Writers Quote Wednesday: A Start Of Something New

I have heard so much about You
that should make me stay away from You
but I just couldn’t help myself
I got to close and the mere scent of You enchanted me

–Charles Robert Lindholm, Sinfully Delicious

Good morning, citizens of blogosphere! I would like to welcome you all the newest addition to my blog, the Writer’s Quote Wednesday. I have finally decided to join my dear friend, Jade of Jade M. Wong in shining the spotlight onto our chosen poet or writer every Wednesday (Thursday on my side of the earth).  I hope you will like their work too! 🙂

As for my first guest, I am happy to introduce a dear friend of mine who pens about love and romance, and everything in between. Lately my muse and I have been through a series of hiatus and it was his poems that nudged the hopeless romantic in me. Twice. Meet the man behind The Reluctant Poet, Chuck.

It all started with a simple conversation about chocolates and love when his poem, Chocolate To Me, prompted me to write my own, An Inch Closer: The Sins We Make. One lead to another and here he is, writing about one’s addiction to chocolate… and love.

Give him a visit and you’re up for two bags of Hershey’s chocolate covered with caramel kisses! 😉

Biliran in a day or two: Waterfalls, beaches, and memories

I’ve been out of blogosphere for quite some time because… life happens. BUT so much for that, I’m happy to be back! It’s been a while that I have shared some vignettes and snippets of my life, too. So here’s a little treat for all of you… 🙂

Ladies and gents, meet the gorgeous Biliran.

Biliran is an island province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. It is one of the country’s smallest and newest provinces. Formerly a sub-province of Leyte, it became an independent province in 1992. This island province of lush mountains, countless waterfalls, and pristine beaches in the east of Visayas is a hidden paradise that is slowly making its name in the Philippines.

The waterfalls

Biliran is surrounded by mountains which explains the province’s abundant waterfalls- the number of which is not yet known. While there are over 10 waterfalls easily accessible to tourists, local mountaineers talk about more waterfalls that can be reached through longer treks, and even about unexplored ones.

My friends and I were able to visit two waterfalls, Ulan-ulan falls (image above)  and Recoletos falls (image below). We would have loved to visit all but time is tissue.

Shadows Smile

Shadows Smile

Each night I am reminded of how long I have been walking alone. As the moon casts its light and my shadow walks with me, I count the days, the months, the years. I remember the girl who once strolled lazily with a wistful heart. I remember the girl who once walked in haste, too eager to find the comfort of her pillow. I remember the girl who once staggered, too tired with the intricacies of her world. I remember the sudden stops at the corner of 6^th street to see the moon.

Now, all grown and wise, I see a woman behind the dark outline. And I see her for what she really is— a braveheart. Some would say a solitary shadow on a moonlit night is that of a sad soul. But I’d say, most often, the woman behind the shadow smiles.

A silhouette walks
And befriend the silent night—
The crescent moon smiles

© 2017 Maria. All Rights Reserved.

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In response to dVerse’s Haibun Monday: The Shadow Knows

I took this photo on one of my solitary walks after work. I’ve always wondered what people see just by looking at the shadow alone. Would they see a sad soul or a happy heart? Only the shadow knows… Thanks Toni for this prompt! I’ve finally wrote something about this one.<3

Head over here to join the fun:

The Rule of Eleven (aka The Blue Sky Tag)

Sooo… my two far-away besties here in blogosphere, Rosema and Jade, recently posted the Rule of Eleven open tag. How did my lazy butt get dragged into this?  HAHA! But really, since I enjoyed your answers a lot and I can’t miss the fun you girls are having… here’s mine. 😀

DISCLAIMER: This is a long one coz I answered both sets of questions. Should I call this The Rule of 22? lol

Share Your World – Week 4

Here’s for  Cee’s Share Your World Challenge –  Week 4

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Do you prefer juice or fruit?

Fruits. Specially freshly picked. 🙂

Did you grow up in a small or big town? Did you like it?

I came from a village tucked in the far-most corner of a small town and I couldn’t ask for more. “Away from civilization”, that’s what we jokingly call it. BUT we’re never away from each other. Home is where love and smile is the warmest.

If you were to paint a picture of your childhood, what colors would you use?

Green for the trees, blue for the sky, brown for the dusty road. It was a time of laughter, sun-kissed skin and sweat. Need I say more?

Ways to Relax List: Make a list of what relaxes you and helps you feel calm

• Stargazing and moon-gazing
• Watching animated films
• Doodling and sketching
• Listening to music
• Lazy afternoons
• Reading books
• Long walks
• Silence