All Things But None

Y'know there aren't too many secrets left after I put up that particular 'list' back in March. I've been tagged by scrumptulicious Glenn a few days ago and I didn't even know it! What to do what to do!?! I've never been tagged before... So from this day on, I shall be a meme-virgin no more! D'oh! So Eight Things That No One Knows About Me... Hmm, I'm listing some things that a few people do know about, but good 'nough!

• I have 2 tats: a profile sketch of the starry Jean Cocteau on my left chest and a pair of small wings on my back. 3 piercings: nips and my right ears. But I took them all out and they've all healed thru the years. A few years back, I wanted a tat of the Tree of Knowledge on the center back of my neck, but never got around to it. These days, maybe a Bodhi Tree would be more fitting! heh!

• When I was in school, I never saw myself as a 'minority', nor I saw others as such either. To this day, people are just people to me.

• On and off, I have had about 10 millipedes, also half a dozen of giant pill bugs as pets. Long ago, I would've screamed bloody mary if I saw one of those!

• I used to play the 'air' drums when I was little. Even took the drumsticks in to the bathroom! d'oh! Back then, when I grew up, I either wanted to be a drummer or one of those long-haul truckers. I wanted to be a trucker cuz I would get to spend a lot of time alone.

• I did 'drag' a couple of times, always the same look. For Halloween's Fetish Ball here in Los Angeles... years back. I went with platinum hair, topless with a huge raven-colored satiny dress down to the floor [so low everyone saw my pubes!] Elbow-length gloves with black boa feathers... I also smeared stage blood running down my nips. Ah, good times!! I don't drink so obviously I was a bit self-conscious!

• Cocteau Twins' music changed my life, along with Vaughan Oliver's brilliant designs. One of the my favorite songs of theirs was Aloysius. I didn't know whether it was a boy's or a girl's name, or either how to pronounce it! Until one day my clubby friend told me THAT was his middle name! Do you know to pronounce it per chance?

• If I had to be a dinosaur, I would be an ankylosaurus. Owait, that's Glenn's answer!? [And isn't that the cutest picture of him!!] So anyway, if I had to be a dinosaur, I would totally be a lickalotopus! Hmm... that didn't sound right either. Lemme try something else! If I were to be a mammal, I would be a manatee! See the resemblance? hehe!

• Not sure if I mentioned this one before. The night when I told my mom about me being gay, she said to me that if she had a gun right then, she would've shot me! I wasn't disappointed in her or anything cuz I know she only said it out of frustration and misunderstanding. People tend do that when they're angry and don't understand.

• Ah, one from my childhood... this one just came to me. When I was just a wee boy, my mom/grandma used to make all the doonas/duvet covers I guess the corners were never perfectly trimmed, so when it's flipped over right-side out, each corners would produced a little 'lump' the size of a small dime. Every night I would play with the one corner 'lump' of the doona 'til I fall asleep. Odd eh, yet comforting.

Hmm... I don't think I'm very good at doing these meme's! Well, this turned out to be quite a task for me to finish. Thought it would be easy, but I guess I just don't lead much of an exciting life... or something. I couldn't think of anything really. My brain must've been fried when I was doing too much acid in the early 90's. *sigh* Not that much really, half a dozen times maybe? See, I wasn't so bad! :-)

Well happy Friday everyone. A late post today. It's another weekend upon us and I hope everyone will get to enjoy some time off! Relax and do something good for you while you're at it! 'til next time. Be well!!

Another day. Another opportunity to write! I ain't no scholar, try as I might, and another attempt to put my thoughts in words. Just now I was reading Matt's writing and seeing Pod's photographs made me feel all warm n' fuzzy inside. Thinking just how fortunate I am to be exposed to such wonderful work by these everyday people. Yet everybody's different, and everyone has something so personal to share. Amazing. Amazing to me.

As for me, I barely graduated high school. GPA was below par. So I just write what I write. Sometimes I start a sentence with 'And', tenses are incorrect, words are transposed with limited adjectives... so again, I just write what I write. Most of the times I don't even know if I make much sense at all. So I've been reading more and more these days, not necessary to better my writing style nor for the thirst for knowledge really... Why? It's just... interesting I suppose. And a lot of time, seems like I can't even retain much information. gaaah!

