Mama's Flowers

I can't help writing about Mama and her beautiful garden every time I come back from a vacation back home. Her flowers are just breathtaking.

This time, I was lucky to have my brother in law, Saturn, around for a fresh photographic take of Mama's flowers.

Sometimes, I still couldn't figure out she has managed to grow a garden full of pretty little delights. Before every trip home I look forward to what changed during the time I was out - what orchid varieties are in bloom now, what replaced the gumamelas that lined the walkways, what was growing around the grotto, if the fruit trees have produced sprouts yet, and so on. There's just always something new, something pleasurable, sometimes surprising. Like this lemon shrub that's managed to bear fruit. I can't wait to harvest and have a taste of this home-grown treat.

Click here for more photos by Saturn Labanda.

Just Discovered

I thought I knew the place very well.

It's a favorite family r&r place, summer and otherwise. Everything is simple and left just the way they should be, just the way the "resort" owners let their guests - mostly families - be. We get pure clean fun without worrying about tips, loud tourists, looking swimsuit-worthy or keeping sand away from the carpet.

The waters are particularly huge at this time of the year.

After an awesome wave-crashing session we strolled down the beach just for the heck of it. For years I've always wondered what was beyond the bend of boulders that gradually replaced the white sand. Or the second basin that catches what came forth from the third. And fourth. And fifth. And sixth.

For every wave of panic the sea throws at my face, a cover of fear washes away with the withdrawing water, and a surge of calm rushes through my soul.

Which made me think: If one is on loose sandy soil, what makes him strong enough to battle the waves? To stand proudly but serenely? Be battered yet beautiful?

And then, something so great comes out from something so little.

When there's really nothing left to give but the very heart and soul, it becomes so powerful it destroys all hindrances to greatness.

So everyone truly gets a part of the wonderful gift.

Photos by Saturn Labanda

have a wonderful discovery yourself,