John Lennon is right. Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. All the wonderful things that happened the past two months seemed like a blur now as I try to go back to my regular routine. I finally had the time to reflect on those things. I am thankful for all the opportunities the past two months. Here are some quotes that proved to be true for me:
1. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C. S. Lewis
One of my aunts was the youngest in the family. She never took interest in cooking since someone else in the family took charge of that task while she was growing up. My aunt is almost 60 but when there was a TESDA culinary training program in our barangay, she enlisted and learned to cook. We were just too happy to be taste-testers.
This is the pasta dish she cooked.
Because she gained confidence in kitchen, she cooked caramelized bananas.
2. “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.”
I read this quote somewhere. I am not sure who originally said this. I have several projects for the past two months that sometimes, it felt like I needed a break. Sometimes, I fear that I might not be able to perform well. But the trick was to just show up, do the best work and you get your rewards. Mine reward was in artwork and chocolate.
3. “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world”. -Gustave Flaubert. In my case, I was a small girl near a big tree.
4. “Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.” – Malcolm Gladwell. I found time to practice watercolor painting, drawing and calligraphy. I tried a little poetry, too.
5. ” The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart”. -Elizabeth Foley
I got to go out with my longtime friend in Manila. I got to bond with my college roommates in Laguna. I have not seen them in 12 years. I also visited my good friend in Singapore. I met up with my college classmate here in Butuan.
6. “OHANA means family, family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten”. -Lilo and Stitch My aunt volunteered to repaint my living room.
This was after I came back from a trip and found my entryway colorfully repainted. I am blessed.
7. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.” Robert Collier
I have been religiously exercising in February and it felt great. Travel got in the way in March. I am trying to get back to the routine this April.
8. “Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see.” ― Arthur Schopenhauer.
I got to know Johanna Basford through a Facebook post by Patricia. I kept telling myself. Why did not I think of that? Johanna is an artist who creates intricate drawings using inks (pen). She published 2 coloring books for adults and I want a copy but they are sold out at Amazon. The following are her books:Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book
I also discovered Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye. Such refreshing talents.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esgfG3BoAPc?rel=0]Thank you, God, for the awesome two months!
Aside from the quotes, your photos look amazing!
Quote #2 is my quote, I also made a post about it, that no one is PERFECT! And don’t pretend to be someone— I’m not because I’m good at being me. Whether you feel sad, you have to get up, dress up and show up no matter what!
Bet it was awesome to see your college room mates after such a long time, lots to catch up on! A lovely post and certainly looks like you have had a fantastic 2 months! Sim x
Great quotes. Fixated on the first one. Can’t believe your aunt is just a newbie cook when she made that fab looking pasta dish! Loved the caramelized saba too! 🙂
The pasta your aunt made looks very yummy. I hope I can enroll Tesda too, I mean I hope it’s free even if I have a work already. Education should be free. I love almost all your quotes. Your paintings are very beautiful. It reminds me of cards and I feel sentimental 🙁
That training was for free. You can inquire with Tesda but class was meant for those who do not work. Schedule was on a weekday.
the caramelised bananas look yummy! and I love the quotes, especially the one on travelling from Gustave Flaubert.
my favorite among your quotes is number tree .. I love traveling and it gives me a sense of direction and it allowed me not only to discover other places but also to find my own niche in the society.
All are very good quotes. You’re really artistic! Start selling them!
Thanks for the positive and inspiring quotes here. After seeing first photo i thought it is cooking post and love the way pasta is presented. All the quotes you have posted are brilliant and i was raeding the quotes then look for photos to relate it with them.
These are great quotes to live our lives by. So many ring true on a daily basis..
Wow the pasta and bananas looked delicious, it’s time for me to try something different too! I like reading inspiring quotes as they will somehow lift one’s mood and make it better!
some great quotes and I’m just drooling over the food
Indeed, truly inspiring quotes to live by. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.” this is me.
On #2 they also said, “The heaviest lift you have, is lifting your butt up from your bed.” Haha No matter how you feel, sometimes, all things needed is for you to show up! 🙂 Great inspiring quotes!
Quotes #1, 2 and 7 are my favorites among this list. I will memorize them and internalize them.
Of course, I know about Ohana! Naalala kita when I saw the cover of the journal at MCA. The book is quite expensive here based on online search but I haven’t seen an actual book in the shops.
Love the quotes. They are very inspiring. The pasta and caramelized bananas both look so delicious!
Omg love the pasta dish plating that your aunt made!!! You really live a very fulfilling life, you’ve inspired me to make the best out of everyday of my life. =D
I agree on the part on not being too old to set a goal. We should continue setting goals and getting to aim higher as we grow older.
I find your posts very refreshing. I love all your quotes because they say much to me too. Here’s to a great May!
Just the kind of pick me up that I need. Thank you! 🙂
Those are such marvelous quotes. And I have to congratulate your aunt for cooking such a scrumptious looking meal. One is never too old for new skills.
Great quotes, these are some of the quotes that i read for first time.
thanks for lovely article
I simply love number one. It’s not too late for me being awesome! YAY!