I haven't been reading fictions for years, maybe I simply just don't believe in them! :-) I believe that some things you read and you go 'outside' of yourself, the feeling is mostly external. And other things that you read, you feel it more on the 'inside', they get in the crevices of your heart and stay. Remembering one of the snippets now that I posted before from Thich Nhat Hanh, something as familiar as Hope yet being turned upside down, it's like seeing something old, new again... (Sorry to bore you if you've read it before)

Hope Is Not Enough
Hope is important, because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today. But that is the most that hope can do for us -- to make some hardship lighter. When I think deeply about the nature of hope, I see something tragic. Since we cling to our hope in the future, we do not focus our energies and capabilities on the present moment. We use hope to believe something better will happen in the future, that we will arrive at peace, or the Kingdom of God. Hope becomes a kind of obstacle. If you can refrain from hoping, you can bring yourself entirely into the present moment and discover the joy that is already here.

Enlightenment, peace, and joy will not be granted by someone else. The well is within us, and if we dig deeply in the present moment, the water will spring forth. We must go back to the present moment in order to be really alive.

Many religions are based on the notion of hope, and this teaching about refraining from hope may create a strong reaction. But the shock can bring about something important. I do not mean that you should not have hope, but that hope is not enough. Hope can create an obstacle for you, and if you dwell in the energy of hope, you will not bring yourself back entirely into the present moment. If you re-channel those energies into being aware of what is going on in the present moment, you will be able to make a breakthrough and discover joy and peace right in the present moment, inside of yourself and all around you.

--

So anyway, ever since I got my personal license plates, people have asked me simply why? Why Sadness? At times I would not have much to say, couldn't come up with an answer. I do not know. I've read Osho's interpretation on it, but it isn't quite exactly my interpretation. *sigh* Then a couple of weeks ago I had lunch with a friend of mine. He also asked me the same question afterwards in an email. I replied back: ...when one's more aware, everything feels more beautiful and vibrant, and yet, many thing seems more sad, too. And I think this suits me better.

So it's like I read and I read, and this is what I can finally come up with... Funny! But I'm quite happy with it, even though I'm sad! :-) Have a great day!!

Saw the above yesterday on the back window of this mini-van that I was tailing behind. It was a tiny decal and I loved it! It's so simple and something that we hardly think about, yet some people still outright and do! :-( Well, try not to analyze it [cuz there is still no Santa Claus!] and just read the 4 little words... I think it's wonderful slogan wouldn't you say? I just like it! Short n' sweet!

Anyway, onto other things... Going through email can be a P.I.T.A.! So I think I'm going to start 'replying' comments in the Comments section rather. I started doing that a while back, but somehow I stopped. Something quick and simple will do I think... If I need to elaborate more, I'll send an email in addition. I'll start replying from June 11th methinks. There... Settled! [That is until I change my mind again!]

Everyone have a great day today!! More later 'gator! xoxo

How often do you find the right person?

The tagline reads from the movie Once, with Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. It was Alec's recommendation, so we went and saw it this Saturday night. A modern-day musical about a busker and an immigrant and their eventful week, as they write, rehearse and record songs that tell their love story. It's more than good though but it wasn't great. I guess one can certainly relate if he/she's a musician. In the movie, they don't play snippets of the songs either, they play the songs in their entirety.

I think Markéta did an excellent job, and a lovely voice to boot. Once is a soft, yet bittersweet story, and who doesn't like that? Okay, maybe most. But if you like the movie, you'll love the music. If you like the music, I think you'll love the movie. If You Want Me is also an excellent track fronted by Markéta. Have a listen! [There's a glitch in the Radioblog script. One will need to click on the particular tab in order for the songs to show up! ugh!]

Once is one of those films where you'll grow to like it way after it's over. The movie isn't quite about finding the right person really, it's more of a story about simply following one's dreams...

I think Mike in particular will enjoy this movie much. Hope everyone had a good weekend and happy Monday!

--

Currently listening:
Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová - Falling Slowly

Hello everybawdy.

