Today I turn 67! And guess what — it’s not just my birthday, it’s also my official retirement day! Double the celebration! 🥳 Funny how when I was in high school, I thought my mum in her 40s was already old… and now I look back thinking, “40? That’s just getting started!” 😄 That was…
Category: family
Doors in Berlin
You probably know by now that I love sharing photos my kids send me from their adventures. This time it’s from Tim — he went to a festival where his work was shortlisted (so proud!). On his free days, he thought of his mumma and sent me some great shots of murals, street art, doors,…
Cherishing the Journey
Eight years ago my life changed in an instant. Today, I don’t just mark the years since my stroke—I celebrate the life I’ve lived because of the second chance I was given. In these eight years I’ve gathered memories like treasures: spontaneous road trips, lazy café mornings, laughter echoing with friends, and travels that reminded…
It feels Different…
I have always thought of myself as a strong woman. But now, in my mid-60s, strength feels different. My body is not the same—aches and pains show up most days, each one with its own weight. My memory isn’t as sharp either. I forget things I never used to. And then there’s the heart. It…
Longing for…
To long for something is to feel that deep pull toward what isn’t here yet—a mix of hope, desire, and maybe a little ache. It’s not always about big dreams; often, it’s the small, everyday things that make life feel whole. This week, Egidio invites us to lean into the melancholic and the pensive, to…
Back to London
My son just left yesterday after a wonderful month-long visit, and my heart is full of cherished memories. From long brunches at cafés and enjoying his delicious home-cooked meals to taking trips up the mountains and engaging in fun family Jenga battles (which I lost three times by the way)—but redeeming myself with a win…
Winter Lights
My son, Tim, sent this to me. Unfortunately, he visited on the last day of the festival, so it’s no longer available to view. It ran from January 21 to February 1. Nevertheless, here’s a glimpse of the Canary Wharf Winter Lights in London.
Gratitude for the past seven years…
It’s been seven years filled with sunshine, laughter, long drives, cafe brunches, travels and cherished moments with family and friends. I’m deeply grateful to the Lord for each and every extra day I’ve been given. Here’s to seven years since my stroke—a celebration of resilience and gratitude. I am linking this to Debbie’s Six Word…
Birthday Flower for my “partner in Crime”
It is unsure where the term Partner in Crime came from. Some say that it may may have originated with an Agatha Christie story, and others say it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. Well it is such a generic term that it may have originated from anywhere. But for me…
Being a Mother of Two
On what subject(s) are you an authority? Being a mother is a deeply fulfilling experience that evolves with time. It involves nurturing life, balancing care with discipline, and shaping a child’s future—a journey that continues even as my kids are now in their 30s. It’s a role I cherish discussing, though I don’t claim to…
Later…
I am having a lovely time having a cuppa and I remembered this poem that I saw somewhere and thought I might share it with you. Don’t leave anything for later. Later, the coffee gets cold. Later, you lose interest. Later, the day turns into night. Later, people grow up. Later, people grow old. Later,…
Heaven’s tears…
Sending you birthday wishes in your heavenly home. Amidst heaven’s tears, we celebrate with bittersweet memories. Happy Birthday in heaven dear Ena 🤍
Tim
“Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first.” – Matthew Jacobson In my July 2021 blog post, I spotlight my daughter Pat’s interview with Notion Magazine. Conducted by James Robinson, the interview delves into what it means to be a “creative” in today’s world. If you’re curious, you can…
A happy milestone
Reflecting on the days when you were a baby brings back fond memories, but today calls for something different. Here’s a message just for you on your first day of your 30s … ———******——— Hi Tishie Girl, I am so happy for you now that you’re on another solo trip. I could hear the joy…
2017
How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life? Experiencing a stroke in 2017 profoundly shaped my outlook on life. Despite no warning signs, my commitment to staying healthy, influenced by my mum’s medical history, proved vital. The occurrence during my Zumba class, as per doctors, highlighted the positive…
