WELCOME 2009

ROGER AND I WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

WE WELCOME THE NEW YEAR 2009 TO BRING US ALL THE LOVE, JOY, PEACE, AND SUCCESS THAT WE CAN EVER IMAGINE. WE WISH OUR LOVED ONES, OUR CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS BE FILLED WITH HAPPINESS TODAY AND FOREVER. MAY THE BLESSINGS, LOVE, AND GUIDANCE OF OUR LORD CONSTANTLY REMIND US OF HIS GREATNESS. THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

TWO DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS ....

Thursday is Christmas Day
I pray all will take a moment to praise JESUS
The baby born to save the world from sins.

I pray for peace among men
I pray for love to surface
I pray for all to unite

I pray for goodness and righteousness
I pray for people to gather and unite
For all of mankind to care and love one another.

I pray that every soul listens
To the glorious voices that sing
Alleluia to the KING
The Savior, who loves us all!!

THANK YOU, OH LORD!

THANK YOU, OH LORD
FOR THE NEW HOUSE WHERE WE DWELL
THANK YOU, OH LORD
FOR THE LOVE, THE CARE, AND BLESSINGS
FOR ALL THY GUIDANCE IN OUR LIVES
THAT WE BECOME WORTHY OF THY LOVE
THAT WE BECOME THE BEST THAT WE CAN BE
FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF THY KINGDOM
THAT THROUGH THY WISDOM AND LOVE
PEACE, SUCCESS, AND HAPPINESS COME OUR WAY
BLESS THIS FAMILY AND OUR LOVED ONES
BLESS THAT WE MAY ENDURE THE ATROCITIES OF LIFE
AND THAT WE MAY LEARN TO BE STRONGER EACH DAY
THROUGH OUR FAITH IN YOU, WE CAN SURVIVE
THE CHALLENGES EACH DAY BRINGS
HEAVENLY FATHER, WE CALL ON YOU
KEEP US AWAY FROM HARM AND SICKNESS
KEEP US LOVING, PEACEFUL, AND FOREVER FAITHFUL
WE ASK ALL OF THESE, THROUGH YOUR SON,
JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.

STILL ANOTHER ROOM IN THE HOUSE

ANOTHER PART OF THE HOUSE

Inside the new house ....

LIVING ROOM, KITCHEN, DINING ROOM AREAS

My Toyota 2006

This is the car that takes me everywhere: to school, to my appointments, to my friend's homes to visit, and to our destinations when I travel with Roger during off days. Though, a lot of times he drives his Dodge Van.

Mindoro International Website

The Mindoro International Website is indeed the connector to relatives, "kababayans", childhood friends, and former classmates who are elsewhere in the world. I am very pleased about the information and news we can get about our town, province, and its people. Take for instance, the children of my Ninang Juling Alberto. They were my childhood friends way back in Ilaya, never heard about them since after my high school years, and now through this website saw their pictures. That was since 1963. That has been 45 years now. I would like to see them one of these days, maybe in Calapan or in the USA!! That would be so awesome!!!

Arthur, Maeng, Nora, Gabriel, and Arlette, ( Am I correct? ) I would want you to connect with me! I would love to see you again and meet your respective families!! At the same time, meet my family!! I am not sure too about your Mom and Dad? Please update me!!!

Association of Calapenos-USA International

October 25, 2008 at Marriott Airport Hotel Burbank, CA, the Association of Calapenos-USA International held its 2nd Dinner-Dance Fundraising Event. It was a very successful activity meant to raise funds for its projects and for all of us to get together again. The event was chaired by its SoCal Coordinator, Dr. Ting Luna and the Calapenos Int'l President Jimmy Chua. Roger, my son Ohskar, and I went to the party and mixed around with old friends and acquaintances. I met Eleanor Collera and sister Estela with their respective families. They were my childhood friends in Ilaya. My Kumadreng Letty Cueto was in attendance too, with some of her friends from Alameda, CA. Other friends who graced the occasion are Juliet from NY, Luz and family from Las Vegas, Orville from Las Vegas, Mrs. Garong and family from Cerritos, CA, and many others. It was a fun-filled evening and it ended with a "Big Treat" at the suite of Ting Luna at Marriott. Filipino dishes were served, lots of drinks, and most of all, the never ending kuwentuhan. Roger and I retreated to our room at almost 1AM. Quite an exhausting week-end! Sunday, at 11AM we had a Committee Meeting presided by Jimmy and Ting. Next fundraising event will be in Las Vegas, our group's chance to host the occasion!!!

MY NEW FRIENDS IN TOASTMASTERS

I am back in Toastmasters. I recently joined the BURNT TOAST II TOASTMASTERS CLUB. We meet every Wednesday at 6:00 PM at the Desert Pines Golf Course located at the corner of Pecos and Bonanza, North Las Vegas. I am fortunate to have met a good group of Toastmasters headed by its founder Jerry Simon, President Max Hooks, officers and members Shandra Edmond, Allan Frank, William Stover, Wayne Lueck, Anthony Aguillard, Lynn Jasames, and Timm. The club is quite small in membership, however, the quality is great. The membership is diverse. I am fortunate enough to have met this group of dedicated and service-oriented people. I am sure I will be learning a lot from this involvement as I had always been in my Toastmaster's career.

