So, yesterday I decided to venture out into the world for the simple pleasantries of ice cream and decent weather.
Needless to say, I decided to sit outside. I found it more than interesting when life’s odd and rather funny plan unfurled before my very eyes.
I spotted an old childhood friend of mine. Over the years, we had lost contact and our bond faded into the oblivion of familiar faces. I didn’t say hello, because I knew that she’d most likely forgotten me, but I found it very entertaining, either way.
Has something like this ever happened to you? If so, what was the end result?
Tag Archives: Life
Holiday Rants
It’s Christmas day- the time of year when families are said to gather around the fire of a fireplace(or technologically savvy flat-screen television that now poses as the red and orange flickering tongues of flames and burnt bark of the fictional labor of chopping down a tree and hauling its fruit toward home) and exchange gifts with one another in the spirit of love and Christ’s birth.
When I look at this international holiday carefully, I see a commercialised enterprise of money and food and selfishness. Some people do give gifts out of the goodness of their hearts, which is fine and wonderful, but others just look forward to getting something for free.
If we really love someone and appreciate them for what they do, then why do we need a specific day in the year to tell us when to show our appreciation? Shouldn’t we always tell others we’re glad to have them around us?
Of course, this is just my view of things and mentality. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
Christmas really is a holiday for which we should be grateful- a request from me(which is completely optional) is that you look deeper into the meaning of this day and any other holiday or celebration and give the people around you a random “thank you.” Yes, some people will think you’ve lost your mind, and others will be glad.
If you have a Christmas story you would like to share, or simply want to say something, leave a comment and I’ll get back to it as soon as possible. Merry Christmas.
Send Me Away
With a saddened heart I look upon your silhouette, distant and cold in demeanor as I step away.
Your eyes are empty and your hands are rough- oh, whatever happened to the gentle, caressing feel of your compassionate hand on mine? Where has the shine of your eye gone?
To whom have you given the last of your will? Did I not give you my all; love, kindness, and attention is what I showered upon you incessantly as you so pleased.
Now, the bed is more spacious, the quilts maintain less warmth. A broken promise, a shattered dream- our solemn vow has been so blatantly disregarded.
So, now as you see fit, send me away to where your heart desires, that you may not be concerned with my petty emotions. Send me away to mourn the loss of the you, the one I loved.
On Authors
I often wonder about authors and their seemingly unbreakable spirit of creativity and pure determination.
What is it that spurs the mind of a gifted intellectual on and brings out the best and worst of their personal traits and gained skills?
It’s as if without fail or error in the slightest form, each master of language– both published and unknown to the world– has taken at least one twinkling star from the sky as a means of encouragement, and indulged in bedizen actions for his work.
If this is indeed the case, then from where does one gather information for a worthy piece of literature?
Libraries and museums are within the confines of a tangible realm– the author must reach beyond such boundaries and seek nothing but the utmost sources of knowledge, which is more than often located quite directly in the cerebellum and is awaiting one’s need for it.
Local Inspiration
Hopefully, I’ll soon be heading to downtown McAllen to gather some inspiration. I’ll be taking my notebook along to jot down some quick ideas.
My goal is to make a compilation of the things that I’m generally interested in so that I can create my own unique style within that of Japanese street fashion.
Does anyone have any suggestions such as stores, accessories, or things for which I should keep my eye out? I would also love to hear in what fashion genre you’re interested and what you do when searching for an outfit to expand your wardrobe.
Self-confidence: Introversion
I often wonder why it is that I can’t leave my home without checking my reflection countless times for what I refer to as “errors” in my appearance and outfit choice.
At first, my mind logically conjured the idea that it might be my self-diagnosed “OCD”(Obsessive Compulsive Disorder); but once I’d rid myself of that thought, I instantly came up with vanity.
But the thing is, I’m not a vain person. So I decided to talk to one of my closest friends about this problem- and this was unusual because I’m often the one who people come to with their problems. I told them that I always fidgeted with even the most minuscule “faults” of my facial features, makeup, hair, and accessories.
“Maybe,” they had started almost uncertainly, “you’re an introvert.”
