ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A GENIUS

The current economic situation does not need a scholar, a genius or a highly-educated person to analyze that everybody contributed one way or the other to the present economic situation - recession.  First, most   Americans  do not patronize U. S. made products anymore.  Majority  have become so cheap in their consumption habits.  The flimsy excuse is because foreign-made products are far more cheaper (though most times inferior) than locally produced ones.  The repercussion of such action was not taken into consideration. Either because of one's total disregard for such an impending blow on such choices in the long run, or, the inane decision that cheaper was better (at that moment).  Everybody has to admit he or she has a part in the economic boomerang effect at present.  The considerable hardships we are now in - and what lies ahead  for unknown number of  years to come is also our own making.  We should all admit to this guilt.

In retrospect though, we are not to be blamed wholly.  Why?   It is common knowledge that the market is flooded with foreign made goods.  From a simple needle for sewing to high-tech electronics, there are always MIC (made in China) everywhere.   Everything is always made and imported from somewhere, but MIC products are the topmost.   They manufacture almost anything and everything on earth that you can imagine and we continue to enrich them. 

I think, two years ago,  a lot of  MIC food were competing with a lot of food items (yes, even garlic, ginger and onions) in the groceries too.  People started to buy them a lot in the groceries because of the competitive low prices until the consumers heard the widespread news of MIC dog foods identified as culprits of dogs and cats getting sick and eventually dying.   After the news, MIC food items sales plummeted and rarely does anybody now touch any  MIC food products anymore.  But wait, MIC has strengthened their presence in another area of goods - they are unstoppable.  Recently,  if one goes shopping in the malls, you will discover that all the stores are now flooded with MIC clothes and accessories at very competitive prices with those made in India, Singapore, Bangladesh, Mexico and other countries.   I think, their 30% production presence in apparels and accessories have now increased to almost 95%!   I have not even mentioned  the toy industry which I think they have captured long time ago with 99% presence.

Some American manufacturers suffered heavily in a highly-competitive market because the local consumers  preferred to patronize the cheap products made outside of the  U. S.  However, some of these companies are owned  too by some U. S. based companies.   We should,  therefore encourage our manufacturers and factory owners not to build factories outside of the U. S. anymore.  They should also stop outsourcing cheap labor outside.  On our part, we should patronize U. S. made products.   This is one of the ways to rebuild our economy again. 

If we want to regain fast in our economy, everyone should really be an American to the core.  It is high time
we change.  Let us patronize U. S made products.   It is one way of proving that we love our country -  in deed and indeed.

TO WRITE OR NOT TO WRITE

It is early dawn of April.  The ravages brought by the last winter are almost forgotten as the wonders of spring abound.  Trees have started to grow fresh new branches.  As I look around, there are a lot of wild flowers with different colors and sizes.  Everywhere is green, except for the area where the twin humongous rocks stand by the river.  On and off, I hear the rhythmic thuds of an animal running from a distance.  Is it a deer or a wild boar?  I am not sure.  I stand by the river and relish the beauty of nature -  the peaceful atmosphere.   There is not a trace of busy city life.  Newly-hatched birds in their nest somewhere up the tree chirp continuously in unison as if complaining for food and warmth in the early spring morning. The gushing water from the river duets with the chirping sound.  How conducive is nature's grandeur for introspection and soul searching!  Suddenly,  Francis Jay, my 9 year-old nephew shouts.

 

"Mommy, Mommy!  There it is!   It is hidden in the crevice by the big rock.  Look at it!"  

My only sister's son calls me Mommy while my daughter calls my sister, Mama.  In our family, Francis Jay is my son too while my daughter is also my sister's.  Both of us treat each others children like our own.  Francis Jay stays with me for the spring break.  I am always happy when he is around.   I am so fond of him. I admit I have a soft spot for the little boy.  Sometimes he is naughty but knows how to disarm me easily with his smile.  His teacher has given him an assignment while on vacation.  When classes resume, he has to submit three different pictures of any  wild flower he finds in the forest.  This is our mission.

The racemes are full of drooping-like white flowers.  The plant is small compared to the other wild plants around.  Yet, the the Lily of the Valley with its pristine clusters of perfectly white, dew-misted blooms emanate some kind of majestic powers.  The limelight belongs to the tiny flowers alone.  It is fragile and delicate.  Its presence though, despite its diminutive size has a magnificent quality that is unrivaled at the moment.  The vast freshness and lushness of the green surroundings only serve as a complacent background.  I can not help but smile in admiration of the flowers' daintiness. It  has some kind of a divine quality.  Am I under its spell?  Take note, I am not the first to feel this unexplainable awe towards its beauty.  Is this the reason why the Lily of the Valley is associated with some legendary religious stories?  Is it why it is the floral emblem of Yugoslavia?   The national flower of Finland?   The official flower of several  Greek-named organizations?*   Maybe,  Freddie "Queen" Mercury felt its spell too,  that was why he composed his song titled, "Lily of the Valley."  Then long before him, Honore de Balzac wrote his favorite book, entitled "Lily of the Valley."