Haven't said a peep since Tuesday. Let's see. What's new?!? Well my work had completely blocked off all personal email... I know, bad me, and that's why I haven't been able to reply to my email to any of you. I don't check my email from home these days either. I try not to spend much time on the 'puter at home, more time on reading! heh! At any rate, I asked someone at my job to see whether he knows of any other email web-based app. that would work. And he found two! I only log on during my break, so not too terribly bad. So anyway, hopefully I'll be able to reply back to your comment here and there.

I went out with my good friend Gina last night. We've known each other for a long time now and she's ever so entertaining... and on top of that, she works for LFP... Imagine all the stories she could tell. Anyway, we went to the Century City mall. We had dinner there at the food court and, of course, I ate too much. We went to a few stores and later we ended up at J. Crew. I've never bought anything there in my life and still haven't. But while I was standing there waiting for Gina, this cute clerk came up to me and asked if I needed any help. "No thanks, I'm just waiting for her!" [pointing!] "Would you like a bottled water while you wait?" What? How fancy is that!! "No thanks, I just had dinner not too long ago!" And smiled. I did not know that they give out bottled water these days. Did you?? On our way home I told Gina about it and she said the guy was most likely flirting. I don't think so. Those young boys are just friendly methinks.

My dad called me last night while we were eating, saying that he's got the card and the letter. He was very appreciative. "When will you be here Saturday?" "Oh, probably around 11am!" "Okay. And from your letter there are a few words that I don't understand, can you explain it to me when you get here?" "Sure dad!" I replied. "Oh and your mom wants you to translate it to her, too!" "Uh, okay dad!" Well that would be a challenge wouldn't it? And probably embarassing, too. Hmm... we'll see what happens tomorrow! "See you guys tomorrow!!" *click*

The other day while I was driving home on the lovely 405 freeway during rush hour, some guy passed me and said "Why Sadness?" with a smile! Caught off guard, nervously I said: "Cuz I'm too happy?!?" I shrugged and then drove away. I thought that was kinda funny.

Lastly, well as you can see, a couple of new background pictures - top n' bottom of page. But knowing me, I might change it back soon enough. I guess I just don't like to be pigeonholed. It's like I'm-This-But-I'm-Really-Not-This kinda deal you know? Maybe I'm just fickle-minded. Anyway, we'll see how long I'll keep these 'dried twigs' up! heh!

Hodgepodge is right, and I kinda like it. Disjointed. Yes. Free-ramble. Yes. Boring. Well maybe. But I really shouldn't leave without a quote or a story. Yeah? Just tell me when you have enough! :-) I know, come to think of it, I used to blog about subjects like Chick On Speed, Real Doll [I just checked, I named that particular entry Manly Rubber, kinda funny!] and uploading sketches oo procedure on circumcision and people fisting. Hmm... How the blogger blog have changed through the years, somewhat.

Okay, again, good Friday to everyone. I've certainly yapped enough. Have a fantastic weekend and am sending warm wishes to a great blogger friend of mine, David... just because.

Goodbye everybawdy.

When people see some things as beautiful,
other things become ugly.
When people see some things as good,
other things become bad.

Being and non-being create each other.
Difficult and easy support each other.
Long and short define each other.
High and low depend on each other.
Before and after follow each other.

Therefore the Master
acts without doing anything
and teaches without saying anything.
Things arise and she lets them come;
things disappear and she lets them go.
She has but doesn't possess,
acts but doesn't expect.
When her work is done, she forgets it.
That is why it lasts forever.

Text: Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu; version by Stephen Mitchell

To crave death is a trait of weakness; to strive to live is courageous. Life should be “alive", and we can only appreciate the colors of life when we are alive. On the other hand, death is like the sunset, for even when there are signs of life, there is no more brightness in the world. Many people suffer business losses and all but run out of hope, but they continue to strive courageously to succeed. As long as they develop their potential in life, they will naturally encounter the right conditions to help them overcome their difficulties. They will be able to stand up on their feet and get on the road to success again. Many others endure lost love. Heartbroken, they lack the courage to carry on. But they need to understand that, just as there are numerous stars in the sky, there are even more people on earth. Why suffer so much for one person? Instead, they should pull themselves together and begin a new life.

