Friend or Foe

Frenemies - it's a term meaning persons with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or    rivalry.

This term would not be in our vocabulary or even in our thoughts back  home  in my country of origin. We either liked someone or disliked someone and kept our distance. No unnecessary phony business of being nice but keeping our guard up.

The way people conduct themselves here is strange with no real respect or dignity. Yes, I am being judgmental.

The above subject surfaced  two days ago when I had to bid a colleague good bye. She was relocating to her home town. I am happy for her.

I stand alone now, my allies at the work place have all moved on.

Only the frenemies remain .... what a depressing situation. Not going to allow my spirit to be broken, with God's merciful graces I will  still face each new day with enthusiasm.

Best wishes dear Aracelli.

April: Easter, snow and everything else

We're in Washington for Easter, April 1, 2018 .

Everything is the same and yet different; Sable  is not able to roam freely without being stalked by the four cats in residence, I am occupying time with casino games on Face Book, Ken in conversation with Steve and watching sports channel. Steve in pursuit of employment.

My being is sad at the absence of  the mention of our risen Lord or  of  the religious  celebration of our freedom from sin that was purchased by the blood of  our Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God. There is no religious connotation to the celebration of Easter in Washington nor in Fishkill.

I feel such emptiness, my soul is filled with longing only He can heal.

Memories of Easter back home in Malaysia brings a smile and a lift in spirits. We knew the reason for the celebration; it's not about the Easter bunny or the rite of Spring, it's not about Easter eggs in baskets or egg hunts, no it's not about coloring the eggs. None of this is the reason for the celebration of Easter.

We celebrate the Risen Christ, the son of  the Living God who was put to death on Good Friday and rose on the third day. Yes it's a religious celebration with Christ in the center of it all.

We looked forward to attending Easter Mass and than preparing the incense pot with fragrant incense burning on coal to create the smokey fumes needed to bless the house. The elder of the house, usually my mother would walk through the house, going through each  room reciting the "I Believe" prayer while blessing the house.

The incense pot is than placed at the altar.

We sat  down to eat meals specially prepared for Easter, roasted pork, roasted chicken, a mixed vegetable name chap-chye which is only cooked during big festivals because of the elaborate preparation and the cost of the ingredients. I remember the special dessert; corn custard which  is so yummy and is only prepared during Easter. The gold color of the custard signifies the  radiance of the risen Christ and the color of Kingship. There are at least eight dishes prepared for the Easter meal, ranging from poultry to seafood selections. The merriment of family and the deep religious significance.

Oh how I miss the celebration of the true meaning of  Easter.

 No matter where I am no matter the circumstance,  my heart will still declare that:
 Christ is truly risen ... Alleluia!