To my readers who may have no idea of what Toastmasters is all about, Toastmasters International is a worldwide organization whereby a person is helped develop and enhance his speaking skills. The member goes through a step-by-step development of his communication and leadership skills. In the process of his association with Toastmasters, he meets all kinds of professional who have the same intention of improving their speaking skills. He speaks in front of his club working on his speech projects to reach competency. He is evaluated by another toastmaster or toastmasters and in the process he learns, improves, and becomes more competent in speaking. He has the opportunity to compete in speech contests namely: Humorous Speech, Evaluation Speech, Impromptu Speech, Tall Tales Speech, and the International Speech Contests. Attending speech contests in area, division, and district levels is an advantage and an opportunity. Meeting people from all walks of life is another advantage for networking. Having fun meeting new friends and speaking in front of an audience are two most important skills one can learn through Toastmasters.

THANK YOU LORD

Thank you Lord for Thy loving kindness
For Thy guidance and light
For Thy intercession and direction
Of which without YOU
I wouldn't be what I am now...

Thank you Lord for loving me
For taking care of me every second
With or without difficulties
You are there ...
With or without questions
You give me answers
Of which without YOU
I wouldn't be what I am now...

Thank you Lord for all the good times,
as well as the bad times
For without knowing them
I wouldn't be the way I am now ....

Thank you Lord for everything
that happened to me
For my family and friends
For the people around me
who have touched my life
and who have made the difference ....

Thank you Lord for everything
I praise Thee and continuously pray
for happiness and success
to always come my way.

I also pray for everyone
That their lives be filled
with so much love and care
learn to give and forgive
For loving, giving, forgiving
the peaks of love in action.

Minnette, Sept. 13, 2008

13th of September 2008

PRIYA & BUNNY

Priya is the youngest child of Ohmar & Portia. They flew to the U.S. last August 12 to visit us and attend Marju's wedding in Minnesota. It has been one month and this morning ( 1:15 AM ) as I am composing this, the family is on a jetplane flying back to the Philippines. It will be a 15 hour trip. By afternoon at around 2:00PM ( Las Vegas time ) the family would be home in Makati City where they reside.

I called them last night in Sta. Monica, CA ( Ohskar lives there )and Portia was telling me that Priya would be hand carrying her doll, Bunny. Bunny sings when you press her hand. Priya had learned the song, a love song, from the time Roger, my boyfriend gave it to her. That doll was special because Roger gave that to me last Easter, and consented to give it to Priya. She is a cutie and a very smart kid. I know deep in my heart that she had enjoyed her trip to the US with her Mom and Dad. What a lucky girl!! I LOVE YOU ALL! THANK GOD FOR ALL OUR BLESSINGS AND LOVE. PEACE!

The Family in Action

Family Wedding Picture

Wedding Pictures of Marie & Ryan

The Wedding of Ryan & Marie

A new life begins as my only daughter, Marie weds Ryan Anderson of Proctor, MN.
They had been classmates since Ninth Grade at Proctor High School and had been the sweetest best friends ever.

Presently, Ryan is a Manager of McDonald's in Cloquet, MN while Marie works for United Health Care in Duluth, MN as its Membership Recruitment Specialist.

The couple has bought Ryan parent's house where he grew up. That house would be their permanent residence. The wedding took place last August 15, 2008 at the Enger Tower Park in Duluth, MN attended by family and friends.

We wish Ryan & Marie success and happiness as they embark this new chapter of their lives together. God bless!

A New Chapter

A NEW CHAPTER

The book is getting full
Halfway to the sky
The memories that last
Good, bad, ugly and best.

The masterpiece haven't been drawn
Not sketched, neither been designed
It will take almost a lifetime
For the best is yet to come.

Life is a constant struggle
A game I have enjoyed to play
Winning is always a yearning
Losing is learning after all.

A new chapter is soon approaching
Another door is on the way
Knowledge, wisdom and all life's treasures
Are soon to color the world and mine.

Loving is a Game

LIVING IS A GAME

Loving, giving, living, sharing
Is all but a game to everyone
Developing, improving, enhancing
Methods and means people get by.

Does everybody really care changing
For the better or for the best
Does everybody need to enrich
The lives they know is the finest.

The game of life is such a passion
To anyone who works for perfection
Loving life, living life's a mission
To all alive who put other things aside.

Loving, living, giving, sharing
Breathing in and out around life
Hugging, kissing, mooching, caring
Life is good, a game to boot.

First Morning

The First Morning

The wind's blowing, the leaves swaying
My head's turning, my hair's flipping
The wind beneath me like wings supporting
Love conquered all the nature's bounty
Love did but not me!

Open wide spaces along the trail I took
Birch trees with silver linings
I knew had been an open book
Century old pines along the lake they took
The treasures embedded,"Oh my,what a spook!"

Graceful antelopes on the meadows
Roamed around with dusky shadows
Beautiful, wonderful sight I saw
It brought so much hope in me.

First morning seemed like yesterday
Thoughts of life once more remembered
Loving him was stalking my morrow
I realized I loved him so.

