It's a Love Thing

This I admit: At times, I can really be a worry wart. I don't know but biologically, I learned that a woman's wiring or chemistry in the brain has something to do with it. Whatever the reason(s) are, I know I've been plagued by it lately ~ a lot.

Prolonged wakefulness and a heavy heart ~ that's what worry gives me. I am aware of it. That's why it has been a conscious effort for me to exercise and practice God's presence day in and day out. His grace has been enormous and sufficient, more than sufficient in my dealings with worry. Sometimes, the message is just simple: Sleep. Don't over think. Spare your sanity.

True enough, at each waking moment, His mercies are new. Great is His faithfulness indeed! (Feels like I am going to sing a song here).

More than the sleep thing, I am greatly comforted by God's love. His Love is far greater than all my worries and fears. So, there was this morning, Psalm 136 just came resounding in my senses. It just came like 911. It's a rhema, living word, impacted and ministered to me like never before. For me to have at least an outlet of a message that's about to burst, I posted it on my social media page:

With LOVE emphasized, I wished I had the message come across to those who viewed it. Not just to those who 'liked' it on Facebook, but also to those who might be in need to know of a Love that endures forever ~ the Lord's... whatever situation each one is in.

To some who have been reading my blogs, the picture may seem familiar. Oh, yes, this had appeared on What's on My Mind? and This I Choose. I had written this last year, which I just pull out when brought back to remembrance. God's Word is timeless. It ministers and speaks when it so desires. We just need to feed our souls with His Word and have our hearts ready like a bank. It worked for me. I know it will work for you, too.

Now you know what rolled my worries away. It's a LOVE thing. And... this just now made me understand this better and feel this more:

That's why, that's why! Perfect love drives out fear.
Now I'm singing a tune again: I know I am loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing.

Blessings everyone! :)

The Patience that Runs

In context with Something on a Midday.

At times I forget what happened that midday. I am now really thankful I had written that. This life, where every thing seems to be a journey and a battle, I need to be gently reminded of the reasons why I do what I do today. That post serves as a bookmark for me.

I was then led to have Streams in the Desert as a devotion companion again. It is an epic, a classic, and a timeless companion. I don't know. It feels so much of a home for me each time I read it. Oh, heavens!

The page I turned to one day brought a kind of message that ministered to me... to silence all my fears, to release me from my worries and all ~ big time.

Let us run with patience. (Hebrews 12:1 KJV)

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There is another kind of patience that I believe is harder to obtain ~ the patience that runs.

. . . but I know of something that suggests even greater strength ~ the power to continue working after a setback, the power to still run with a heavy heart, and the power to perform your daily tasks with deep sorrow in your spirit. This is a Christlike thing!

. . . Yet what is so difficult is that most of us are called to exercise our patience not in bed but in the open street, for all to see. We are called upon to bury our sorrows not in restful inactivity but in active service ~ contributing to other people's joy. No other way of burying our sorrow is as difficult as this, for it is truly what is meant by running with "patience". 

================================================= 

Oh, that feels so much. 

Let us run with patience. It is quite an invitation. It is quite a choice.

An invitation to patience. I don't know how appealing it can become.

The past months made me feel and know the tender, softer and the vulnerable side of me. Touch base reality, I shed tears on silent times. Whichever side I turn to, I was made to realize and embrace the truth that really, this is how my journey was designed. Run the race, my dear. Run patiently.

What I have right now is the call to carry on softly, calmly and, patiently. Though at times, it becomes a challenge when circumstances seem to push me to do otherwise. With things and a vision bigger than myself, I know I just need to rest and trust God's sovereignty and timing. Easier said than done but that's how things come to pass. I don't want to sound preachy but really, God cannot be taken out of the equation.

I am just counting days and the next leg of the journey is about to begin. The course is ready, it is set and on place. I am willing to run the race with the kind of patience that runs.

Ever trusting. Ever believing. Ever praying.

So help me God.