I had stared blankly at them for a moment, taking my time to contemplate their assumption and helpful input. I quickly came to the conclusion that this was inaccurate; after all, wasn’t I speaking to my friend confidently?
What I failed to think about was that when we first met, I was quiet and it took over a year of our being in the same studies for us to actually communicate. I reluctantly began to admit that I had every sign of being socially impaired.
“An introvert?” I murmured cautiously, my brows furrowing downward in deep pondering. “Maybe…”
I couldn’t look people in the eye when they talked to me, nor could I compliment someone or start even a mundane conversation. I couldn’t walk up to someone and ask them if they liked something. It’s not that I didn’t want to, it was just that at the time, I really couldn’t.
I slowly began to become even more insecure and worried. I stopped talking to friends and family members for about a month or two, I stopped doing the things I loved like drawing, writing, taking photos, and playing the guitar. I rarely left my room, and even less did I leave my house.
That’s when I started to believe that I couldn’t do anything right. I went three days without eating one time; and just when I thought it was getting to be too much, I gathered enough courage to leave my comfortable place of isolation and meet a friend who was very worried about me.
They ran up to me as soon as I stepped foot in the small cafe and smothered me in affection that I’d long forgotten. That’s when I began to get fatigued. They were just looking at me for an unusually long time. Was my hair messy? Did my makeup smear? Did my outfit not match?
“You’re so beautiful.”
I was stunned- how could they believe I was beautiful? That’s when I knew that what I was missing wasn’t the support from friends, but confidence in myself and the things that I could do.
It didn’t matter how others saw me, as long as I loved me for me and saw past the physical appearance.
My friend and I met each other regularly to work on this problem. That was about five years ago; we still meet each other frequently, but now I joke around and laugh and look straight into their eyes when they’re speaking- and although I still battle with my insecurities, it’s more about things of importance such as the bills and work and my studies.
Have confidence in yourself; be proud of who you are, and don’t be afraid to have aspirations and goals. Do what you love, dress how you feel, be open with others. It’s hard at first, but if you show others that you’re comfortable in your own skin, you might just inspire them to be as good of a person as they can be.
Parent’s Guide to Understanding Visual Kei
I know that I haven’t posted anything recently(I’ve been very busy lately- what with my second blog that’s still in progress, and all the work I’ve had- and really, I’m not complaining) and some of my dedicated readers may, or may not, be disappointed.
I’ve gotten several requests from friends to write a post dedicated entirely to the “Do and Do not”s that come with having a child who has recently plunged into the world of blasting Japanese music, and men that look and dress like woman.
That’s right- here’s the Parent’s Guide to Understanding Visual Kei.
1.)Your child is unique, so if they suddenly want to wear mismatched colored contact lenses, dye their hair ridiculous colors, and/or start dressing what is to you, ridiculously, then I assure you, it is most likely not a phase. Instead of trying to stifle their creativity, try to channel it into something less dramatic; maybe they can start out with a load of extra accessories, then build from there.
2.)Don’t let your child walk out the door looking like a geisha- Visual Kei isn’t about suddenly going from normal to crazy. Like the clothing, let them start off with simple or intricate makeup designs that best suit their age, face, etc.
3.)Be prepared to hear nothing but facts about with whom your child is currently infatuated. You’ll learn a lot.
4.)The likelihood of that “girl” actually being a female is close to, if not, ZERO. That’s right, Hizaki is a male who wears dresses- that doesn’t make him gay.
5.)Having your own opinion is very important. Let your child know how you feel about their interest in another culture. Think about it this way, at least they’re trying to learn something new.
6.)Japanese band merchandise can sometimes be expensive; but it’s worth it for a birthday or Christmas; or, you can make something on your own.
That’s all I have gathered for now. Thank you for reading- I hope this helps you understand better what your child, niece, nephew, sibling, etc. is interested in and how to deal with it.
Music Rants: Why I Believe Japanese Music Is Best
I have no idea why, but as stated, for some unknown reason, this post is dedicated to why I think that Japanese music is better than any other(well, I’m mostly targeting/picking on American music).
My main argument and discussion about this topic centers around the fact that there are very few singers(good ones, that is) here in America. Unfortunately, younger and more recent generations of all people have stereotypically rejected real singing and human voices in general, and instead have found a love for techno.
