies. I bought a scrap book which I'm going to convert as my new photo album. I haven't updated my personal album for years now and it's been a plan which I had been delaying for such a long time. Finally, here it is! We bought some samosas and an egg pie to bring at home.

Another mid-week adventure!

P.S. Though using public transportation allows one to observe and walk with the common folks, I couldn't help but feel disgusted with the huge amount of air pollution brought by motor vehicles.

On Coming to Terms

I was supposed to write some things that are happening to my life right now, some thoughts that occupy my mind every now and then. And when I came up with that line from a book by Aidh Al Qarni, I realized that it sums up the life reflections that I had been undergoing through these days. I must say that I'm a person who likes to reflect about life and its meanings, and learning about where I came from. I look both at unfortunate events and beautiful blessings as both that God had willed to happen. Everything that God plans for every person is ultimately for his own good. I had also written many times before that I always look back at the past not only to learn from it but also to come to terms to it and bring a past chapter to end and eventually, to let it go. I guess my days in psychology school had a very huge impact on that particular mindset and perspective of mine. I don't know exactly why, but I have such a fondness for nostalgia - memories that bring warmness to the heart. And this fondness may sometimes even couple with despair and sadness because these memories are also accompanied with many unfortunate events.

I often wonder why I find myself so distant from people (except my family), particularly from from my so-called friends and acquaintances from many years back. Could it be because I love introversion? Or is it because they accuse me of being aloof? I don't think so. I could be the warmest and understanding person if they will only take the time to know me better and not judge me merely on the surface. Probably, it's because I just hate many things that I see around me, including the many nonsense that I see them doing right now. I could go on and now ranting about the many things and people that I dislike, but who am I to judge them? I may dislike so many things, but those are just based on my personal preference or opinions. I believe that though I'm saying my opinions, it is only God who has the right to judge between the differences of His creations. So I eventually stay away from the things and people that I dislike and which God orders me to be distant from and avoid. Through the help of God, I constantly evolve as a person, and I never stop learning. I stay away from the artificial and focus on strengthening my mind and my faith. 

As I grow older, I look forward for changes of perspectives and priorities. And among those changes include having a general concern for those who are less fortunate, suffering and those who are in need of understanding. Maturity with proper wisdom comes as a result of growth. And maturity also entails transcending beyond judging others, constant complaining and self-centeredness, towards reaching out, making a positive impact on other people's lives, and doing good for the sake of God. 

Finally, I wouldn't mind if nobody won't recognize me anymore when I walk on the street. This might end and I will not apologize if I stay away, because what I'm running away from are the things that will bring me farther from the faith that God had given me. And it's no longer my business to keep up to date with the news of other people's lives if the artificial relationships fostered through the internet are not based on the genuine reality that real life affords. So be it. I don't like the noise, the artificiality, the showing off, and bragging, much less the seeking of attention, popularity, approval, and fame. I am only a quiet girl who lives a simple life. I prefer truth, humility and genuineness. God willing, I always strive to become a better and mature person, and Alhamdulillah, slowly, I'm coming to terms with the past with better hopes for what the future brings.

Dreamed Fence

Travel to Baguio City (Part 3)

Last Friday, we went to Baguio City, a city located on the mountain province of Northern Luzon, Philippines. It's one of our family's favorite places because of its cool weather, clean environment, many trees and flowers, friendly and gentle people, and its fresh fruits (like strawberries and oranges) and vegetables readily available. It was a one-day travel only because by afternoon, the rain began to fall, so my parents decided that we must go home as it's not convenient to stay there while the rain was falling. It was a very wonderful trip as we traveled with our new car and got to visit the many parks. We're planning to go back at this beautiful place, hopefully with our whole family by the end of the month of Ramadan and celebrate the incoming 'Id  this coming July or August, God willing. : )

Road filled with pine trees.

Mines View Park.

Horses and stairs at Wright Park.

While on the Highway.

The Rose Gardens at Burnham Park.

Sidewalk at Burnham Park lined with white, cup-shaped flowers.