Gratitude
In the middle of jetlag and a confusion of time zones, I almost forgot my 6 year anniversary from my stroke. “Thank you Lord for the extension of my life.” I am feeling joyful and grateful that I have reached this far and still feeling this great. Oh yes…yes… I know that my body isn’t…
A Guest Post for Tuesday
“Maybe it’s just a daughter’s job to piss off her mother.” . Chuck Palahniuk Diary I was thinking of a topic to write about and this suddenly came to mind. What if I let my kids write something about me. So today, i asked my daughter, Pat, to be my guest blogger. Jack often tells…
Snowfall down Tim’s Street
“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” – Aristotle I know it is nice and all but I can’t imagine myself living in a place with snow 24/7. But I just love these photos that Tim sent me when he went for a walk down his…
When I first open my eyes…
“When I first open my eyes upon the morning meadows and look out upon the beautiful world, I thank God I am alive.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Today….I am grateful for another year of life. This is my fourth year anniversary since I had my stroke. Thank you Lord! P.S. And when I opened my…
32 Years ago…
“Together is a beautiful place to be.” 32 years ago … I married my best friend. It sounds cliche but we were really the best of friends then… and up to now we still are. Laughing at the same corny jokes… loving the same food…liking the same travel destinations… being funny and weird and loving…
Teach them well…
“I believe the children are our futureTeach them well and let them lead the wayShow them all the beauty they possess insideGive them a sense of pride to make it easierLet the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be” – The Greatest Love of all From at a very young age we taught…
Today is the 6th of September
“Family is a gift that lasts forever.” – unknown …and today is my mother’s birthday. She passed away in 1991, right before my husband, my one year old son and myself migrated to Melbourne, Australia. I could still see her being so excited when she saw Tim smile at her for the first time. ……
I am smiling…
“What makes you a man is not the ability to make a child, it’s the courage to raise one.” — President Barack Obama I am smiling because I have you beside me as the father of my beautiful kids… Happy Father’s Day Jack ❤️ It is FD here in Australia, I don’t know why we…
Another 7 days
Victoria’s Covid cases have spiked once again, with 20 new infections emerging overnight. So it was announced that lockdown will go on for a further 7 days. Hoping to see you soon, Melbourne! Photo taken near the Crown Casino
Lockdown 6.0
It is a sad day again… Eight new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state today, so after just about a week of freedom, Melbourne and the whole of Victoria is back into lockdown. We are now into our 6th lockdown from 8 pm (that’s less than an hour to go). The health ministers…
Postcards
“The postcard is sacred to me. It makes me sad that no one sends them very much anymore because of email and texting. I still like to buy them, but they’ve lost their original function and now just seem like reminders or mementos of what they used to be.” – Elaine Equi I don’t receive…
Through Tim’s Lens
“Sometimes you just got to find an old dirt road and go where it takes you.” – unknown London has now reopened post pandemic (jealous!) Tim and Leigh (my son and daughter in law) decided to go for a few days away to the country roads of Dungeness. These photos are from Tim’s lens and…
Interview #187 – Patricia
“I will let my daughter do whatever her heart wants. I will support her and guide her and give her all the knowledge that I have because I want her to succeed in whatever she loves.” – The Miz Patricia, my daughter, was interviewed by J Robinson and was featured in the Notion Magazine issue…
“Pinoy Pride”
It has always been a Filipino athlete’s dream to win gold in the Olympics, but somehow that hasn’t happened … until now. Although I am living so far away from my homeland, it brought tears to my eyes seeing Hidilyn Diaz, the first ever Filipino to win gold in the Tokyo Olympics. And what a…
Are you OK?
No, I am not ok… Starting from midnight tonight, Melbourne is going into its fifth lockdown. I am done with feeling angry or going to that path of blaming people. I am just frustrated and so tired of this situation. But I am sure we will be ok. Hang in there Melbourne. We got this!