Behind the Dance & the Stars

This is more of my journey to redemption from a particular thing that has been beyond my power to control (this sounds like a confession now). As all of us are a work in progress, this post would certainly remind me that in order for bad things or influences to lose control over one's life, a bold, intentional and conscious effort must be put in. And that with God's strength and grace, we can be victors and overcomers.

I am beyond words how the Lord personally, gently, patiently, creatively and carefully took me out of it. I am touched beyond words how He feels my struggles and weaknesses and is in complete knowing of my journey of faith.

It started when my sister showed me a video on YouTube which she then posted on my Facebook timeline:

You may view the video from here, too:

The dance, the song, the message and everything in it kept me on the groove and brought me back to life. I even viewed the video countless times leading me to related videos one after the other. I got hooked! which is definitely a very good thing. I was awakened to hopes and dreams that I have not shared with anyone. The videos became more than just an entertainment. It's more than just a show 'Dancing with the Stars' for me. It served as God's gentle and gradual way of redeeming me from the thing that has been enticing me away from Him. It is like, the more I watch, the more I am being redeemed. :)

Redemption, I believe is not a one time act but a daily journey. I remember a line from a song which says, "Savior please, keep saving me..." I am more than thankful that I am being redeemed by Him every single day. By His grace I can say, I am HIS everyday.

I am comforted with the truth that God cares, really. He will use personal ways to have His message come across. And that message reached me. More so, I am thankful that we have a God Who is patient. Had it not been the case, I am done... all done and gone. 

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

If you are currently on the redemption road, be willing to be led. You will be surprised how God will creatively and personally redeem you. If the videos worked for me, I wonder what He will use for you. ;)

---

... and by the way, this blogger turned out to be a 'Dancing with the Stars' fan now. Heehee. 

Blessings everyone! 

Happy Three, Streaks!

This will just be quick. I just need to post this because . . .

. . . this blog turns three years old today! *sniff, sniff* 

Happy Birthday, Streaks!

I was almost at the brink of forgetting as I was hooked doing the blog project I just recently wrapped up. As putting up and maintaining this blog means so much to me, how it reminds me of the toils and turns of life, how I struggled, how I triumphed, how I mourned, how I rejoiced, I know I need to at least save this post, to this date to simply celebrate.

Thanks to my sister for buying this cupcake as per my request. She exactly didn't know what is it for, aside from of course, having it as a snack.

So, with this I'd like to honor the Lord Who really all this time journeyed with me through every blogging moment. He really did keep me going, as blogging needs to be an intentional work of heart and work of art.

Reading through my archives never cease to surprise me, each time, every time. Those thoughts, had it not been posted, I can't imagine where would it be now. Probably long gone, long forgotten.

I have just shared this blog to a very few friends before. But since, this blog turns 3 already, I think it's about time to share to a few more of my nook other than Facebook. It's that when I'm not there (telling the social media 'What's on my mind'), I'm over here, writing more on 'What's in my heart'. *wink*

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 . . .

I will keep on writing, I will keep on blogging.

---

P.S. As a quick history treat:

I'd like to tell you what I did to start this blog.

If the blog title, makes you kind of puzzled, I'll tell you why it is called as such. 

And how I got so crazy coming up with a blog header.

My life is somewhat shared all over this space, clicks and links. You can browse all over the place.

Thanks everyone. See you around. :)

Blog Project, 2014 : It's a Wrap!

* Blog Project, 2014 : List of 'not the least'

I honestly thought at the beginning of this project ~

that this would just be a gone with the wind kind of thing,

that this would just be a no-brainer,

that this would just be a simple act to get this blog rolling again. 

Now, that I am wrapping this up, I think I have to eat those words and thoughts. I deeply enjoyed coming up with those lists as creative, as presentable, and as substantial as I can. At least for my taste. I was in a way able to get to know myself again. With that, I am thrilled.

