This reminds me of a little corner shop here up for sale. Lots of sweet treats indeed! But alas, definitely out of the budget

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. . .  of owning a little shop filled with  sweet treats (either for the eyes, heart, or taste)! I imagined it to be bright, colorful, and fun and that everyday I will enjoy very much working in my imaginary store and hoping I give the same feeling to anyone who enters

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But then as I grow older, I realized things weren’t easy peasy! Actually putting up a visible store is harder than it seems – lots of planning and other important things to consider that have to take place. And so, my dream started melting away.

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For years and years it has just stayed as a dream, beautifully and carefully wrapped and then safely tucked away deep in my heart. From time to time I take my beautiful box of dream, open it and every time I take a peek, I just smile. But mostly, dust started embracing it.

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Early last year, my eyes were opened to the discovery that my dream can still come true with some changes here and there. And so this little dream of mine is slowly creeping out. Through out that year, I started dreaming more and more.

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T’was the dream . . . and a journey awaits . . .

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(Sometimes I feel stuck and I’m overwhelmed with nerves but Ro has been really supportive ever since I opened this dream of mine. I am very thankful to have him . . . believing in me and giving me that gentle “push”)
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Image via weheartit.com

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My heart aches (in a good way) and smiles because of this picture. Wouldn’t you agree?

I’m not talking of love solely in a romantic way. It’s love that is universal.

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To love our family, friends, “special someones”, .  .  .

Today, I was reminded . . . no matter the contrasting views (at times), no matter the color, no matter the status in life, .  .  .

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TO LOVE -  -  -  it’s the sweetest thing and the best gift of all

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Image Source: Emily Anne via A Cup Of Joe

(image by Fashioncookie via weheartit.com)

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Only a week left and it’s already Christmas! Time sure flies fast when you’re not noticing. Do you already feel that warm feeling inside during this Holiday Season? Oh I bet every store is filled with shoppers rushing to buy last minute gifts.
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Work will be until the 23rd (I think) and then I’ll have a 4 day vacation. Ro and I are planning on coming home for the Holidays. But we have to hurry and buy our bus tickets. Otherwise, we’d end up with a fully booked schedule and get stuck here. (Note to self, will remind him to buy tickets tomorrow ) The sad part (a little) is that we won’t be able to go home on Ro’s family side for the New Year’s. It’ll be a plane ticket ride. We’ll be working again on the 28th ’till 30th . . .back to work on the 2nd/3rd of January. We are short of days for a real vacation
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What are your plans for the Holidays? Whatever it may be, I know it will be full of love and memories lasting a lifetime. I sure wanna drop by here from time to time still
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(photo by felipepips via weheartit.com)

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Yikes! Still alive and kicking here! . . . . . Uuum ok, maybe the “kicking” part is not so much. I love my work and the environment I’m with. People have been really nice. But lately, I am feeling so exhausted! I feel like at times I need to escape and breathe. Yes, I need a boost of energy!
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I used to look at my little corner here in blogosphere as a retreat. But you know what I end up doing when I get home? I sleep! LOL If you could only see my eyes right now.
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I promised myself I’d get back on it one day. And today, here I am. Not quite sure though if it’s only me I’m talking to . I figured I may have lost track of some of the people I’ve gotten to know. Which is expected, I guess. With so many blogs out there and with almost daily updates . . . where would my wee blog be? I feel like starting out again. No worries, though. This will serve then (just as the original purpose as to why I’ve started it in the first place) as an outlet . . . an extension of me
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I have a few new things to share and I’m very excited about it. You know, things I’m happy to have actually the time to do that is outside work. Very, very much excited about it. It just needs some organizing.
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I really hope I can get my groove back in blogging. I miss it. And like I said, it’s a nice place  to relax the mind:-)
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I just moved!
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It had been a plan for quite a while now and I’m happy that that time arrived. I had mixed feelings at that time but the excitement and the happiness felt (when a plan has been realized) is much more overwhelming.
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The environment here is very different. I’m not just referring about the place (though it’s hot here and very “busy”) but the people are too (at least I think so). I guess it helped to have someone with you . . helping you adjust through these things and knowing that he’s supportive in this new adventure. I am very thankful for that. . . . And prayers. As I go through everyday, it always help to keep me calm and secure.
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Blogging has been set aside and I am not sure when will I be back on track again. Even browsing on the net has been scarce. This is my first to just actually drop by here. I’m still relatively new to this new place of mine and I am just enjoying work. I just thought I should drop by just in case you wonder.
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I am well and I am thankful that you still drop by in my little corner I enjoyed reading the comments (which I had lots to read since I moved)
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One day, when I’ll have things sort out and in order, I’ll see you guys again.
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But for now, let me just linger for a while outside as I turn a page and start a new Chapter in my life (which will be a starting step of a beautiful journey).