As I laid my eyes the first morning
And thought about the life we've shared
Loving him was what I've wanted
End of time: bit to dust!

REACHING FOR THE MOON IN DAYLIGHT

REACHING FOR THE MOON IN DAYLIGHT

Yes, why not?

While we are young or younger
Strive the best to reach for goals
Meeting goals can be a fulfilling experience
That would keep us from falling or losing balance.

Maintaining an equilibrium
Be cautious that we do maintain a good position
Making choices must be planned or programmed
Stay away from any harm.

Inflicting pain and evil on ourselves
When we fall down from disgust and frustration
Not a good thing to punish ourselves
Stand up and rise again instead!!

TURNING BACK

TURNING BACK


LIFE IS A SERIES OF UPS AND DOWNS. DURING THESE TIMES, A PERSON GOES THROUGH A TURNING BACK. TURNING BACK IS A PROCESS. ONE HAS TO GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS FOR THE PURPOSE OF RE-EVALUATING ONESELF. ANOTHER WAY TO SAY THIS IS SOUL-SEARCHING. WHAT ARE THE GOOD THINGS HE MAY HAVE IN HIS PERSONALITY, AND/OR WHAT ARE THE BAD THINGS HE MAY HAVE? IN ONE'S LIFE, ADDING AND/OR SUBTRACTING ARE MUSTS. NO WAY THAT ONE CAN LIVE A WHOLE LIFE IF HE DOES NOT ENGAGE IN THESE PROCESSES. MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION ARE IMPORTANT ALSO. LIFE IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS. IT IS A JOURNEY. AS ONE TRAVELS IN THIS WORLD, HE OR SHE GOES THROUGH A DIVERSITY OF ROADS. HE OR SHE THEN TRIES TO ADAPT OR ADOPT TO THAT PARTICULAR SITUATION. LIFE IS ADJUSTMENT. IT IS ADAPTATION. IT IS CHANGE, CHANGE FOR THE BETTER, NEVER A CHANGE FOR THE WORSE. IT IS ALWAYS FOR THE BEST INTEREST OF HIMSELF OR HERSELF AND THE PEOPLE HE OR SHE LOVES AROUND HIM OR HER. IT IS BUT BASIC THAT A PERSON SHOULD DO THE BEST SHE OR HE CAN DO TO LIVE A LIFE FULL OF PEACE AND QUIET, HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS FOR HIS OR HER BENEFIT. IF ONLY PEOPLE THINK AND BELIEVE THIS WAY, LIFE IS A MUCH BETTER DEAL FOR EVERYONE.

DO YOU WANT TO TRY? GOOD LUCK AND MAY GOD'S BLESSINGS BE WITH YOU!

July 9, 2008 - TURNABOUT -

TURNABOUT

Togetherness undone
Repercussions never away
Belief overly-misunderstood
Until today, a TURNABOUT !

Turnabout so difficult
Bringing pain, sorrow, and shout
Two hearts, two souls, two bodies in love
Aftermath is TURNABOUT!

Turnabout, go, go about turn
About turn, go and turnabout!
Go back, go forward
Move on and turnabout!

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Bridgeport, CA

July 4, 2008

The 4th of July is a very significant day not only for the Americans but for the Filipinos as well. July 4, 1946 was the day when America granted the Philippines its' nation's Independence. Fifty years later, the Philippine government amended that provision of the Constitution and made it the "Fil-American Day". The country's lawmakers reviewed history and decided to go back to the original date of Independence of the country, independence from the Spaniards, which was dated June 12, 1896.

The Philippines was colonized in 1521 after a Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan discovered our country, Since that day on, the Spaniards became an integral part of history. The country was under the Spanish colonization for 400 years. It was in 1898, when the USA liberated us through the "Treaty of Paris". The US government offered the Spanish government the amount of $20,000,000.00 in US Dollars for Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. As of today, Guam and Puerto Rico remain colonies, however, the Philippines has remained a close ally.

Today, we celebrate together! HAPPY BIRTHDAY,UNCLE SAM! THANK YOU FOR JULY 4, 1946! You gave the Philippines its' independence!

Today, I celebrate Independence right here at the heart of Las Vegas, NV. This is my place of residence and employment. I work in this city as a schoolteacher. My turn has come to make a difference in the lives of the school children I teach in this great country. MABUHAY!