On the other side, I am kind of hard pressed to wrap this blog project up because there's a scheduled post tomorrow. So as not to squeeze in slots, I will now be bidding good-bye to this year's blog project. I've still got a lot in my head but I will just reserve that for future projects.

God bless everyone and, last but not the least, thank you for bearing and journeying with me this far. :)

Blog Project, 2014 Intro

List (1) : 15 Authors

List (2) : 15 Movies

List (3) : 10 Blog Posts

List (4) : 20 Facts About Me

List (5) : Life Verses

List (6) : 100 Truths

List (7) : 50

List (7) : 50

* Blog Project, 2014 : List of 'not the least'

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE: Ahm, no.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? October 4

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Chicken.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? None. Not married.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Yes, before. I promise not to anymore.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? For real? Yes, of course.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Oh, yes! I would love to!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Honeystars.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes.

12. WHERE IS/ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACE(S) TO VISIT? Batanes (Philippines), Israel.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Very Rocky Road!!!

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE ? Eyes

15. RED OR PINK? Pink.

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Hair.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Mama.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? Yes, my friends, particularly.

19. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW? Simple house clothes.

20. WHERE'S #20?

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? In Jesus' Name by Kutless.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Green, definitely.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Bamboo potpourri oil, Mama's lotion, Marmee's perfume, fabric conditioner (Downy's Sunrise Fresh in particular).

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Glenda, classmate

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Volleyball.

27. HAIR COLOR? Black with gray streaks.

28. EYE COLOR? Dark brown.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No.

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Veggies.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Lunchbox, a Hindi film. Want to watch it, too? 

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue-green.

34. BOXERS OR BRIEFS? I'd skip this.

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Leche flan.

37. IF YOU COULD MAKE A WISH WHAT WOULD IT BE? To have our house renovated.

38. WHAT (in general) BOTHERS YOU THE MOST? Insensitivity.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Streams in the Desert.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Not using any.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? I didn't watch last night.

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S): Acoustic guitar.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? None of the above.

44. WHERE IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Davao City.

45. WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIAL TALENTS? I'd prefer to keep it hidden. Heehee.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Balagtas, Bulacan, Philippines.

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? No pressure on anyone. 

48. WHERE DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? Not applicable. No idea. No significant someone yet.

49. WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE? I sat in a class (not mine) on & off for almost a semester, seriously to learn more about the subject AND to get enough dose of seeing my crush, who happens to be the professor. Haha. But it's not crazy enough, huh?

50. WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DOING INSTEAD OF THIS QUIZ? Working on my cross-stitch.

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Oh, that was fast! What a quick wrap! :D

List (6) : 100 Truths

* Blog Project, 2014 : List of 'not the least'

100. seriously?
Ready, aim ... fire!

What was your:
(1) Last beverage = water
(2) Last phone call = Lorah
(3) Last text message = Received, Ate Leonor. Sent, Ate Arlene
(4) Last song you listened to = currently, Believer by Kutless
(5) Last time you cried = October 4

Have you ever:
(6) Dated someone twice = no
(7) Been cheated on = maybe
(8) Kissed someone & regretted it = never kissed someone 
(9) Lost someone special = yes
(10) Been depressed = yes
(11) Been drunk and thrown up = no

3 favorite colors:
(12) Green
(13) Gold
(14) Brown

This year (2014), have you:
(15) Made a new friend = yes
(16) Fallen out of love = Ahm, no. I haven't been in love so there's nothing to fall out of this year. Heehee.
(17) Laughed until you cried = yes! 
(18) Met someone who changed you = For this year, it would be my professors. They more of encouraged and inspired me without them knowing it.
(19) Found out who your true friends were = yes
(20) Found out someone was talking about you = Yes, I was told.
(21) Kissed anyone on your FB friend's list = no

