Two Couples -- One Wedding -- Another Happy Ending

View from afar---no flowers adorned the altar.

Yet the altar seemed to glow -- as if happy for the upcoming exchange of vows.

No flower girls, no ring bearer either.
But see how the couples seem fidgety altogether?

Braving the awkwardness I stood to take a pic,
it's something I want for eternity to keep.

Oh they posed, a shy smile!
This shot tugged my heart, and brought tears to my eyes..

"You can march your way now down the aisle,
It may not have been adorned but you've much reason to smile.."

Their smiles makes my heart sigh..

Their sole desire was to get married before Thee..
The first step in their journey together to eternity.

I, a stranger, partake of their bliss..

Fully convinced that LOVE indeed is such a marvelous gift.

Upon the Cathedral entrance they stood—two couples,

A wedding to commence without the grandeur found in others.

Oh how they melted my prying heart,

I certainly partook of their delight!

The grooms’ thrill perceptible through their sheer barongs,

The brides’ bliss cascaded along with their flowing gowns.

 Each of the ladies held plastic flowers for bouquet,

Yet they held it with pride and joy in a certain way.

One’s barong seemed awkwardly short, (could it have just been borrowed?)

It didn’t seem to matter, it was just as pretty though unaltered.

I turned to find their scanty guests were as misty eyed like me,

They’re the closest of friends, a few strangers, and family. 

 So the piano was played and the soloist sang,

“Ave Maria” filled the Cathedral walls when the mass began.

The couples walked to the aisle towards the altar,

I was at the corner admiring them, quietly from afar.

Those lovers in their humble economical state,

Chose to wed before God, perhaps driven by their faith?

Witnessing such a moment has made me think,

How many girls are able to achieve their childhood dream?

Of that walking down the aisle, with the man they love in their wedding!

It truly doesn’t matter whether there’s a whole entourage,

A long list of sponsors, lavish gifts and many fancy stuffs.

That wedding this morning has taught me one thing:

We need not become princes and princesses to have our happy endings!

(I love happy endings – even if I’m not in them.)

NOTE:  Pics courtesy of my N95, edited by Picasa. =)

Note to Self

Why are you afraid? You are surrounded with love!

God has been faithful to you sending blessings from above.

Why do you doubt? You are blessed!

Over the years, you’ve survived many tests.

Why do you cower?  You are strong!

You’ve managed to rise not withstanding those storms.

Why do you cry? You better smile!

You were brought to this world not to waste sighs.

Haven’t you seen His grace work in magical ways?

Haven’t you felt His love, strengthening you always?

Haven’t you felt His faithfulness after those heartaches?

Be strong, hold on, something wonderful is at stake

Life isn’t always cruel to those who wait. 

My day of reckoning draws near..

My day of reckoning draws near

And my heart is gripped with so much fear.

If I make, it I’ll bring them pride

If not, then must I run and hide?

What lies ahead, I do not know..

God is holding my hand right now.

He knows my heart,

He knows my fate,

He knows why these dreams I chase.

The past has not been very kind

But I'm leaving it all behind.

The future I gladly embrace,

As an Attorney, by God's grace.

Loca over Zara

Girls love bargains.  Quality bargains that is.  If we can stretch our hard-earned moolah to buy that which we need want, the purchase becomes extra special.  I guess that's what makes thrift/bargain shopping such a delightful experience.  In line with that, let me share a recent thrift find which is a great source of pride.. 

Introducing, my first Zara dress..

I don't know how to call the fabric but its definitely cotton. Its somewhat wrinkled and doesn't need to be dry-cleaned.  Perfect for the tropical Philippines.  Its in beige/tan..the pics did not do it justice but I swear the dress is soo pretty.  I am still waiting for the perfect time and occasion where I could showcase it along with that pretty necklace gifted to me by my sister. (I definitely cannot wear  this to work since the neckline is somewhat low *wink*)

There isn't any Zara shop in my city but there are Zara stores in Manila.. They also have a site.  Since I couldn't find this same dress in their collection, I'm showcasing instead a few (that are similar to mine) which are featured from their site.