Arriving at a seemingly dead-end road may actually signify the beginning of a new one. In our world, many survive the pain and horrors of natural calamities, yet they continue to live. The courage they display in the face of loss and suffering makes them models for others who face life’s trials and tribulations.

Because of impermanence, nothing escapes the tide of change. Both the good and the bad come with impermanence and change, so there is always hope as long as we live. Therefore, whether we suffer business failure, lost love, a family dispute, financial difficulty, a career setback, or poor health, we must live on courageously. In the face of hopelessness, we should still maintain hope to the very end.

Likewise, in the battlefield, even when the troops are down to the last man, they still fight on for their country. In nature’s world, cold ashes may burn again, and dead wood may sprout to life. The chance to survive often hangs on the brink of death, so there is always hope when we live life to the fullest. Seagulls struggle in a lonely battle against the wind and rain, and salmon persist upstream on a mission to spawn. They all strive until the very end. A lone boat in the storm still holds hope for rescue, and the wounded veterans of war sustain themselves with courage. When one is down in life, one should endeavor to turn over a new leaf, to stand up again, for courage and determination are the driving forces behind the will to live. Hope in life is not only sustained by courage, it is also sustained by vows and the wisdom to carry on. To live courageously is not to live for oneself only; it is also to live for one’s family, for society, and for one’s responsibilities. Only cowards shun life, the courageous safeguard its existence.

Text: Venerable Master Hsing Yun

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Live Courageously! I do find these two words go beautifully together.

My dad took us all out for a Chinese dinner last night, a total of 9 of us. We thought it would be best to celebrate Father's Day a day ahead to beat the crowd, and that we all had to head off to work early the next day, it's best for us to celebrate a day early. Still, the wait was about a good 45 minutes, but regardless, we had a wonderful time. My grandma couldn't make it though because she was too tired to move around. I told my mom/dad that I would go and visit next Saturday.

Something 'good' happened near the end of the evening while my dad was paying the check [yeah, he wouldn't let anyone pay, he's like that. Chinese are like that! Though we all made up with cards with red pockets [with money inside!]... I don't quite sure know how to put it all together, but I think I'll simply send my dad a Thank You note with the letter attached.

Anyway, Happy Father's Day to all the dads and grand dads, and to all the fathers-to-be, too. Have a great week to come everybody. xoxo

Hello dad/mom.

Thank you so much for the lovely dinner. I know I probably don't say it enough, but I love you both - very much. And thanks for everything you guys have done for me through the years, and for the family.

Dad, last night was a treat, sitting next to you was a treat. These days, I think you've gotten so much funnier compared to the older days. I remember a time when you were quite grumpy and that you used to raise your voice quite often, though not directed at anyone in particular. I'm thinking this was back in the mid to late 80's. Of course, back then life was so much more stressful for you and mom. The many mouths to feed and life just wasn't so easy. You might have raised your voice simply out of frustration, but you would never hit us. I remember someone mentioned "Your dad never hits!" And you never have.

While you were signing the credit card slip last night, I saw, again, how you signed your name/signature... When I was young and remember seeing you how you signed your name, I used to think your signature was so cool. It was one of a kind, and it still is. Last night seeing you signing your name again after so many years, it brought back so much emotions... I don't think I've seen you sign your name in almost 30 years. We're all so much older now and many things have changed through the years, but your signature looks exactly the same as I remembered... And seeing you, just that instance, I felt like a child again... Your youngest baby son, seeing his dad, forty-something again! A young father... I was almost in tears.

I also remember while back in the 80's when I was still in school, each night around 6:30pm the garage door would open [our prior house didn't have such a luxury feature] and we would know that you are finally home from work. This went on for years and years. Shortly after Alec and I bought our house here, his brother installed a brand new garage door opener for us. I remember one night getting back into the house while closing the garage door, I heard that same sound that you made many, many years ago... As if you were coming home again, but it was only me. My mind was playing tricks on me and it was a silly thing to think about... But the sound of that made me remember so much of you - coming home after a long day...