Ahhh .  .  .  the subtle fragrance of the Lily of the Valley!  So sweet . . .  but the scent merely flirts with one's senses.  

Francis  Jay and I look closer at the flowers.   One can crush them all in an instant.  But . . .  who will even dare to pick them up?   Is it not a crime to nature?  Who will have the courage to challenge the serene strength exuded by these heavenly-like flowers?  Its mystic aura so unyielding and can never be thwarted.  Human over nature?   A fleeting moment of indecision .  .  .  Suddenly, the Lily of the Valley wins!  Gloriously!  I feel the cold but soothing breeze.  The resplendent bell-shaped flowers lightly sways with the wind, as if transformed into a group of little nymphets.  They giggle softly while they dance happily with the wind.  Celebrating. 
 

The Lily of the Valley will remain untouched.   It will continue to enjoy its transient glory.  I do not want to pull the plant and take it to the house.   It belongs to the wilderness. 

Now, it is the turn of Francis Jay to take the pictures of the Lily of the Valley at different angles.  What an excellent timing to capture the subject in its prime!   He will get good grades.  The pictures will be outstanding.

______________

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily of the Valley, 11:19am, Sunday, March 27, 2011


The preceding paragraphs are nothing but minute descriptive literary attempt.  I hope it achieves its goal which is to entertain. 

The descriptive ability of an author feeds the reader's mind with information.  An author's imagination has to be vivid and accurate.  He chooses the exact, the precise words to make the reader almost see, touch, feel and smell (yes!) the scent of the blooms.  The reader feels the delicate, silky touch of the tiny white flowers.   He transcends into a trance-like vision.  In a flash, the Lily of the Valley is transformed into reality.   Manifested?  Almost,  but ethereal.  However, to others, imagination has no boundaries.  The power of words is similar to magic.  If the magnitude of an author's stock of words is combined with his prolific imagination, the outcome is a mellifluous entertainment.  Ceaseless!  It is beyond wonder!  Unimaginable!   I highly admire a person who can write.   It is a  precious gift.


1:50pm
Monday
March 28, 2011

The following is supposed to be a new post and, my second blog.  But my computer knowledge is compromised as I did not have a formal training in the use of a computer.  I tried several times to cut and paste it to a new post but always unsuccessful.  So, before my writings are deleted accidentally, let me just leave it as it is.   It becomes part of the first blog.    I hate imperfections but I have no choice.   Otherwise, this will never be published.  

I write primarily, to share and to be understood.  I have never delved into the field of writing for public.  I did write compositions, essays, theses, reports, etc., while I was a student.  Later, when I worked in an office, I was entrusted to write and reply both business and personal letters of my former bosses.  There were also the memorandums, speeches,  and other office communications.  In the late 90's,  as I solely managed a consultancy firm, while simultaneously also in the business of lease and acquisition of properties, in addition to supplies for multinational companies and as a restaurateur,  I did 100% of my office communications.  In a span of five years within a male-dominated field,  I achieved commendable professional and financial rewards.  Not to mention the recognition and respect associated with it.  At this juncture, let me put emphasis in  the importance of integrity, diligence, hard work, effective communication and network.   In the short and long run of business,  all these points pay off.

My blogs are opinions as influenced by my upbringing, education, experience and observation.  I do not write to dispute, validate, prove, etc., someone's varied views on any subject.   After all,  am I not succinct enough to start off with . . "I think  .   .   .  "?

I am absorbed in creative hobbies.  I design and create framed artworks in my own unique way.   Majority of my creations are sourced from what the mainstream have labeled as junks, now popularly known as recycles.  Sometimes, I have the eye for beauty and value before others can.  Initially, in the discovery and process, I am but a celebrated laughing stock.  Later, when they see the transformation, their eyes bulge in admiration mixed with envy.  Such envious reaction is unavoidable human frailty that everybody should live with and understand.   Latent at times,  but turns obvious (and vicious) when they realized they were left behind. "How come she is 8-steps ahead of us?"  I will leave it unanswered.   It is the reality of life.  Did I say I am a visionary?  Never!

I  handicraft everyday jewelry (earrings, chokers and necklaces).  I want to show that beautiful and classy do not always mean expensive.  Material for my jewelry design is a mixture of semi-precious stones, cultured pearls interspersed with plastic, wood, glass, metal beads, or recycled findings.  I also have a few novelty amateurish photographs.   Gosh!  I am but a mellowed "Jane of all trades  .   .   . "

Cooking is my strongest passion.  "FOODS TO DIE FOR" is the title of my ongoing and unfinished project for years.  It is a compilation of  recipes which are all kitchen-tested, delicious and healthy.  My recipes are 95% prepared only with healthy ingredients.  The favorite traditional recipes with ingredients commonly loaded with cholesterol have been changed and replaced with healthy ingredients.  The recipe then becomes transformed.  It is my patented (?) version since it is my own concoction.  In the book is a lot of cooking info, hints and ideas gathered from varied cultures which are handed down through generations.  I want to share it with the world.

4pm, Friday
April 1, 2011