I, myself, happen to like only a few songs that involve techno, and even then it falls under “nu metal” and “rock.” What can I say? I prefer meaningful lyrics, vocal talent, and real instruments over remixes and the mechanical wizardry of modern society.
Japanese music does have its own faults, considering the fact that they have a whole lot of techno, but not every genre of anything is perfect. I love the style: most Japanese bands look and sound great, and they usually aren’t just a bunch of pretty boys or girls(and believe me, some of the men in Visual Kei bands are literally pretty, cute, or beautiful).
I love the sincerity in their voices and instruments as they sing and play. The lyrics are sensible, and carries great tunes and skills.
Here are a few bands that I love with descriptions and such so that you don’t freak out when you realize that the cute girl you saw is actually a guy, and vice-versa:
Versailles Philharmonic Quintet. Though disbanded, the vocalist who goes by Kamijo Yuji owns his own record company and is very active in the music industry. A band member passed away in 2009 by the name of Jasmine You, reducing the band to only four members, still all male. Masahi is the drummer, Teru is the guitarist, Hizaki(who is a man dressed as a woman- listen to the music before judging, please) is the other guitarist, and Kamijo is the vocalist. The theme of the band is “Vampires.” The costumes are very elaborate. Songs I recommend would be “Philia”, “Vampire”, “Masquerade”, “Glowing Butterfly”, “Serenade”, “Flowery”, and “Prince.”
The GazettE. This band is also all men, and has five members. They used to have a member named Yune, but he is no longer in it. Ruki is the singer, Kai is the drummer, Reita is the bassist, Uruha and Aoi are the guitarist. Ruki can also play the guitar and piano. Reita wears a bandana or noseband over his nose. Uruha has beautiful lips and thighs- I have to say that he looks most like a woman, or very beautiful. They have all had very interesting looks in their careers. Songs I recommend would be “Guren”, “Reila”. “PLEDGE”, “INSIDE BEAST”, “Dripping Insanity”, “RED”, “REMEMBER THE URGE”, “Silly God Disco”, “Burial Applicant”, and “Taion.”
BUCK-TICK. This band is considered one of the founding fathers for Visual Kei fashion. The lead singer is Atsushi Sakurai. This band is the oldest in this list. Songs I recommend would be “Galaxy”, “Kagerou”, and “DRESS.” All male.
MEJIBRAY. Songs I recommend would be “Avalon”, “Raven”, and “Killing Me.” All male, again,
Alice Nine. All male band members. Songs I recommend would be “Heart of Gold” and “Blue Flame.”
SID. All male(I like male singers more- the vocal range is great). Songs I recommend would be “Hanabira”, “Uso”, “Rain”, and “Monocrome No Kiss.”
I’ll stop ranting and raving now, and ask about your opinions. If you looked any of my suggestions up(If you’re not fluent in Japanese, looking up the lyrics in English would be wise, but before that, just listen to the voices and instruments and formulate an opinion) and want to share, please do! If you have any suggestions for me, let me know, and feel free to ask questions!
Love is Free
Love is the greatest gift we can give- love can ease the pain of loss and sadness, give people hope for the future, help others to gain a new perspective of life, and so many other things.
Four letters and a single syllable has never been so strong. A mother’s, siblings, friend’s, and others love can sometimes seem smothering, but it’s all worth it.
Giving is better than receiving, and I love to live by this moral and principle.
My birthday is in a month, but my mother and grandmother’s is first, followed by my sister’s in October; rather than thinking about my “wishlist”, I’m trying to think of something that my family members would like. I can’t afford anything expensive, and I may have to make the gifts myself, but I think it’s all worth it.
This is my view on life and love- and there’s a saying that helps me through the tough times, and it just so happens to be the famous “Serenity Prayer.”
This prayer says so much- the first time I read it, my heart was truly touched and I felt so glad for my blessed life.
The Serenity Prayer.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.” -Reinhold Niebuhr.
Blogging Subjects- Help is Here(Hopefully)
I’ve hit a wall- one that refuses to collapse unless I bring in Mr.Gorbachov or the Hulk; either way, I hit the point in my “blogging career” where inspiration isn’t a wide and flowing river, but a trickling stream that offers nothing but pity.
