Be back soon…

To my dear Blogger Friends,

I’d like to let you know that I’ll be gone for a short while, I don’t know for how long. I am working on two big projects simultaneously right now. And I will really miss your company and leaving comments on your wonderful postings which I find very relaxing.  So I’m so sorry if I won’t be able to comment for a moment. I will be fine and I’d like you to know that I’ll be thinking of all of you and you’ll be in my prayers. Thank you for your warm thoughts and feedbacks during the past few months. Luisa, my dear friend, please keep them laughing with your funny postings. Gary, I’ll be catching up on your splendid photos and smile again on your amusing postings. Dinesh, I’ll be back again to see your next awesome images. Terri, sweet Terri, please keep those delectable recipes coming, we love them! I printed most of them, hoping I can try them too. Angelia, I always admire your writings, your love for your family and friends is clearly visible and I can feel it too. Jaymie, thanks so much for keeping our circle of friends together with your inspiring poems. I wish I can write like you, maybe you can give me some tips next time when I come back. Tasneem, I always have great fun, laughter and surprises every time I take those quizzes, thank you. Asian Butterfly, thanks so much for keeping me updated about our country where I grew up and spent so many happy memories, thanks so much.

And to all that I haven’t mentioned, thanks for coming by and for visiting my blog, it’s greatly appreciated! I’ll see you again soon. I’ll miss you all, we’re like one big family here and I love this community so much!

Big warm hug,

Jenny

A Tribute to the Haiti Victims

A RAY OF HOPE

I sat here in the dark… waiting

My screams were faint, my calls unheard

My tears have run dry, shouts drowned

Paralyzed by fear.

Can they hear me?

Will I still see the light?

Where are they?

I cried in silence.

When I closed my eyes

A white dove flew to find me

A little ray of hope…

Someone reached for me.

Someone was listening…

~ScentedPixels

A dedication to those who have not been found, to those whose voices were never heard, buried deep down the rubbles. Their cries and screams for help were muffled by the sound above them. And for those who are recovering, the sun will rise again and with it a new ray of hope.

When I was creating this image, I was trying to stay away from any image of tragedy. I have seen more than enough in graphic details of the devastation on tv and online. I’d like to portray emotions and feelings and to welcome the thought that these victims will someday find a way to bounce back and find renewal in their lives. May God bless them. (You may click the image to zoom in.)

When Do Angels Cry?

Not too long ago, a very close friend of mine was rushed to the emergency room by her husband. The news wasn’t good, she remains in the hospital until now. I visited her and made this image for her. At the bottom I have included a short text. She opened the envelope and as she read it, although she couldn’t speak, I saw a tear drop fell from her eyes. It was a short visit because the nurse won’t let me stay longer. When I was driving home, I felt this rush of emotions. Like I said I cry easily, but I did not show this to her when I was by her side. But the tears that fell and rolled down her cheek, it’s worth a thousand words for me.

The text says:

“She felt a deep pain on her chest and her entire body quivered. Everything around her turned into a dizzying motion. Was it just her imagination? Two soft hands held her body and when she opened her eyes, she couldn’t believe what she saw, her guardian angel! The angel held her tightly in her arms. “I won’t let you go, I’ll stay until you’re okay.” “But I can’t bear it anymore… I have this affliction for so many years, I’d like to go to a place where I will no longer feel this suffering.” “Please, don’t go… allow me to suffer your pain,” her angel said. But she was adamant,”Take me to your place… I can’t make it this time, please.” Then, a tear fell on her cheek. When she looked up, she saw her angel crying… and her pain… gone.”

If only I can do something for her like the angel in this image. But there’s nothing else I can do but pray for her and hope that she will recover soon. Please click the image to see it in full size.

Will they wait until something happens?

My youngest son’s friend and classmate stays with us after school once in a while. I have met the parents once but we’re really not buddies and they live a few streets away from us. Brad (not his real name) is 8 years old, according to him he has an older brother in his early teens and two younger siblings. Both parents work and they don’t get off from work until 5-pm. So after school, 3 pm until 5 pm, he stays with us. This is not official, his parents never knew he stays with us after school hours or that I agreed with this set up. Sometimes we just can’t get out the house (shop together, eat out or see a movie) because of this. I wish his parents are more responsible with the situation. His parents do not come and pick him up, he rides his bike home alone. One time I just got to the point that I have to ask him why is it that his parents don’t work around their schedule so one of them will be home to be with their children. He said when he gets home after school, no one is home so he either stays in the garage (he knows the code to open the garage door) or go to the backyard or stay with other friends. His elder brother stays with a friend and they don’t want him around since they’re not the same age group. I just have to call the parents or talk to them in person. This should not be happening. Will they wait until something happens?

A few years ago, we have a neighbor who has 7 kids. The father works at night and the mother works during day time. Well, the younger children play outside while the father sleeps on the couch. It was winter and my husband was driving home when he saw this 2-year old boy in his soiled diapers wandering alone in the street corner. He stopped his car, got out and took the toddler back to their house and he told his father he will call the police (for child negligence) if this will continue. The father did not say anything but luckily, it did not happen again. A few months later, their home was up for sale, it was foreclosed.

Many times, after picking up my kids from school, I see this little children, some just about 5 years old in kindergarten walking home alone. Where is the parent? Will they wait until something happens? Oh please, don’t ever say that money is tight, both parents have to work.  When the child is gone, will I hear the same excuse?