General:
(22) How many people on your FB friends list do you know in real life = 70%
(23) Ahm, where's the question for this number?
(24) Do you have any pets = No. I'd like to have one but I'm thinking of my allergic rhinitis.
(25) Do you want to change your name = To change, no. To add, yes. Josephine Grace.
(26) What did you do for your last birthday = Bought books, had a haircut, hunted down by friends for dinner 
(27) What time did you wake up today = 10:45
(28) What were you doing at midnight last night = working on my cross-stitch
(29) Name something you CANNOT wait for = to be a CPA
(30) Last time you saw your Mother = alive, March 11, 1994.
(31) What is one thing you wish you could change about your life = a particular capability and ability. Stories are available upon request and by this blogger's discretion. *wink*
(32) What are you listening to right now = Guiding Me Home by Kutless
(33) Have you ever talked to a person named Tom = As far as I can remember, no.
(34) What's getting on your nerves right now = my worries
(35) Most visited webpage = Facebook
(36) No 36?
(37) Nicknames = Jo, Josie, Jo-c, Pen, Apen
(38) Missed a number again? Why oh why?
(39) Zodiac sign= null
(40) He or She? = she
(41) Elementary = South Crest School
(42) High School = South Crest School
(43) College = Philippine Christian University (Manila)
(44) Hair colour = black with gray streaks
(45) Long or short = long
(46) Height = 4' something
(47) Do you have a crush on someone?= no
(48) What do you like about yourself? = creativity
(49) Ahm, where's 49?
(50) Tattoos = none
(51) Righty or lefty= both

Firsts:
(52) First surgery = never been under the knife
(53) First piercing = ears
(54) First best friend(s) = Naomi Joie and Charlene
(55) First sport you joined = nothing formal. Joined by default, P.E. class, you know
(56) First vacation = Uncle's place in Camarines Norte
(57) No 57?
(58) First pair of trainers = Fila

Right now:
(59) Eating = none
(60) Drinking = water
(61) I'm about to = fold clothes
(62) Listening to = You Alone by Kutless
(63) Waiting for = classmates' urgent & important SMSs

Your future:
(64) Want kids? = yes
(65) Get Married? = yes
(66) Career? = self-employed public accountant, freelance dance instructor, college professor

Which is better:
(67) Lips or eyes? = eyes
(68) Hugs or kisses= hugs
(69) shorter or taller= taller
(70) Older or Younger = both
(71) Romantic or spontaneous = both
(72) Nice stomach or nice arms = both, please?
(73) Sensitive or loud = sensitive
(74) Hook-up or relationship = relationship
(75) Trouble maker or hesitant = neither. Wise, must be.

Have you ever:
(76) Kissed a stranger = no
(77) Drank hard liquor = I'm no drinker.
(78) Lost glasses/contacts = no
(79) Sex on first date = on abstinence until marriage
(80) Broken someone's heart = no
(81) Had your own heart broken = yes
(82) Been arrested = no
(83) Turned someone down = yes
(84) Cried when someone died = yes
(85) Fallen for a friend? = yes

Do you believe in:
(86) Yourself = sometimes
(87) Miracles = yes
(88) Love at first sight = yes. Explanation available upon request. Heehee.
(89) Heaven = yes
(90) Santa Claus = no
(91) Kiss on the first date = no
(92) Angels = yes

Answer truthfully:
(93) Had more than one bf/gf? = never had
(94) Ah, 94, where are you?
(95) Did you sing today? = yes
(96) Ever cheated on somebody? = no
(97) If you could go back in time, how far would you go, and why? = 1994, on the last year of Mom's life. I think reasons are obvious.
(98) If you could pick a day from last year and relive it, what would it be? = November 2013, the month I filed my resignation from work. Should have done it a lot earlier. It just feels like I've been rushing my life now because of that.
(99) Are you afraid of falling in love? = no
(100) Posting this as 100 truths? = yes

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Done. Finally. It was fun though. Wanna try, too? :)

List (5) : Life Verses

* Blog Project, 2014 : List of 'not the least'

I do not know exactly how many life verse(s) this challenge originally requires. As I don't want to be limited to just one verse, I have included a few more.

