Winter is definitely not my favourite season and the list of things I dislike about it is far longer than the positive items. Layers (and layers) of clothing: when I first moved to Berlin back in 2001, one of the aspects of living here that my then three-year-old daughter and I had a devil of
Category: a woman’s strength
It wasn’t too long ago that I was getting the house ready for Advent, Christmas, New Year, and most importantly, the arrival of my daughter from Florence. Once she was here my world was whole again, and whatever was missing or felt hollow was suddenly filled. But all good things come to an end, and
“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” -Martin Luther King Jr. Happy New Decade Everyone! I desperately needed a few days away from blogging in the new year, simply because I was swamped
I found this photograph in my archives and decided it was the perfect way to close the decade. This was taken in Udaipur, India, showcasing the glorious past, the remain of a decaying era struggling so hard to keep up with the changing times. My life during the last decade was all about keeping up,
The last three days have been dedicated to decluttering, beginning with the closet. One of the advantages of moving from one country to another so often is that you are forced to sort through your things on a regular basis and discard what is no longer needed, has been outgrown, or was just wasting away
Christmas season is hectic, and each year I promise myself that I will not be dragged into the rush and commercialism. So far I have managed to trim down and cut a lot of corners, but have nevertheless ended up on the receiving end of other people’s hectic schedules. This is not always a bad
When in Berlin for the holidays, my daughter inevitably visits her best friend. M and M have been friends since Pre-School and in spite of the fact that we moved away from Berlin in 2006 the girls managed to keep in touch in the most marvellous way, which I attribute to the magic of the
It is quintessential Filipino to first fine the humour in tragedy or adversity. Whether it a political debacle or natural disaster, or even personal loss, the Filipino family will strive to find a way to continue to laugh together. For those who are not familiar with this peculiar trait, or who are married into it
“Your soul knows the geography of your destiny. Your soul alone has the map of your future, therefore you can trust this indirect, oblique side of yourself. If you do, it will take you where you need to go, but more important it will teach you a kindness of rhythm in your journey.”-John O’Donohue, Anam
One of the aspects of living in Germany that I had to come to terms with very early on was this overwhelming DIY culture. This is the land of precision tools and exact measurements, and where carpenters, plumbers and painters can become certified masters in their own craft. The value placed on tools, trade and