‘Till then . . .
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Mizpah!
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Image Source: http://weheartit.com/nomatterwhat

I was trying to learn some new crochet  stitches and Tunisian crochet is one of them (Why is it called Afghan stitch?). At first I was intrigued cause it’s not like any other crochet stitches. It is a long continuous loop after loop (which kinda reminds me of knitting).
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For this event, here’s the pink one:  .     .     .     . (the sun showed up and so I went outside and took this)
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Who knew you have to use a very looongggggg crochet hook to accommodate all those loops? ( I sure didn’t!). I never thought a crochet hook could get any longer that what I am using now. I also don’t think our craft store here sells them But I really wanted to try cause in my mind I think I can
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I then settled with making rings. It’s the only way my (apparently) small hook can make.
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Here’s the rest of the gang : .     .     .     .  (no more bright sun )
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The colors are so rich and fun to look at! And they are so small so it’s like holding bits and pieces of fun! (reminds me of Roller Coasters Chips – yum! or Cheerios)
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I think I got carried away taking pictures of these little ones cause I have another one below LOL  .     .     .     .     .(the sun was hiding again)
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These rings have a lot of potential. Let’s see . . . add some beads/buttons/ribbons or incorporate another stitch along those stitch lines, or simply combining different colors . . . . Plenty of options indeed!
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Here’s a nice tutorial of the Tunisian Stitch by Naztazia if you want to give it a try.
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Another fun part: PS Challenge! (I really try to remember who I happen to meet first among the ladies . . . and then who happens to be participating today)
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Meet . . .
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Did you happen to meet Lynn throughout your Pink Saturday visits?  I think I stumbled upon her or maybe she stumbled on me first during my early days in Pink Saturdays. I really don’t remember how, all I know is I’ve been visiting her ever since
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There’s this one particular comment I remember (and I sure hope I remember it right! LOL). I posted about bird whistles and how I wished birds would visit me too. I see and read of others having birdbaths and birdhouses and different kinds of birds visit them. Now, how then would I ever forget her with me talking about birds and her blog name is The Vintage Nest?
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Of course, it just so happens that she leaves one of the most sweetest comments. And I like reading comments that makes you feel like you are talking to that person. I know you do too. We all do!
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And just like most of the ladies I have come to know, she too loves thrifting and creating. Some treasures  she keeps for her home and some she shares in her shop.  So if you love handmade and/or vintage, be sure to drop by.
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And so, I really think you will find something in common with her. And who knows, you’ll find a friend in her as well. If you’re new to her, drop by too, ok? Oh, and if you have a chance, this post is adorable. It’s a handwritten note from his son (when he was little – amazing how she kept it all these years) describing her mom Also, she and her husband just celebrated their wedding anniversary a few days ago.
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Happy Pink Saturday!

Thank you Miss Beverly for hosting this event.

You can visit others by dropping by How Sweet the Sound.

Learn more about the event, click on the “Pink Saturday” logo

Do you still remember the very first time you thought of setting up your very own blog? What it felt like . . . did you have plans for it or were you the type who just jump right into it? (like me!)
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Once, I was a hermit in the blogging world (LOL) and I was contented writing things for myself. Now, not only do I write for myself (it has been proven therapeutic ) but I find myself enjoying sharing what I write and discovering that there are people out there who have gone through the same as me or have same likes or beliefs. Hey, even contrasting ideas I enjoy reading too. After all, not everybody is the same
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I am happy and blessed to have met all of you. That aside from the real life that we go through each day, we can find a place of retreat . . . haven where people here bring a bit of sunshine in our lives (it seems that people outside of this world somehow finds it hard to understand).
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You are not just a post or a monitor. One way or another, you too help make a difference (no matter how small or big) to someone’s life right through your words or pictures.
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I’m glad to have discovered and be a part of this community in cyberspace. What about you?
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Jodie of Everything Vintage wrote a post for those who were thinking of starting their blog (click on the image above to be redirected to that particular post). Yes, there is a whole post dedicated for newbies.
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Also, read the comments. Some bloggers who have been writing for a while have also shared their experiences so maybe you’d like to read through them too.
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Oh there’s also this post where she made a story out of all the blog’s name of bloggers who happen to visit that day. It’s a  fun and clever (how she was able to include everybody’s blogs) story!

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(I just noticed that WordPress installed a new feature for every post. It’s a “like” button. You can find it at the bottom of every post (the one with a star) . Ooh me likes! Will you try it? I’m curious. (oh but only if you enjoyed reading.  No pressure)

