Ode to my 60 year old friend

I don't know why we click

Is it because you're really a child trapped in an old body?

You enjoy hip-hop classes

Even when the tempo's too fast for you

You dance in your own beat anyway!

Or because you allow me to be the grown-up sometimes?

You don't mind at all if I correct you

"You have to be quiet before meditation class"

"Touch down is for airplanes not for smartphones"

"There's an s after Starbuck or Rustan"

Is it because you enjoy exploring as much as I do?

You'll try out qigong even if you think it's boring

Coax me to go boxing instead 

Head to the pool even if you can't swim

Even go to a remote forest to farm

Probably, it's because you let me be

Though you believe (with all your heart) 
That I don't have the makings of a master chef
You teach me anyway 
Even when I sleep in the middle of a baking session 

We're as different as day and night

For one, I'm young and you're super old ( kidding :) )

I am pensive, you like talking

I am carefree to a fault

You are accurate to the dot 

I still cannot pinpoint exactly what it is 

But, I am very grateful for the friendship

Even when you call me a pest at times 

And I retaliate with the loudest, "I don't like!"

We somehow get along

I am glad you're my friend, Sister Norie!

I'm back!

I just came from the boondocks.  I learned that I can survive without internet connection for a whole week- and no tv, movie or online games to boot!

A shout out to all netizens, "Hey, you will not die if you log-out!"  

In fact in was very refreshing.

Tuning out from all the outside noise allowed me to commune with myself, nature and the Divine.  I would like to rattle on but pictures speak louder than words.  So, allow me to give you a glimpse of my life in the farm.

This is the river I cross daily to get to work.

In a week, I together with 3 other farmers were able to plant

 174 narra, 50 marang and 50 cacao trees.

We also started a vegetable garden.

Honestly, all I wanted to do is sleep and let the others do the work.

But my father says, they will follow my lead.  So, I got my hands dirty.    

It was worth it!  Nature rewarded me with its bounty every single day.

I also had time for rest and relaxation with friends.

I now know where I'll head off next vacation.

**Pictures courtesy of Nory San Juan