Being back in the Philippines after almost two decades away can be an assault to the senses. It is a double edged sword of dualities and polarities, treats and tricks, insights and intrusions.
wonder | wander | women were happy to be back in the warm fold of our equatorial homeland. Bright sunshine, blaring horns, dreamy sugary desserts, and long twisted familial tales.
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| island shades of green |
It was a great time to return. An escape from the bonkers second term of a flailing Trumpist reign of failed tariff errors. A sweet retreat back in the home of our parents in what turned out to be their last bonus years around us.
In the wake of their passing what previously felt solid and unshakable changed immediately and profoundly. Post parental presence is new territory made stranger by being in surroundings utterly familiar.
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| shades of blue |
Upended and capsized we find ourselves floundering as we navigate our daily lives as orphaned adults. At times we operate under a drifting fog that works like a cushioning haze. Until it shifts suddenly, exposing us in sharp and sensitive frayed senses.
The island seems attuned to our seismic upheavals too. Our landmark volcano has been unusually restive for an unprecedented period now. Out of the blue we experienced a magnitude seven earthquake that lasted close to two minutes.
Aftershocks have been keeping us alert and on our toes all week since. A whole lot of movement and dislocation adding to our loosened foundations. Mystifying and worrisome.
In Jewish tradition, the October full moon will be the start of Sukkot, a holiday lasting seven days commemorating the Torah account of the Jewish people wandering the desert for 40 years after their escape from Egypt.
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| Mount Kanlaon eruption - June 3, 2024 |
Observant families will often build a temporary dwelling called a sukkah or to live in for the week-long holiday. This belief warms our hearts and gives us hope that we too shall overcome and prosper.
We cling to what we hold dear and offer up what is beyond us. Heart sore and bone tired we look up to the ether and far into the horizon. Exploring and imploring the powers that be to guide and guard us.
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| Tambara, Talisay, Negros Island |
"Mother Mary come to me, speaking words of wisdom - let it be."
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