Anyway dad, thanks again for all the things that you did for me and the things that you've given us through the years, and I'm so sorry for all the heartaches that I've caused you and mom. Like the times when I ditched school back in 5th grade, and also the time I ran away from home and just left you and mom a letter in the mail box [which I'm sure you still have to this day!]. But these days, the older I get, the more love I feel and cherish from you and mom. Your love is neverending, and I'm just so glad that you're my parents, and that I'm your son.

I love you both, very much.

Your son, Bobby. 成禮

Neil’s Theme - Harold Budd / Robin Guthrie
My Truth - Cocteau Twins
Nobody Sees Me Like You Do - Yoko Ono feat. The Apples In Stereo
Small Heads - Lisa Germano
There’s More Snakes Than Ladders - Captain Sensible
Half & Half - Lush
Lunz - Lunz
Hallelujah - k.d. lang
Severance - Dead Can Dance
Olancha Farewell - Harold Budd
If I Think of Love [Version] - Lisa Germano
Ex - Lush
Number Two - Pernice Brothers
Aikea-Guinea [Alternate Version] - Cocteau Twins
Everlasting - Robin Guthrie
It’s A Rainbow - Lisa Germano
All This Useless Beauty - Lush
Always Returning [II] - Brian Eno
Hymn For The Fallen [Live] - Dead Can Dance
Revelations - Yoko Ono feat. Cat Power

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A blogger-friend asked me to do another mixed disc a few weeks back, so I obliged. I asked if he wanted something sad [again?] or happy, slow or fast. He said slow... so I compiled the above. Made myself a copy as well in the same white packaging as before and am now listening... It's on the Radioblog to the right under the same name - Lovelorn... if you would like a listen.

Music makes me... music makes me so glad! It has a way to get into your heart and do strange and wonderful things. I can't remember the last time I had gone through a day without music. And even if I only do it in my head these days, music makes me dance. Can't believe a good few tracks here are more than two decades old! Anyway, I don't have a favorite here, but track 14 changed my life.

Well that's all folks. Have a fantastic weekend everybody. Oh a sort of funny bit... Last night while I was driving home on the freeway, I saw a monk [shaved head wearing an orange robe] driving an SUV. All I could think about was: Do they get into road rage?!? heh!

Do you remember your teenage years? Say, when you were 9 or 12? How the days just dragged on and on? Not many things to worry about. You had food on the table with pretty much no effort on your part... for most anyway! Things weren't simple then for adults, but for kids, every day was like a day at the park! Time was less chaotic, more still compared to today. No stains. I felt like I had all the energy in the world... I was invincible! My mind wasn't weighted down, and everything was just a game. I would ask myself: "What to do today... let's see!" And back then I wasn't very ambitious... and to this day, I'm still not quite sure. So maybe in the future, I'll see my present days as being what it was then... Who knows but the moon and the stars!

I was thinking about that yesterday morning while driving to work. How time once were. Now my body feels heavy, and so does my heart... and I tear up more often these days but not because of a bad fall or a scrape. I certainly have more stuff crammed inside my sloshy little brain. So now what? Seeing today's world in a different light. Back then, I didn't care about much of anything... the world was mine and no matter how small my castle, I was the King. Yet these days, every now and then I feel like closing myself off to the world.

I realized that I'm very blessed and quite content. And I am. In this lifetime, while I'm here, yet often times I feel like I have a 'mission' to fulfill... something to be accomplished. I can read and observe and read some more, but no true answers will come in a form of a chapter or a page. Have you heard your calling? Do you know your true cause?

Maybe I'm thinking too much, or too little. I AM enjoying this life of mine though! No matter how tired I get and how down I feel sometimes, my life has been nothing but spectacular... This I know for certain! Referring to what I wrote last week, I guess I just need to be more patient and receptive. Funny that, I just remembered when I was single and [Ahem!] cruising 'available' on the internet back in the mid 90's, in addition to my stats, my profile I simply stated: To be a good person. [I know, not very alluring was it!] Easier said than done! And didn't someone say that the simplest things are the most difficult to achieve? I still think that's a very good place to start. At least I would like to think I'm ambitious about that.