CHAMBRAY DRESS

2,490.00 PHP (about 50US$)

POLKA-DOT DRESS

4,790.00 PHP (about 111us$)

DRESS WITH WAIST CORD

2,490.00 PHP (about 58us$)

So now you're probly wondering how much I paid for mine?  Oh, a hefty FIFTY PESOS (a little over a dollar)... Hahah!

Now if you happen to see me on this dress, if by any chance, we should meet, and you see me having such a huuuuge smile on my face, please.... don't tell the person next to you how much I paid for my outfit. Let's make that our happy little secret! Teheh!

Feet-ish!

With the car  being out of commission (for a repainting job after that incident), I am on my feet most of the time..  When I was a university professor, I loved being in heels, pointed toes, and yes, even chunky heels or stilettos. I started teaching university students when I was only 20yrs old, and being just a little over 5feet, most of my students towered above me.  So I experimented with high-heeled shoes (never got used to them before I became a teacher) and instantly earned that instant "oomph" in my confidence and height. But alas! Since I carry my mother's genes, I find myself prone also to rheumatism (self-diagnosed).  Those many years I have spent walking tall in high heeled beauties are talking its toll on me..  Now I realized, I cannot compromise comfort over fashion.  I knew I had to switch my preference to flats.

So on here's my feet-ish as of the moment:

Crocband Flat in Yellow: PhP 2350 in Crocstores  (about 55USD)

I love this in bright yellow.  It goes with anything I wear.  And the comfort it gives is amazing.  I can be in these all day and not wince on scrimped toes!

Crocs Malindi in Cotton Candy: PhP1850 (about 43USD)

The first Crocs I owned: I <3 it alot!

These are the first pair of Crocs I owned which eventually became my almost everyday shoes. Who can resist the comfort they bring?  Would have loved to collect them in all colors but then there's really not much point in collecting a lot of 'em since pink and yellow are enough to be paired with just about anything.  My toes aren't exactly too pretty to be shown off otherwise, I would have taken a Florence or a Rio. =(  Anyways, these two will do for the meantime.

For "dressier" days when I'm not allowed to be in rubber shoes or slippers, these are what I sport...

I bought these at the same time because they were on sale.  How much?  Only PhP500 (less than 12USD) each pair.  Not bad.  But these are more like disposable shoes (the gold is already showing signs of wear after using them for a couple of times).  The good thing is since they come in a pouch, I can go to work in heels and change into these flats when I have to run or in between lunch break so my feet can rest.  Yes, they are foldables.  Since I carry a large tote with me all the time, these two perfectly fit in my bag.

I still like being in heels.  I guess, every woman agrees, its something that cannot be dispensed with -- at one point or another, we will always need to stand taller.  But on ordinary days, its certainly okay to be in flats.  Its a most welcome treat for our tired, aching feet. =)

Madiha's Give Away

Here's to hoping I could win my first MAC...or first enormous palette? Madiha's give-away is superb.  She's giving away a MAC lippie, shadow, and paint pot of any color chosen by the winner!  The palette on the otherhand are awesome because whoever wins it also gets to choose the kind: matte or shimmery,etc.  


Check out these exciting stuffs and find out if your heart doesn't pop!

My wishlist includes:

• MAC Viva Glam or Twig Lippie
• Rubenesque, Indianwood Paint Pot
• Satin Taupe/Nylon or Woodwinked Eyeshadow
• and that beautiful 88 color Sedonace neutral matte palette ;-)

I know it wouldn't hurt to try but I sure do hope I'd win. =D

Bobo Lee's Give-Away

And on to my blog-walking spree!  I chanced upon Bobo Lee's site and hurray! She has a give-away!


Her blog offers a lot of DIY ideas.  Eli has a way of making lovely things seem uncomplicated.  I can't wait to try making my own frame. ;-)  Anyways, she's opened a blogstore!  And to welcome the good vibes and share her blessings, she's having her give-away..  Ain't that sweet?  Check out these fabulous items!

Who can resist these?  I definitely can't. =)