Most people who visited this blog site are amazed to know that I have the talent in photography. Some could not even believe that these photos are ideas of my creative eye. In fact, a friend candidly teased me that my shots are products of Mr. Photoshop; the photography world's Vicky Belo.
Sorry … I am not intimidated. I warmly accept constructive criticisms. And I am greatly flattered with all the praises.
Want to know my secret? I am just using a simple point-and-shoot, old-model, digital camera. It's a Kodak CX7330 model with 3.1 megapixel picture resolution. You can checkout the local store near you for more details.
Say cheese… 
Even before blogging became a fad, I already have a series of blogs about my life during a stint in the Middle East. These stories were first posted in the "seldom-updated" OFTR website. And was later moved to my "spam-victim" personal website.
I named the series "Desert Fox". And it hilighted my adventures of being alone in a far away land with no family and friends around.
Living alone is hard. But, it is one's chance of knowing oneself and everything in life. Living alone means you have to learn doing things on your own. You have to cook your own food, wash your dirty dishes, do the laundry, press your clothes, clean your room, and best of all… talking to yourself.
Of course, I do not have a plan to re-post the desert fox here. Let the fox live alone.
Some years back, a friend gave me a pamplet containing a prayer. This is a prayer texted by a priest name Fr. Ruperto Santos, STL. The publisher is The Daughters of Saint Paul. What makes this prayer peculiar is that I have used it several times to remind me of my weaknesses and strengths. Let me share this to all of you especially those who might need this most right now.
Prayer When One is Down
Dear Lord,
there are some difficult decisions to make,
there are so many obligations to be done,
there are so many deadlines to be met,
there are some duties to perform.
But Lord, I know You give me solutions,
and for You, I am still a better person!
I have my bad days,
I do some silly mistakes,
I commit some blunders,
I did not live up to people's expectations.
But Lord, I know You have the reason,
and for You, I am still a better person.
I am not as beautiful as others are,
I am not young as I used to be,
I am not as talented as others could become.
But Lord, You make me feel more important.
As you choose me to be Your servant.
You have given Your life for me
to save me and set me free.
AMEN.
A recent incident made me realize the importance of numbers in our lives. The numbers I am referring to are not limited to bank accounts, credit cards and PINs. But, let me include the hotline numbers of banks.
Imagine, that incident had forced me to go to the office at five o'clock on a sunday morning just to search for my bank account and credit card numbers including its respective hotline numbers. Because on that morning, I need to inform my banks that my plastic sheets got lost and requested for an immediate temporary suspension.
Let me share with you some important reminders regarding numbers. Let's count from one to three.
One. Always keep a written copy of all your bank account and credit card numbers.
Two. Always keep a written copy of all your bank's hotline numbers.
Three. Always keep a written copy of your family's and friends' phone numbers.
And most importantly, always leave a copy of these written numbers not only in your office but also in your home.
Last warning however, keep the copy in a safe place. Hmmmmm… don't tell me that I did not told you all these.
One piece that had inspired me for years is the poem Desiderata. The author is Max Ehrmann, a poet and lawyer from Terre Haute, Indiana, who lived from 1872 to 1945. Thanks to my friend, Van.
Take some minutes of your time to read and be inspired. Here it goes …
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