June 6-15, 2008 Trip to CA

It was a ten-day trip with Roger and Oneill to Northern CA. From Las Vegas we took the I-95 South to Barstow, Bakersfield, then to I-99 , then to Highway 50 East to Placerville, CA. We reached Placerville at around midnight as we passed by Sacramento to join some old friends at a Country Western Dance. It was a fun-filled evening meeting some old faces, then met Trudy, Steve, and Vicky at Al's house. It was a sad moment since Al had gone home the Wednesday before. Saturday afternoon was a memorial in Al's honor attended by family and close friends. On Sunday we went to Roger's non-denominational church in Sacramento for the church service. On Monday morning we brought our van to Julian's Automotive due to a fuel line leak. It was a rest day for Roger, however Oneill and I went around El Dorado County to visit some friends. We were able to get the van back on Tuesday afternoon, so we had another day of delay. Wednesday morning we proceeded to Sacramento to visit Roger's daughter Stacey and granddaughter Jade. We proceeded to Roseville that night to visit Susan and Bob.On Thursday we were supposed to travel to San Francisco with grandkid Jade, but the plans changed due to Jade's Friday's travel to Dakota with her Dad, so we spent the day shopping for her and went to a nearby park afterwards. On Friday we proceeded to the other places: Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Bodie Old Mining Town,Mono Lake in Lee Vinning, Bridgeport. We stayed for two nights in a hotel in Bridgeport, and the following Sunday proceeded home via Highway 395 passing Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, Beatty, then Las Vegas. The van overheated thirty miles before Las Vegas, had it towed, but we were able to go home safely. It was such a tiring trip but worthwhile since we saw a lot of scenic and historical spots in that part of CA.

LAKE TAHOE, CA

Mono Lake, Lee Vinning, CA

Yosemite National Park, CA

June 2008 Trip to Northern CA

TODAY

APARTMENT 1083

August 10, 2006, the day I moved in
To this Camden unit called Oasis Springs
It's gated, it's secured from possible nuisances
Can be brought about by zombs and crizzies.

The place is nice the place is quiet
The people around are all abound
With all their needs with all their wants
I'm so happy I have one.

Roger's moving in September 07
For me was a great advantage
Around him happiness springs
His craziness and fondness
Makes me feel I'm the nicest.

Apartment 1083 still we're here
Our home, the home we've loved
Everyday as we look around
Peace, love, and quiet abound.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Today, we remember the brave men and women who died in pursuit of freedom and democracy. We pray for the repose of their souls. We also pray for the safety of our men and women in uniform who are still out there fighting for freedom and democracy. To these men and women I dedicate this poem:

GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS

God bless our soldiers the men of courage best
God bless the men and women whose lives they risk for us
God bless the chosen few whose leadership prevails
And so our nation's safety, our health, our freedom roar.

God bless America the land you so much loved
The people who inhabited, this nation is our pride
The courageous men and women who's out to make them halt
The terrors deliberately committed, the acts of evil's mind.

God bless our soldiers the soldiers in foreign lands
God bless our soldiers whose sacrifices mount
God bless our soldiers raging war on Demon's camps
God bless our soldiers keep them safe and out of harm.

Heavenly Father, our Lord and our God
Bless our soldiers our cherished kind
Give them the wisdom they need so badly now
Send them Your Love, Your Guidance, Your Might!

God bless our soldiers, God bless them all
God cover them with trusts all around
Keep everyone of them under Thy great wings
Make them precise, concise and wise.

God bless our soldiers, we repeatedly ask
Make them safe till they finish their task
God bless our soldiers, we all humbly ask
Heavenly Father, we want them back.

by MMHonkala-from "Poems that Inspire"
C2004 Brainerd, MN USA

COLOR WAVES

COLOR WAVES

Black waves so much grief ...

Red waves on deep rage ....

Brown waves keeping balance ...

Blue waves calming down ....

Orange waves being cautious ...

Purple waves meditate ...

White waves offering peace ...

Green waves clean and fresh ...

Silver waves bringing hope ...

Pink waves radiate love ...

Color waves building rainbows ...

Color waves gorgeous sight ...

MMH 10/22/02

BELIEVE

Believe in yourself, move at a vigorous gait

The word is pelt, hurl it, but be safe

What belief brings, magic you can taste

Forever trusting, indeed you can be great.

Peerless, "incomparable" can you be

As long as you believe you're a grand "me"

Gifts inherent within you

Very alluring, excelling and true.

Believe is the word to trust

By many who live in gust

The process itself a must, otherwise

You're comparable to a pus.

* "Belief in oneself" is an important element in self-esteem.

A person needs this value to become happy and successful in life.

CONCEIVE, PERCEIVE, BELIEVE

Conceive is to form a notion.

Perceive is to understand an idea.

Believe is to accept the truth.

Have trust or confidence.

CONCEIVE, PERCEIVE, THEN BELIEVE.

By: Minerva M. Honkala, April 14, 2006

WHAT MOTHER BRINGS

What Mother brings to me I know

A beam of smile with much aglow

Deep in my heart I love her so

Mother dear, she is my bough.

Mother stands behind me to guide

Like a lamp she has been my light

She speaks to me without a fight

Gives me advice and the best insight.

In the morning hours, she brings sunlight

A platter of pancakes, honey-suckle delight

As the daylight's breeze pass the window's height

What a comely feeling, like a starry night.

What Mother brings are endless cheers

Lifting me up to reach the stars

Every endeavor I act out loud

She assures me, I'll be all right.

* FROM: " The Way to Becoming a Total Person"

POEMS THAT INSPIRE

Copyright 2004 Minerva M. Honkala

* DEDICATED TO ALL MOTHERS OF THE WORLD

MOTHER'S DAY, May 11, 2008

Monday again! May 5, 2008

Monday again! While writing my journal this morning I am listening to the song, "First Time Ever I saw Your Face" by George Michael.