We all come to this soon enough, now, what you do in response is what matters. If you decide to give up altogether, then that won’t get anything done; but if you try to find a solution, then you might hit the jackpot.
Writing daily is a good practice, but for those busy folks, writing on occasion is alright, too.
Writing ideas. Coming up with something to write and post isn’t always easy, so here are a few simple examples to set your mind at ease and give you a small helping hand.
1.)Nature. Describe the scenery around you- it can help give your readers a feel of where you live, and can even bring you closer to them through possible similarities.
2.)Childhood Reminiscence. Post something a little more personal- maybe a funny occasion when you were younger, something that you looked forward to, or even a heart-gripping story. You could write about your favorite pet, elementary school, or best friend.
3.)Opinions. Start a discussion about technology, environmentalists, famous singers and actors, or anything with which you have a genuine interest.
4.)Review Movies, Books, Etc. If you’ve read a book, seen a movie, listened to a song, or done a drawing or arts and crafts object, voice the description of it and state your likes and dislikes while trying not to give spoilers(unless you’ve included a spoiler warning).
5.)Lists. You can never have too many lists. Lists… well, list, your likes and can be helpful for others who are searching for something. Make a list of the top 10 books you recommend for others to read and why, or do the same with any other topic. The length and subject is up to you.
6.)Gathering Resources. Leave feedback on other Blogger’s posts and ask for advice. Read their posts and study the topics that they cover, why they do so, and how they format it. Everyone has a different style, but looking at their way of doing things might inspire you to make some changes or write about something new.
7.)Facts. Not all blogs are educational, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t post random facts like why flamingos are pink and other things.
8.)Awareness. Not everyone has time to watch the news in the morning, listen to the radio, or even pick up a newspaper. Watching the news and writing down the important and current events can help keep others up to date, and make you a semi-journalist.
9.)Cultural Studies. If there’s a country or culture that you’re fascinated with, do a little research and post about that. Let others know about India, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, China, Spain, or any place that you like. It doesn’t have to be a full-on report. Just include some common facts, maybe photos, why you like this place, the system of currency, or some unknown facts and opinions.
10.)Target: Stomach. A lot of people love cooking, and eating the food that’s cooked. Jotting down clear steps to making a dish that you like or want to try can appeal to a great deal of people and give you something to write about.
11.)Secret Talent. Maybe you have something that you’re really good at. Don’t keep it all to yourself. If you’re talented, be proud and tell people.
12.)Everyday. Write about your day- why it was good, why it was bad, what the weather was like, if you met anyone new, what you did that made you smile, anything and everything that happens to you in a single day.
13.)Arts and Crafts. Share D.I.Y(Do It Yourself) projects that you liked and want other to know about. Explain the hard or easy process and be sure to tell everyone how to do it and how it turned out, whether it was a failure or a success.
14.)Quotations. Quote things from others- famous or not- that go with your mood, style, or anything else.
15.)Support. Share information about a charity or at-home-cause that really calls to you. Include things like what they’re supporting, how to help the cause, other social media pages to follow, like, contact, etc., and what you can do to help.
16.)Dreamland. Dreams can either be weird, or completely normal; then again, our thoughts on what normal actually is varies. Describe a dream that you had(old or new) that you want to share. Cover the dream itself and how you acted when you woke up.
17.)It’s a Drabble. A Drabble is a short, fictional post of only 100 words. It’s a good challenge for writers and those who are interested in writing, and it helps the mind. You can create an account at Drablr.com.
18.)Shopping Hauls. Focus on what arrived in the mail or was bought at a store. Clothing, jewelry, any accessories, shoes, art supplies, you hobby supplies- use your stuff at a shopping session and share with your readers. There’s Miss A, eBay, Amazon, Milanoo, Goodwill, Barnes and Noble, Baby the Stars Shine Bright, h.Naoto, Hot Topic, and so many other hauls.
19.)Faith. Religion. Share your beliefs and what you think is right.
That’s all I have for now. Hopefully this served its purpose and I’ve lit a fire under you. Good luck, and happy hunting fellow bloggers and readers.
thathelpfulperson 