Happy Thursday everyone!! xoxo

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Currently listening:
Cocteau Twins - Know Who You Are At Every Age

I hope everyone had a great weekend. It was Gay Pride weekend here in West Hollywood... One of the biggest in the west coast I'm thinking!!! But I didn't go.

Saturday night we went and saw Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, I didn't care for it. I thought the story was a bit disjointed and convoluted. The Jack Sparrow character has gotten old for me. I wanted to go because I wanted to see Chow Yun Fat. That was it really. Nothing more.

Sunday I went to Borders. Aside from cooking, I don't have much of a hobby. D'oh! I go there to look, but in the end, I pretty much end up purchasing something. With a coupon in my pocket and I'm ready to go. In my 3 hours there, I looked at their magazines, computer books, cooking books, their audio books, books on art, photography, computer graphics, website design and also books on eastern thoughts. I was pretty much all over the place, and so was my brain.

So much information... Looking at 'em fancy art books, whether it's about photography, illustrations, computer graphics, design on websites... makes me want to design my own website again! One day soon, I'll come up with something on my landing page. Something simple - like me! heh! On another note, last week at work someone sent me this amazing video demo on Microsoft's Seadragon and Photosynth. The result is astounding! When I first saw the demonstration video, I was floored! It's like piercing and probing into a microscopic brain. It's intimidating to say the least. Fantastic yet frightening at the same time. Something that seems so 'futuristic' yet definitely within reach...

But after the thrill, I was like "Then what?" We advance in technology more and more, faster than ever! Are we thinking more with our brain than with our hearts? What about human advances? How are we advancing as an individual? How are we evolving as a race? I was looking through books and magazines on all the latest designs and graphics and programs and technologies and what-not... I felt a bit lost. For a moment there I didn't know where I was 'going'... A bit sad... I guess I was just overwhelmed!

I finally made a purchase on a book that I've been wanting to get for a long while, but never got to. Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. I've checked out many translations before and none of them I felt comfortable with. Upon reading the first few verses from this particular version, I knew I had to get it. And upon reading the first few verses, I think I'm beginning to finally understand a weebit more.

So that was pretty much my weekend.

The tao that can be told
is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named
is not the eternal Name.

The unnamable is the eternally real.
Naming is the origin
of all particular things.

Free from desire, you realize the mystery.
Caught in desire, you see only the manifestations.

Yet mystery and manifestations
arise from the same source.
This source is called darkness.

Darkness within darkness.
The gateway to all understanding.

Text: Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu; version by Stephen Mitchell

"What do you want to do in life?" While we were on one of our nightly walks this past week, Alec's been asking me that on numerous days because I've yet to give him a straight answer. I thought about it on and off for a couple of days then I finally said something. I did say that if he wasn't in my life, I would probably be doing charity work, volunteer work, or something similar. I remember a long time ago I volunteered in the NOLP program at Aids Project Los Angeles, it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. If you've ever had the chance to volunteer or to help someone or a community, then you know the feeling. The experience is insurmountable.

Alec also mentioned that if he wasn't in my life, wouldn't I want to run out and join the monastery? No, but I would most definitely live a life more simple. I wouldn't buy a house to begin with, I would have changed my current job/profession, and I would live an even MORE a quieter life.

Not that I'm not happy at the moment. Life is good. My life is very good. I have enough to eat and Alec is a very genuine, loving partner. But life doesn't stop once you find a partner. Does it? I believe there are certain things that you learn and experience with your partner [and people in general], and other times there are experiences that you can only learn from yourself - coming from within. There just seems to be so much more.....

I'll talk more about it another time. What would you like to do in life?

Everyone in the world is in pursuit of some form of happiness. Some people believe money brings happiness, but money can also bring about abundant suffering and pain. As the Chinese saying goes, “People die for money,” just as robbers will often kill for money. During China’s Cultural Revolution, most of those who were persecuted were wealthy people. Sometimes, the suffering the wealthy endure is far worse than that of the poor.

Then, there are people who believe that love is the source of happiness. Love is beautiful, but love can bring even more suffering. Many tragedies in this world have resulted from people being unable to conquer the hurdle of love. Many have been troubled by love and ruined their careers and reputations as a result. Worse yet, some have killed themselves because of love.

