Friends

A new year has come and with that, new friendships. The reason we enjoy the holidays so much, most of the time, is for the company. Many people travel around the world to reunite with those that are "expected there"- and always there, more than by choice, by fate=family. But when those people are far, the ones that you always used to see or share information with, you understand how much they mean.

A real friend shouldn't be someone that just keeps you company, a friend should be able to know everything about you and still love you- as you are. A friend calls to say hi once in a while, doesn't leave you or stop talking to you when you make a mistake. It isn't about giving love and sharing time with the expectation of receiving something. A sincere desire of friendship would overcome any obstacle. Those friends would call whenever you where feeling down, at least they would show some interest on your interest. Again, the problem comes when they like some parts of you, instead of loving you for you, as a whole.

Some friends stop calling over distance, and you get to wonder if they were they only because they had to see you, instead because they wanted to. Sometimes you ask yourself, "how is it, that I'm surrounded by people and I feel so alone". Maybe you didn't make any friends, just company. Or you gave them that name too soon. Some call, some only write to you in facebook, some just send text messages, some never invite you to things even if your available and some, out of nowhere just call to check how are you.

If we come to the point in life, when we are busy and growing older but we receive that call or give it, we care. Computers and social networks (like facebook) have made us show our "love" by how many comments we leave, instead of quality time together. That is why, in this new year, with St. Valentine coming soon, I invite you to analyze which are your true friends. Even if they are a few, if you can count on them, certaintly your lucky. If by any chance you feel alone, rejected or you don't know how to start: write. Write to me, to anyone, but specially write a letter to yourself, so that you remember that you are blessed to be here, that you are worth a lot and that you have a lot to offer.

Do not let anyone, that is present or constantly missing- make you believe your unworthy. As we grow we should be able to look back and count our blessings.

So in this opportunity I take the time to acknowledge my friends, my true friends, and those that will come on the way. Also my parents and the people that crossed at some point my path. I want to thank them for all they did all those years while I was busy turning into me.

Flower

A cart was outside. A little cart full of bouquets was available, cheaper than what I had always seemed near home. Then I drove by to college and saw around 8 people selling bouquets of flowers too; beautiful roses of all colors. Then I remembered the times I saw a man, with a ring in his left hand, buying them.

How many times we have heard at some point of our lives that women are like flowers. If not, we at least hear that the classic gifts we should receive are chocolates, teddy bears or flowers, flowers being the most common.

While looking at the cart I kept wondering- would a day come where I’m married and my husband sees those flowers and think, I’m getting them for her today. Not in an anniversary, not in a birthday, but in a random day. A random day, like the one I saw, where after a busy day at work that man saw those cheap flowers as an easy way to say I love you, or “I’ve been thinking about you all day love”. Pretty. Is not cheesy, is romantic. It’s idyllic to believe that we deserve that much from someone.

Today, I wish you reflect on the beauty of a flower. Compare it with a woman. Some live like a flower. They are only admired by their beauty, and they get torn by it. Different colors, textures, sizes. If you can, women or man, tell your partner, your friend: “I love you” and give a flower. It’s not fair they die in vain. At least they will be cheap, cute and beautiful. In this season, gift a flower and affection- that will surely let the other person know that you are thinking about them. That will make sure you express love, and that is something we need to do more often! J

One with the music

It’s almost midnight. The moon is brighter than ever. A full moon has never looked so pretty. The reflection of the dark sky fuses with the lights of the tall buildings. All are about ten feet from the sea. Lights that are red turn green as the car approaches them. Women are dancing in a table, couples hold hands, and models walk slowly in high heels. Silver is everywhere. The silver shirt it’s combined with silver color shoes and purse. Everything is moving towards that beautiful silver moon.

Her body was exhausted; the week had been a thought one. She was wearing shorts and she was glowing. She tried to have her curls straight, the plan didn’t work. It couldn’t have been more perfect. Natural curls where being blown by the breeze next to the sea. The music was decorating her body as she moved to the drum rhythm. She was herself, one with the music…

To be continued…

CHANGES

I just celebrated in the United States the election of Barack Obama and his theme: change. And I’m not even going to comment on the fact that he made history as the first African-American elected President or his power to move people. I will talk about the necessity of adjustments and changes we have to go in life. I believe many women try to plan stuff. Some have the ability to have a free spirit reflected on the non-addiction they have to agendas. The others have that to do list present all of the time. I want to do this and this, and then this afterwards, and I have to take care of the kids, share time with my husband, study, eat, cook, visit family, etc… so much time that we take as rubber bands in order to please someone. As I was saying to a friend: “don’t let your planning for your future, become your constant presents”.

It’s about attitude. I read someplace that 10% of the things you encounter are “what happened” and 90% is what you do with it. I also have something else in mind: veterans. Veterans Day is getting close, and these topics couldn’t be more related. We try to plan things ahead so that nothing comes as a surprise. We plan so much and try to be aware, that sometimes, even in relationships, we try not to get involved as much to prevent hurting “if something goes wrong”. But what happens when our circumstances change from one day to the other? When you have something in mind, and you think you have it on your side, and suddenly- it disappears.

Let me tell you, I know of people that have planned everything. Those wake up with an agenda and a schedule. I know I’m one of them. But let me tell you that right now I feel blessed with what I’ve got. I planned way ahead and God and destiny changed my plans. I ended up in another city with another program, my best friend at work and at heart was transferred near me, work opportunities have arrived in a time when there’s more unemployment; blessings and more blessings, made by embracing a change. I didn’t know what would happen, but I fell in love and feel happy. Happy because my agenda didn’t work, and all that dreaming with a plan had to go to the dumpster. My plan B became my only plan A, everything was turned around.

What about veterans? Could you imaging living each second in a war zone, where everything you know or want to do could dissappear? There you are, with your kids’ picture in your pocket, with a cross on your neck, with your tags- and in any moment- boom! You’re gone. What about the changes you face when you come back and you can’t delete those memories of war in your head. Where you are afraid and sleep with a gun or a knife. And what about the family that stays and waits- at a time where every single phone call turns to be the messenger of the worst news of your life. This quote: “Success in life is not about having everything that you like, but by liking everything you receive”.

I just got to ask you, to ask yourself if you honor and respect these veterans and their sacrifice. Recognize your own sacrifices at home. Don’t stop dreaming, you can achieve your goals. Remember, when a door closes, other opens, but it depends on you if you want to pass it.

I hear by give a mini gift to veterans and soldiers: especially the veteran that has turned my life around- I’m proud of you and love you. This is something I made:


V -Veterans are those who served The Nation
E - Everyday thanking that they would make it back home
T- Thinking of those they were fighting for
E – Every child, every husband or wife, freedom.
R- Reunited in experiences
A- Adjusting after War
N- United by one thing,
S- Service, I honor thee.

Take your time to pray for those who have died in service,
and those who are at War.

O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on your departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country. Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in you with your saints forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord.


Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in you will be glad and forever will shout for joy. Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of your strength and keep them safe from all harm. May the power of your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for your loving care. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

May God bless the troops and all veterans.