a perfect cone

The picture you’re looking at is the ever famous perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano. Even when I was far from it, the pride it exuded was felt, and with it came a great feeling of joy and satisfaction, plus the thought of how beautiful the world really is.

I have seen hundreds of pictures of Mayon Volcano, combine them all and they wouldn’t even reach the peak of happiness I had felt when I witnessed its beauty—one would never be ashamed to get their eyes teary, just like me.

Photo Challenge: Landscape

I’m Brave (Not?)

Not friends, not enemies, just some strangers with some memories.

Every time I cut, color, or change the style of my hair, this particular man comes out of his house right when I’m about to pass the way. That particular man is my friend, or rather, was my friend. Coz now, we’re strangers. And I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing or not. What I’m sure of, however, is that it’s really brave of me to share and publish this now. The first time I talked about someone so obviously (yes, it’s already obvious for me) that he would know it’s him. If only he reads this. Which I hope not.

Speaking of brave, I think it’s fair enough for girls to say that donating 8 inches of our hair for the benefit of children with cancer is a brave (and kind) thing to do. Which I did earlier, which prompt me to write this post. Now my hair falls right exactly at my collar bone. And I have to deal with it.

Like how I have to deal with what’s going on in my life right now, and all the drama hidden behind my eyes. I have to iron it out and at least straighten some of the curls. But there will be days when you just want to leave them be and be free. From all the heat and chemicals surrounding it. I hope the time comes when I have to worry less, if not anymore, and live life the way I want it to be.

Writing 101’s Task: Hook ’em with a quote.

P.S. Sorry I didn’t elaborate on the quote and my story. It just hurts so bad. Of course, I’m kidding. Also, the last paragraph speaks true for both my hair and my life. Maybe it also rings true to you. ☼

I’m Just Starting

Warm tears run down our cold faces. Their movement is so sure, leaving a trail in the process. Sometimes the flow never stops, sometimes a drop or two is enough. And us, 20s girls, they say we cry a lot. And I agree. Tears swell up in our eyes when we remember the past, when we miss someone, when we watch a melodramatic love story, when we hear something bad directed to us, or even when we just feel like.

I know I am blunt, but I was never this emotional before. My face could be as hard as stone when I want to, looking as if I’m not hurting, looking as if I don’t care. But things change, and so are people.

Now I give a little more freedom to my emotions. My actions are not as calculated. My expressions not as restrained. I’m starting to open up more of myself. I’m becoming braver, doing things I’d rather keep in my mind before. I constantly discover new things about me—my preferences, beliefs, and desires. Every day, I delve deeper into who I am and what I am, picking up the broken pieces of a mirror scattered everywhere, anywhere. In the future, maybe before I die, the mirror will be whole at last. And I’ll be able to look at the entirety of my soul, in the finest and most absolute way.

But now, I’m just wandering around on the journey of my 20s life, having turned 20 last January. I hear a lot of things about it. Some say it’s the best part, some say it’s the hardest. But we all know that it depends on the person’s perspective. Like me who’s already enjoying it.

I believe that all of us in our 20s have a lot of figuring out to do—the what, who, how, and why. And of course the when and where also matters. I hope I’ll figure mine in a beautiful and exciting way, with just the right amount of wild and crazy and strange. It’s still intriguing to me, but it feels right. Even though there are yet the lengthy roads to drive along, the crashing waves to surf through, and the giant mountains to climb up. Because like I said, I’m just wandering, right? Well, at least as of the moment. But I’m certain that at the months to come, I’ll start to run. Then drive, then surf, then climb.

This is in response to the blog event Twenty Somethings. Please click the photo for the credit.