Others believe that fame can enhance happiness, for they believe that those who are famous have the ability to achieve their ambitions. However, many people in high positions often fail to benefit the populace and are only concerned with their own status. In the process, they lose the support of the public and sometimes even of themselves. There are also some people who think they can find happiness in academic studies. But, for most, the deeper their studies, the worse their attachments and discriminations become, giving rise to problems in thought. Instead of resulting in happiness, then, studies can become a dead end.

So, where can we find this happiness we all pursue? First, we must realize that happiness is in our hearts. The contentment, tolerance, wisdom, and faith in our hearts are the fountains of happiness inside us. Second, happiness lies in genuine affection and honor. Treating others with sincerity and integrity brings happiness. Third, happiness exists in friendships between the self and others. Nobody can live without friends for friendship provides support and good will throughout our lives. Fourth, happiness is in liberation. For, if we can see through the phenomena of the world, and be liberated from troubles and suffering, then happiness can be realized.

Money does not equal unhappiness; as long as we know how to make good use of it and do not let ourselves become enslaved by it, then money can bring happiness. Similarly, love can also bring happiness; but love needs to be pure and sublime and not selfish or tainted. Social status can also be a source of happiness, if its accomplishments are shared, thus benefiting both the self and others.

We should not only pursue the sensual pleasures of life: seeing beautiful things, hearing wonderful sounds, smelling fragrant scents, tasting delicious food, and feeling physical comforts. Such sensory happiness is only momentary and unrealistic. We should instead pursue the joy of non-attachment, meaning that we will not allow ourselves to become attached to the five senses. We should cultivate our bodhi mind without attachment to achieve true happiness. It is only when we have the truth and Dharma joy in our hearts, and discover the treasure that lies inside within us, that we are able to attain lasting happiness.

Text: Venerable Master Hsing Yun

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Everything we ever wanted is all so near, yet contentment emanates only from our very hearts. Methinks.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! I love you!

Remember that I was going to take some self-portraits every now and then for the Untitled series? Well, I haven't lately so no pictures! *whew!* Though my curly-que mustache is growing quite long these days... I feel like a cat-man.

Well here is artwork of some foliage. It'll do for now. My life isn't all about me y'know! :-) Hope everyone is having a good day today. *big hugs to you, and you [yeah YOU]... and you*

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Currently listening:
Yann Tiersen feat. Liz Fraser - Kala

Nothing to report much, as usual... Life is quiet. I like it! I wish my life was more outrageous so I would have fabulous material to write about... Nah, no I don't. I guess I must like the quietness! :-)

Looking at the gorgeous view from D-Man's 'backyard', I can't help but to feel envious! Wait, are there Asians out there in Idaho?!? At my current job, I could actually relocate to either Chandler, AZ or Plano, TX [Plano! ugh!], but Alec keeps reminding me: "But your family is here!"... and with that, he's absolutely right. That's one sure thing that's keeping me here in Southern Cal. My folks are almost in their 80's and I really love being around them [Oright, my mum still drives me nutz sometimes, but that's besides the point! heh!]! And when my folks moved on, we'll most likely move up to Washington state to be close to Alec's parents. In a way, I'm very much looking forward to that! But sure, if I did move, I'll miss all the great things about Los Angeles, but it's just a matter of getting used to. Right? And when it comes to shopping, there's always Amazon! :-)

Let's see what else... I put up the random script again [it's on top!]. I miss saying hello to my fellow bloggers - every day! "Hello hello!" I think I have everybody's names up there now [along with a good few random quotes]... except for a person or two, but since I really don't know their first names and their names weren't disclosed on their blogs, I have no way of knowing.

Lastly I want to wish one of my favorite bloggers well. We've never met before but are planning on doing that very soon. Since we only live about 20+ miles apart, it would be a shame not to. Don't you think? :-) I wish D the very best of health my friend. I love you!

So with that, 'til next time. Again, Hello Dear!

Tuesday night we saw Lisa Gerrard in concert at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. She came out in a purple gown and was simply stunning... Her voice warms my heart. A beautiful siren.

Hope everyone is having a great Friday!!

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Currently listening:
Dead Can Dance - Hymn For The Fallen [Live]