What a beautiful song! It reminded me about the first time I ever saw the faces of my newborn babies ( five of them) . Each face was different. Each face has its own peculiar characteristics. Ohmar had a rounded face just like mine when I was a baby. He had rounded eyes, too. Owen was like more of his father, white in complexion, brownish hair and longer limbs. Oneill had a fairer complexion, lips like mine ( quite thicker, like a pouting lips. Beautiful, attractive lips ! He had longer limbs also, so just like Owen they are the taller ones. Ohskar came next. He was white in complexion, too. His skin was very fine, he was very "guapo" when he was younger. All my boys are "guapo" and now that they are adults they are still good-looking. Marju or Marie as she is fondly called by her friends is very pretty. She had a white complexion, brown hair, and beautiful, smiling eyes. She grew up to be very beautiful.

All my children are nice kids. They were able to grow the way I raised and brought them up. Now that everyone is an adult, everything that happened to all of us during those years are just memories to me. I can't wait until I see all of them become very successful and happy in the lives they have chosen. God bless all of them and their own families.

"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is one song I will always remember while alive. It means so much to me. I am sure any of my readers can relate to this song.

Have fun today, and "Be the best of what you can do today".

Minnette M. Honkala

ROGER AS AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Roger is assisting one lady do her picture puzzle. Most often people in their senior years find difficulty moving their fingers. This exercise will help her improve her fine motor coordination.

ROGER DOUGLAS

R emember May 28, 2006?
first time I heard your voice
jokingly you uttered,
"let's go dance, maybe afterwards we can have wild sex"..

O ffensive was it ... you must have thought
but "NO": no, no, no, it was not
I took it very lightly as you gave it
sent me a message, "You must be fun to be with."

G ot together, next few days came
to the dances we had lots of fun
to Denny's after dance where we shared
breakfast: eggs, sausages and buns
beginning friendship started to plant
within our hearts we knew it was just fine ...

E vening after evening we met and danced
evening after evening we talked and soon we found
we are for each other, we've always rhymed
no matter what we do we've always clicked and jived ...

R eminiscing our past always is a pleasure
looking back where it all began
the love that blossomed,
admiration for each other followed through
now, we're stuck we knew that
our love is so true ....

D evoted should you be?
Do you really love me?
doubts turned into fear
should you follow it through?
decision was made, scary thoughts erased
you knew God was in the midst
HE approved, " just be and do your best."

O utspoken you had been, you asked and asked
along the way you've found red flags
love dissipated, you wanted to break
but NO, your heart said, " You're making a mistake."

U nderscored is what it was
you misunderstood, misinterpreted
you thought I was very controlling
and too demanding
afterwards you realized, " No, she was not."

G ot back to your original feelings
you proved I was so lovable,
I was caring enough
love blossomed more after that hurt
better relations grew fast
like gold that rush ...

L ove we mentioned is a powerful force
with great love our relationship will last
faith sustains us, in life let's trust
God the Father in heaven will
always be with us
Hope, the third virtue we must live by
Hope will bring us together to even greater heights
let's walk with love, with faith, with hope
let's walk with GOD, that MUST be our thrust ...

A dream come true, you said I am
knowing now the truth behind
loving me, treating me like a Queen every night
the promised goal you have set
is for US to be ONE ...

S eriously have you and I become
clinging to each other with all our might
Today and forever the cherished love we have
to remain as faithful, sincere and true
Just like the love we have for God Almighty
In prayer we say, " Bless us Father, our Lord and King,
May our love for each other last".
Just like the unconditional love
you have for the two of us."

MAHAL NA MAHAL KITA!

With much love,

Minnette

MY FIVE GEMS

Ohskar, Oneill, Ohmar (Portia) Marie (Ryan) Owen

The joys of my life
Five kids by my side
Four boys in a row
A girl so thorough.

Ohmar being eldest
and yet the smartest
Portia's the partner
In life they do best.

Owen the second one
Takes life with a whine
He strikes very hard
To hit with a bang!


Oneill being third
He's traveling next
To the U.S. he comes
He'll fly this month.

Ohskar being youngest
He seems the brightest
Web designs he does
Plays guitar the best.

Marie's the only girl
The prettiest of all
Getting married very soon
Ryan Anderson, her groom.

The five gems I have
Sent to me from above
They sparkle bright
Full of warmth and love.

How lucky can I be
All my gems are true
What I pray and hope
Success, happiness always!

THANK GOD, IT'S FRIDAY!

Thank God, It's Friday! (TGIF)
It's Friday again!Wow!How days go by so fast!!

I will be able to relax tonight knowing that the following day is a Saturday. I take a long "bummy" day on a Saturday! I sleep in, do my household chores, write my poetry while listening to music (Pandora Box), dance to the tune of a country song, (George Strait)do my step work in my exercise machine, and eat my favorite Filipino food. To top it all, I chat with my children and my grandchildren over my YM. I have a webcam so I see them and they see me! What a treat, huh?

Thanks to my sweetheart Roger for giving me a new set of computer for my birthday last February 18, 2008. That was the best gift I ever had in my life! Thanks, Darling!!

