A video of Nina Simone

Nina Simone was a gifted singer who wrote poetry and songs, composed music ang played the piano. She sang this song - "Young, Gifted and Black" - which became the 'national anthem' of the blacks during the time of Martin Luther King. I can't help but be amazed at her talent and of how her audience reacts to her singing - simply awesome.

Cold mornings...Warmer days

Cold mornings remind me
of those days from long ago
when cares were free
and life was complicated

when isaw cost 2 pesos
and rice servings were heaping
when blue books were at 1 peso
and the SU was filled with students
when songs were sung till morning
and jeep fare cost 1 peso
when students joined rallies en masse
and filled 70 jeeps to go to Diliman
when flags waved high and red
and "Serve The People" was held with conviction

when hearts burned warm with nationalist fervor
and fists were held up high

The mornings are cold today
and pockets are burned
hearts are fierce
as more knees are weak from hunger
emotions are burning
as a few wallets are burgeoning with wealth

"..with fervor burning..."
fists are held up high.

one more year, one more chance

2009 is here. It's as if time is running at mach speed these days. I feel like I haven't accomplished as much as I wanted to and yet I finished a lot of stuff already..

So the new year is here. One more chance at life. Time to assess, discover and plan what I want to accomplish for 2009.

And to everyone else out there - I wish your 2009 will be filled with life, laughter and lotsa love to pass around and share.

Happy New Year!