I love Cathy and this strip really struck a nerve... or more likely, a funny bone.

Click on the strip for a closer look.

"Which is worse, that life keeps passing me by or that it keeps sticking all over me?"

I love reading and with my literary appetite, I usually have 2-3 books on my night stand. But lately my book pile has started to tower. Blame it on work and television. Damn, why is it so easy to make excuses when it comes to reading? I should know better. So now, to sort of put on some pressure on me, I'm posting my book list. Now to weed through them one by one.

Clockwise from top left:

• How to Walk in High Heels by Camilla Morton
  
• The Island of the Day Before by Umberto Eco
  
• Foucault's Pendulum also by Umberto Eco
  
• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  
• The Grass Harp & A Tree of Night by Truman Capote
  
• What Should I Do with My Life by Po Bronson
• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
• Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
• The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler
  

Some are new finds and others are re-reads. Oh, and notice how diverse my interests are. There's a rulebook for modern gal, some literary classics (or take offs), philosophical mysteries, and a little dabbling in psychology. So, additional book recommendations, anyone?

Now, here is an intersting love quote to chew on...

L'amour est un coussin douillet et une épée posée sur la gorge.
Love is a soft cushion and a sword against the throat. --Shan Sa

For the past 2 weekends I've been away from Metro Manila. Both were wonderful, wonderful weekends that deserve write-ups but I haven't had much time lately. Or rather, I've been spending time doing, well, less productive stuff.

I've always had itchy feet and travel really stimulates my senses. I always come back feeling renewed despite the long drive. Oh, and I have about 3 new travel destinations in mind... Itchy, itchy feet.

Not exactly music but I wanted to share these poems of Billy Collins with you. I think I've actually fallen in love with literature and (an attempt at) writing all over again. Be prepared since these do not follow the usually conventions of poetry. It's more like a story --but not as definite as one. It still allows you that freedom to interpret it as you please. It's like you're being shown the take off point, but where you choose to go is entirely up to you.

Another thing I love is the seemingly lightheartedness of the poetry. It tackles familiar, everyday things... feelings... something almost anyone can connect with. But don't let that tone fool you :)

Anyway, I'm rambling again. I'm still currently going though his collection (aptly title Best Cigarette) and the ones I've posted are those I've fallen in love with. Am I so obviously swooning?

Oh, and if you feel like it, search youtube for the animated version of forgetfulness.

I have this little dashboard widget, Today in History, which I love for the facts and trivia that I pick up from it daily. Sounds geeky, I know. Anyway, when I browse through it, most facts I read are birthdays of important people or about global/world events.

But today, February 4, the little tidbit I found was closer to home. Because on this day in 1899, Emilio Aguinaldo started the fight for independence against the Americans. Can't help but feel a wee pit patriotic. In this time of uncertainty, it feels good to be reminded of the greatness of the Filipino.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Woohoo!

As I'm writing this entry, I can feel the gentle cool breeze blow thru my open window and it's as if I'm falling into the lull of the night. I've always been a night person. I love the peace and quiet that it brings. It's at night when I do the bulk of my "creative" and even analytical work --I write, I draft my reports, I plan my next couple of days.

During the day, it's all about activity --usually in a flux of movement. But at night I'm allowed to sit still and be alone with my thoughts. I can think freely, without the usual distractions. And with the cool breeze of the night, there's a greater sense of comfort and security, enough of liberate my thoughts all the more.

Here's a little haiku --for the cool night breeze...

I sit still and I can write
Cool air flows through me
Frees my senses, thoughts, and self

I've been blabbing about how blah I've been feeling lately --no excitement, passion, the usual whatever. Then suddenly yesterday I had some sort of epiphany. That's probably an exaggeration. But if I ever had one, that's how I imagine it would have had felt.

As I was surfing the web, something caught my attention & an idea struck. So I took out a pencil & some paper & just wrote down whatever came to mind. I suddenly felt excited, giddy even --heart pounding, breathing a bit faster than usual, brain in overclock mode, thoughts & ideas pouring.

And it felt good. I felt alive, inspired.

Now that's how I want to live everyday of my life.