I’m walking along a bright and sunny rural day here at my grandma’s countryside house. The future stretches out ahead, in the valley, hills and mountains that surround me. The past is there too, but today I prefer to walk forward: to live “in the now”, and truly see all the good things in the world. The air is warm and dry. Fleecy clouds float high in the bright blue sky, and the sunlight glitters and shines off the trees. In the distance, I saw my cousins playing in the path that follows the river. They talk and point, and laugh together, as they enjoy the day. What a beautiful and peaceful scene it makes!

My heart is suddenly full of joy as I remember that it is New Year’s Day. A day to start afresh and to feel overwhelming gratitude for the gift of life that God has given me. It is the beginning of a beginning, and tears gather in my eyes with the power and sweetness of this simple thought.

I decided to pay tatay a visit in his grave, as the breeze blows by and makes the leaves flutter on the trees next to me.  I am reminded of other days in the past when sadness and hopelessness were my only companions. I say a silent prayer for him, and profound thanks, to God, for me. Then I walk on.

I am almost home. I walk by a stand of young trees swaying in the wind. A loud burst of cheerful chirping and tweeting erupts from the little grove, and I can’t help but laugh out loud, at the “bird party” going on next to me. As I reach home, go inside, and close the door, I say another thanks to God for the gift of “now”. It has taken a long time to find it, and although I can’t seem to keep it with me, all of the time, I know how to open the door again, when the time is right. I know that whatever the new year will bring, there will be joy, and enough treasures of “now” to help me through the hard times that we all must face.

And just as another year is about to tick over, with a new one waiting just over the horizon – I’ve made a decision.

Why not start a brand new blog for a brand new year?

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been planning to take blogging seriously (yes I do have another blog) and perhaps a neglected one I think. But now after much thought, discretion, and ample of time, here’s another blog – with the hope of sharing much of myself to readers like you, with the goal that you’ll be leaving my blog with more than what you have when you came.

So here it is, and here I am – wishing you a prosperous and bountiful 2012! Hope to see you in my future blog posts! May we have a blast today and in the days to come!