This morning I will be very busy in school helping the children with their lessons and helping them learn good values. With good values people learn how to make choices, choices that can help them as they go through the steps of life. Life is difficult. Life is a hard-earned enterprise, so to speak! A person should be ready to face life and its' challenges as he goes through life's processes. Life is very complicated. There is a lot of webs and links to achieve success and happiness. As I have always said in my speeches and writings, " Life in its' simplicity and complexity still remains to be a mystery." This is a saying I have composed, and I believe in this maxim. You may interpret this maxim in a different light. However, life has always been a mystery, it is a mystery and will always be a mystery! Whatever mystery you go through in life will be something you have to figure out and solve. People are faced with a multitude of challenges and it is up to them to meet those. Each one is unique. Each one has its own way of solving life's mysteries!

ARTWORK ... WORK OF ART ( Life vs. Love)

Work of art ... LIFE is

You and I

Much more: people discern.

Prime art ... LIFE is

You and I

Much more: humans influence.

LIFE, "buoyancy, existence, vivacity"

a man and a woman in love

as one: a man and a woman mold

create a life designed

express love as GOD commands.

Artwork ... LIFE is

You and I believe

Much more: humans perceive

A woman who conceive

Bring forth LIFE exceedingly received.

LIFE ... an artwork

processed by LOVE ...

LOVE ... an artwork

prompted by LIFE.

ARTWORK: LIFE & LOVE DEFINED.

SOMEBODY ANSWERS

Many times in people's lives
Disarrays and confusions arise
Weakness of human body, dispositions fail
It's but sound and normal
People freak out while still alive.

The fright comes along
Makes one disproportionate, unsure
Apprehension keeps still
then stays so very long
Much a dread ...
Much a puzzle ....
A big blow it hits: like fire in a blanket of snow.

Does somebody answer?
Does someone hear?
The heartache, the foil ...
The disgust, the disgruntle ...
The problem, the predicament,
the perplexity of life ...
so unbearable to hold.

Will somebody answer?
Will someone care?
Will somebody come to rescue the one ...
The man who is afflicted,
the man who has the throe ...
The man whose life is all but vain.

Somebody answers ... there is always ONE
When there is FAITH, or when there is none
The Heavenly Father, He sees and hears
Your groan, your moan and all your pain.

Somebody answers ...
please trust and pray
Seek hard and try to find
the right way on your time
The choice you make will surely get by
Algorithm of life's complexities
will be answered for real.

GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS

"The Sea At Dawn"

The first appearance of daylight in the morning takes place at dawn. What a wonderful way to begin a new day! The bright light shining over the horizon while the dark clouds start to leave and go away show a very significant meaning.

There is light after dark. This, to me is hope. A wise saying which I like to reiterate is, " Behind the clouds, the sun is still shining!"

I wonder how people would react to this very inspiring message! But, people are different and they have incongruous belief system.

My dear friends and loved ones: Listen to the beat of your heart. Listen to the message of your head. Listen to the toil of your hand.

GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS!

HE LISTENS TO YOUR CRY.

HE LISTENS TO YOUR WAIL.

HE LISTENS TO YOUR BEREAVEMENT.

GO AND PRAY.

KNOW HIM.

LOVE HIM.

SERVE HIM. It is through SERVICE where you can find fulfillment and total happiness.

Try it, my friend!! God bless you!

On April 18, 2008 (Friday),

I went to my mailbox and checked the mails
Got an envelope from the ETS ( Educational Testing Service )
I knew the results will soon come in
Took PRAXIS TEST on March 15

Fearfully, I unsealed the envelope
My heart beating like thunderstorm
The score received was one six seven
"Oh, God ! Thank you !" I exclaimed.

Driving back to my parking lot
Consistently, I was thanking GOD
Felt the Holy Spirit, I cried out loud
GOD, YOU'RE AWESOME.
Had always been in my life.

GOD IS AWESOME!
I have always felt
In my life, HE is my GUIDE

GOD IS AWESOME!
FAITH is far beyond
All my life, HE is around.

GOD IS AWESOME

I AM A WINNER

I am a winner
Anyone can be
Motivation a factor
Aspiration, perspiration, too.

Wholehearted dedication
Inspiring, ingenious position
Not "nuts" but "guts"
Nature, nurture full of venture
Seeking for knowledge endlessly
Open-wide, being relentless
Seeking for the best
In our world's treasured chest.

I am a winner
Anyone can be
Desire, design, develop
Potentials deep within you.

THANK YOU, OH LORD

Thank you, Oh Lord for the air I breathe
Thank you for the wind that gush my cheek
Thank you for the sun that gives me warmth
Thank you, Oh Lord
Thank you for all of these.

Thank you for the trees so green and tall
Thank you for the flowers so sweet and small
Thank you for the birds that chirp a tune
Thank you for the joys they bring to all.

Heavenly Father, as I gaze to the sky
That is so pure, so white, so fair
It shows your goodness, your love that's full
I know you're just beside me
With your love and tender care.

JAZZ ME AND YOU

Play jazz ...and ears listen
Sing jazz ... and eyes glisten
Dance jazz ... and bodies shaken
to the beat, to the rhythm
of the insouciant jazzy men.