Hello Pink ladies (and gentlemen?)  participating and friends and new visitors (if there are any )
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I tried something new (new for me, that is) and been waiting to share today. What is it?
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Ta Da!
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I‘m in the experimenting mode in my crochet journey now. Oh definitely learning and learning (though at my own slow pace, I notice ).
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It’s a first for me to try and crochet with beads! The first tries are aarrgggghhhhhhhhhh LOL Well, it’s the only way I can describe it.
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Oh, remember how I had difficulty with the pink slipper? This is worse! I don’t know, maybe it has something to do with the thread I’m using. When I checked the tag, it says it’s half polyester and half “whatchamacallit” heheheeehhehe Well, it is slippery, glittery, and so if the beads that keeps on “running” doesn’t unravel this glittery part of the thread,  the thread itself  keeps on tightening the preceeding stitches. Like I said – - arrgggghhhhhhh
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See I didn’t get to finish it at all. But I do like the result! I like that the beads are threaded in random and that the stitches are not uniformed (reminds me of squiggles )
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Originally, I wanted to work with silver wires. But I’m guessing as an “experiment”, it’ll be quite pricey. So I made do with what’s available – a “silvery” (I know it’s not a word ) thread, just so I can see if I like it.  I sure do!
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I think it’ll look nice as a jewelry piece, yes? Very much looking forward to actually creating one!
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Now, onto the PS challenge . . .
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Remember my previous PS post? I did tell you I was gonna share ladies who I have come to know through this event way way before . . . and who also happens to be participating for this week (after all it is a PS challenge, and so you can visit them too ok?)
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Meet . . .
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This is Caren’s blog (go on, click on the link and it’ll open in a new window ). Do you happen to know her already? Does fairy doors ring a bell?
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Yup, you heard it, she creates these teeny weeny doors. You see, it is actually a magical door. Why so? Well, place it on a corner of your wall (or any part if you like) and it becomes an entryway for fairies into the real world!
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Speaking of glittery (since I notice that that word has come up in my pink sharing ), every magical door has it’s own fairy dust. You know, for a little child (and the little child in us) to sprinkle and dream of magic!
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Have you seen her studio? My, were there lots of fairy doors. I’m thinking, were there also lots of teeny weeny hands helping Caren create these doors? Ok, ok maybe she did it all by herself . . . then again, who does the sprinkling of magic to each of these doors anyway? HHHHHHhhhhhmmmmmmmmm (that sure is a lot of “doors” I’ve mentioned LOL)
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Happy Pink Saturday!

Thank you Miss Beverly for hosting this event.

You can visit others by dropping by How Sweet the Sound.

Learn more about the event, click on the “Pink Saturday” logo

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(Thanks to Miss Stephanie of Queen of Dreamz for telling me that the comment problem I had was in fact a Blogger glitch. (I wondered if it was on my part). Yes, I still can’t comment on some Blogger-hosted blogs))

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“Brazil Amazon Dolphins Slaughtered”
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Have you read this news about these pink dolphins on Yahoo lately?
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Horrible! Just horrible!
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In gist, these are what will make your heart ache:

- they are gentle and curious dolphins which makes them easy targets (makes me think that this is true in people too, don’t you think?)

- then they are killed for bait

- thus making them extinct
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Image Source and read the article HERE
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I know on my previous Pink Saturday posts, I share fun things. But after reading about this, I feel like I just have to share this story and then maybe when a lot of people will know, they will talk and post about it and if you are one of these “meanie” then maybe you’ll grow a conscience. Hah!
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Seriously though, this must have happened out of  a need but maybe, just maybe there are alternatives for providing such need.
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PS challenge: I’ll pass for now. But for the following PS posts (and a happier PS post at that ), I plan on showcasing first the people I have come to meet in this event. New ones, I will visit you too but I feel like since most of the ladies I have come to know for a while has been through this event, wouldn’t it be just fitting if I introduce them to you first (one at a time)? So those ladies I’ve been visiting, I hope you don’t mind if I “print screen” your blog and share the images here for future Pink Saturdays Thanks in advance!
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I hope you have a Happy and Enriching Pink Saturday!

Thank you Miss Beverly for this opportunity of sharing.

You can visit others by dropping by How Sweet the Sound.

Learn more about the event, click on the “Pink Saturday” logo

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(hhhmmmmmmmmm this was supposed to be scheduled to publish earlier and yet here I am doing it manually. I wonder why )
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Not on me
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If you have visited here before, you may notice some changes. If you’re new, well here’s the before: (in case you’re curious)
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I still like the old look. There’s something very serene about it. That was the reason why I used it in the first place (though sometimes I feel like it’s too serious at times )
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Why change? Well, after all that has happened lately and how grateful I have been with life I feel like I need some happy colors. I know, the one’s I’m using now are still very subtle but hey, it’s still colors!  LOL And I still want that calming effect reflected like in the old one so there were certainly some altering (I used picnik.com) on the original header/picture. Also, it’s the only picture I’ve taken that seems to work as a header and fit in this theme, so gotta work it, right?
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Wanna see the before picture of my new header? I saved the original photo on another computer and got deleted so I’m showing  you the cropped one (but still the original colors )
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These flowers were shot from Good Shepherd. It’s a place where you can buy strawberry jams, peanut brittle, ube jams . . . especially ube jams , and other yummy Baguio pasalubong.

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This is actually the third time I’ve changed here. The first one was a theme called “Thirteen” (green), I had no header and used an available theme in WordPress I like. The second one was “Vigilance“, (the sepia one from above) and this is the third. Same theme as the second one but different header and colors
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I guess that’s the beauty of blogs. I wonder, how many times did your blog undergo changes? Still ongoing? .
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