I totally agree on the account penned on John 6:63-68 (emphasis & italics mine):

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life . . .

Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

In response, I am sharing spirit and life on this page, on this space. Come, read along.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Philippians 3:7-9
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ, and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

II Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

II Samuel 24:24b
I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.

II Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

II Timothy 1:12
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

I Samuel 16:7b
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

II Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Habakkuk 3:17-18
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the field produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattles in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

I Corinthians 10:13b
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Psalm 27:13
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

Psalm 138:8
The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever — forsake not the works of Your own hands.

I Corinthians 16:14
Do everything in love.

Psalm 145:13b
The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.

Philippians 2:13
. . . for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Habakkuk 2:3
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

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I have noted and marked these right at the time each verse gripped me. Some of which were written on my journals, directly highlighted on my Bible, posted as a status message on my social network page, and elsewhere, elsewhere, elsewhere. They're everywhere! So, I am really thankful that I have this space on my blog that from this time on, if any verse becomes a life verse, I will just keep on adding to this post. At least now, they are all here. Just here. Readily available in one reading. :)

List (4) : 20 Facts About Me

* Blog Project, 2014 : List of 'not the least'

This post had been a draft for years. Really. I can't think of ways to get this through my usual blog trend. Thankful enough this blog project made this happen, finally. 

I honestly enjoyed making this. Come, take a peek. :)

(1)

I love the color green.

(2)

I am an introvert.

(3)

By temperament, I am phlegmatic.

(4)

I can write this way with so much ease:

Right side

Reverse side / Horizontal flip side

(5)

I love Bollywood films.

(6)

I'd rather buy books than shop for clothes.

(7)

I am not the athletic type. I'm more on games involving wits.

(8)

I am ambidextrous.

(9)

On signature over printed name: 

I print my name with my left hand; I sign with my right hand.
Officially. Seriously. Really.

(10)

I don't drink sodas (anymore). It has been over a year now.

(11)

I love ampalaya (bitter gourd/melon) and okra (ladies' fingers), vegetables that some people (I believe) don't like to eat.

 (12)

I don't like bell peppers. You might want to sit beside me over pizza. :)

(13)

It’s not that I don’t eat fruits. I just don’t crave for it.

(14)

I am not that someone with a sweet-tooth.

(15)

My strong blind spot/side is on the left.

(16)

My favorite seat on a public vehicle (buses & jeepneys in particular) is right behind the driver. Should I call it my proper seat? :)

(17)

I love organizing and tidying things up as long as I don't have to deal with dust.

Allergic rhinitis, it is.

(18)

Doing laundry is my least favorite chore, while washing dishes is what I love the most.

(19)

I started having gray hairs at age 10.

(20)

I love tea lights and, bamboo potpourri oil in particular.

*******************************

I think it would be neat if you'd come up with your list, too. Want to give it a try? :)

List (3) : 10 Blog Posts

* Blog Project, 2014 : List of 'not the least'

This one is a self-made list. These are my choicest blog posts so far, my top picks in the context of the inspiration I had when I had written the posts and, its personal attachment to me. To add, the following posts always give me a sense of nostalgia every time and each time I read them. 

I still vividly remember where I was, the setting, the dims, the lights, the feelings, the thrills and, the chills when I had written these. :)

(in no particular order)
(best viewed on non-mobile)

(1) The Grace to Stay & The Grace to Go

(November, 2011)

(2) Something that Joined the Green Side
(July, 2013)

(3) A Nugget on Forgiveness 

(June, 2012)

(4) An Indelible Outline of 3

(July, 2013)

(5) Love Revisited on a Weekend 

(July, 2012)

(6) A Parallel on Life & Death

(September, 2013)

(7) Counter Encounter 

(November, 2012)

 (8) The Movie, the Woman & the Painting

(March, 2014)

(9) I Was The Levite 

(March, 2013)

(10) Something on a Midday

(May, 2014)

In any case now I want to read these posts again, I won't check my archive lists anymore. I will just go here... and click them all! :)