Play jazz for me delightful beau
And jazz me up from head to toe
Stay a jazzer all day through
Jazz me up, so play the blues.

Jazz when played people just swarm
There's frenzy madness felt all around
Just like the lovers who're bound to tie
A love affair with a union high.

Jazz me and you, my love who's true
Jazz me and you, let's play a duo
Jazz me and you, a very fine tune
Create, compose, make it soon.

Beautiful Music.. listening to Pandora Radio and my thoughts ...

Sunday, March 30, 2008: As I am writing this prose my Pandora Radio is on. I am listening to Country Western Music. Writing prose and poetry is similar to composing a song. They are very similar in a way that both writers express their thoughts, opinions, principles and ideas about life and lives surrounding them. Country music is a tradition in America especially the USA. It can be traced back in the 1900's when the early Americans were building this country. The country western music is said to have originated from the fiddle tunes in Southern Appalachians which at that time they called the "old times music". The songs reflected their daily lives from working in the fields, in the mines, in the ranches and steel factories. It was during their days off that they got together playing instruments, ( guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, mountain dulcimer ) singing, dancing, and drinking at the same time. Their songs expressed their love and joy, pains and hardships especially during the Depression years. Of course, they were expressing their dreams and hopes, too. The love, the courage, the trust and faith for one another and the camaraderie among themselves kept them going which resulted to the creation of this music. Country Western Music is a tradition and every American in this great country have all but praise to this music genre.

I, myself love it! Music is an integral part of my life. For me, music is a discipline. It creates a lot of good and great things. It gives me joy, inspiration, courage, love and peace. As I listen to the lyrics, it tells me about the truth and reality surrounding us. It makes me come into a realization, into an acknowledgment and appreciation of all the beauty within me and the people around me. I always say, " Magnify the beautiful and the good, dwarf the ugly and the bad."

That is a poetic phrase I offer everyone to think about. The loveliness of this saying is as good as it gets. Ponder, create and live the way you want to live!!

A Smile that Warms

Toss a smile and it warms
even the loneliest soul
Toss a smile and it delights
even the coldest heart
Toss a smile and it sparks
even the lousiest beat
Toss a smile, it surely restores
a dissipating feat.

What is the smile that perks me up?
it is a smile, earnest it is
A smile that's given free
truly extolled deep from a tree
A tree of smile filled up with love
and warms me up all through the night
Indeed, the smile that truly warms
is a smile that swarm around.

Why don't you smile, go find a joy
A smile can bring to anyone
Smile, smile pass it around
What a nice feeling it goes deep down
So, toss a smile whenever you can
Toss a smile to a twisted guy
Toss a smile to a passerby
Toss a great smile to everyone.

SILENCE: a plus or a minus

Serenity: quiet and peace
so lull and dreary
Intimacy: state of passion revered
however weary
Love stands out as KEY
to lives of so many
Earthly desires and dreams inauthentic
always had been phony
No sense of direction
like tinker bells in tow
Communication at its' best
better shout and show
Exemplary behaviour in deep SILENCE
a dough
Excellence on things you do
The world will know
The world will glow.

Is silence a plus? Is silence a minus?
The real answer lies like cash that flow.

Is silence a plus? Is silence a minus?
"Silence is golden," people say so

Is silence a plus? Is silence a minus?
Silence runs deep, it goes down through.

THERE IS A LIGHT

There is a light. It gives you light.
Day in, day out.
There is a light. It gives you sight.
Night after night.
There is a light. It guides your path.
Whether left or right.
There is a light. It follows your heart.
Beat after beat. Life after life.
There is a light. It leads your way.
Day after day.
There is a light. Up from above.
It gives you the impulse.
To be good, healthy and wise.
There is a light. It gives you energy.
It drives you around.
To make you full of life.
There is a light. It makes you see.
The beauty inside out.
There is a light. You are the light.
Why not shine?
Make your light shine bright.
There is a light. It gives you love.
It overflows. Love spreads out.
There is a light. It guides your thoughts.
It gives you wisdom.
It educates.
It makes you prosper.
There is a light. Light is everywhere.
It gives you hope.
There is a light.
It makes you go.
It makes you stop.
There is a light. It looks like a rainbow,
a kaleidoscope.
There is a light. It magnifies an object,
pea-size or otherwise.
There is a light. God-made. Man-made.
The sun, the moon, the stars in
our heavenly skies.
The bulb, the lamp, the candle,
the fire on a gloomy night.
There is a light. There is always a light.
There will always be a light.

Reprinted: The Way to Becoming a Total Person
Poems that Inspire
MMHonkala 2004 p.74

Light the World: A Man's Task

This is the title of a narrative I included in my book entitled, The Way to Becoming a Total Person: Poems that Inspire" published in Brainerd, MN in 2004.

As a person, I believe that we are born in this world with a mission. Each one of us is unique. However, we have similarities and differences.In whatever manner we live our lives is our own choice. We practice the gift of choice that God had given us. I have always looked at choice as a gift, freedom, an opportunity and a privilege.How about you? Do you look at choice the same way,too?

"You are the light of the world! A man does not light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket! He sets it in a lamp stand where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to the Heavenly Father."

Matthew 5:14-16

How many amongst us do really light our candles and share the light to others? The many tragedies, hardships, misfortunes, afflictions and miseries are coming onto people's way everyday. We are very resilient as a people. We can always pick up and move on forward. There are still many people in this world who inspire others. There are still a lot who give and extend help to the unfortunate ones. There are always people who step forward and dedicate themselves for a good cause. I thank God these kind of people exist. The goodness in a person always surfaces out no matter how big or small it can be. We, all of us can share our gifts!

Do you think you have a gift you can share? Give it. Share it. Keep it. Hide it. That is your choice! You have the choice to make a difference or not. You have the choice to do as you please.

You have the choice! Do you intend to keep that light glowing and extend the light to the person next to you? The decision is up to you!

It's all up to us to share and give our light to men around us.

"Share your gift, the initial spark God planted in your heart. Even a spark, your little gift can become a flame."

AS A NEW LEAF TURNS

As a new leaf turns, a new dawn comes
Beckoning the times, the long lost time
From therein I thought and learned anew
Time lost is forever gone.

What awaits me now is use the time
To more important things than mess around
Time is of the essence, so I'll be wise
As a new leaf turns, I'm a better man.

What can a better person do, but make the best
Of what he can do in a period of time
As a new leaf turns, he can say he has done
A good deed to someone, to himself and mankind.

As a new leaf turns, a new world rise
Where beauty and love is a guiding light
Where people's laughter can echo back
To bring joy and peace to all men alive.

Reprinted from: The Way to Becoming a Total Person
Poems that Inspire
by MMHonkala 2004

FROM WHENCE ...........

FROM WHENCE ........

From whence .....
does a poet procure a subject to write

From whence .......
does he start, compose a poetry delight

From whence .........
does he tend an energy so sharp
express his feelings, his experiences so smart.

Is going back in life something he should have gazed?
Would reminiscing memories be helpful with the maze?
Would pointing to an acumen contribute to the race?
Crowning glory of life is reached, should be the pace.

From whence ...
does a poet draw the wonderful insights

From whence ...
does he tow passages so might

From whence ...
does he fetch the colors that light
append beauty and grace to the creator's plight.

From whence ...
does a poet's wisdom commence

From whence ...
does a poet's inspiration advance

From whence ...
does a poet's expression begin

Coming from a SOURCE, the greatest of all.

POETS are SOUNDS,
spread their thoughts
spread their charms

From whence ...
does a poet begin

From his heart up to his head
From his head down to his hand
From his hand out in a print
The poet reads, then he exults.

POETS are SOUNDS
SPREAD THEIR THOUGHTS
SPREAD THEIR CHARMS.

GOD BLESS THE POETS!

Minerva M. Honkala

Life is a Journey

If life is a journey, what then do I need?

I need a car and a roadmap,
a compass and a clock
The car should have an engine
Running right, running just
A compass that's reliable,
and a clock that buzz
A roadmap that can lead me
Where to go, where to stop
A ME full of vivacity
No freeze, no cease!

My body needs food
The car needs grease
My body needs sleep
The car needs rest
My body needs bath
The car needs wash
My body needs drink
The car needs gas.

If life is a journey, where would I go?
If life is a journey, how would I flow?

Like a car take a road, so smooth, so straight
Like the car move slow, being cautious, being safe
Like the car avoid the bumps
Avoid the potholes, and the flaws
Like the car keep the gear
Switch to drive or to rear.

What else do I need?
To keep my journey bright
Keep the positive, healthy feelings
absolutely might
Sleep tight when you can
Avoid driving drunk
Stay awake, be uptight
Keep the eyes open wide.

Life is a journey indeed
I now believe
Be cheerful not cranky
Be brave, unafraid
Face life with excitement
Put a smile on your face
Find peace as you go through
Life's journey is so true.

Life's journey is real
No mask to feel
Life's journey a treasure
Every moment of the year
Make life rich as treasure
Nothing to hide, nothing to fear
Live life to its' fullest
make your journey the brightest.

If life is a journey, what do I need?

Just myself, and all the others
In this world full of hope
Live and love, give, forgive
Love each other is what we need.

Minerva M. Honkala

Interlude by Minerva Mendez Honkala

Interlude

Life has always been a drama:
a source of hope and love,
hate and disgust, fellowship
and longing, bliss, and fear .....

Life takes steps, not just one but a myriad
In the course comes interludes in varying degrees:
palpitations
anticipations
connotations.

Life comes fast as it goes away
In between are strings of interlude

giving meanings
perceiving ideas
sharing knowledge
developing insights
learning humanness.

Life, a series of interlude!!
Believing life as non-stop
Time ticking at its pace
Every being relating with one another
Love conquering all of humanity
Delivering excellence per se!


by: Minerva M. Honkala, April 14, 2006

The Best in Life

To my readers:

The Best in Life, " The BEST in life is freedom of choice
BETTER than best is choosing RIGHT
BEST of the best is SUCCESSFUL LIFE."


With my sincerest regards and love.

Minerva Mendez Honkala

Las Vegas