Bath Day for Miss Kisses

Kisses enjoys bath days! It's not difficult at all to wash her because she loooooves a lukewarm bath.  Afterwards, we will blow dry her long coat to make sure that she doesn't shiver, especially on a cold day. It takes a long time to comb and dry her up but I think she likes all the attention!   See her as Mr. George gives her a sniff :)   I think he wants a bath too! I'm afraid you'll have to wait for your turn, buddy!  It takes almost half a day to doll up your sister.

Happiness is a Puppy

Kisses is our youngest fur ball, who at three-months rocks our world like a tornado.  Like all puppies are, Kisses is overflowing with energy.  She is unstoppable and her playfulness is sure to make you laugh that you just want to pick her up and cuddle her in your arms. 

She loves to rough up the two boys, George and Tobias. She would try to bite George’s mouth even though he is clearly a big guy beyond her reach.  And she would always provoke Toby to chase her or wrestle with her even though she’s already twice his size.

She’s only been with us for a month now and our day isn’t complete without us telling her off, not to chew on things (yes, she is teething and her #1 hobby is chewing on anything – slippers, cabinets, walls, shoes, rugs, furniture, socks, etc) or not to go inside the room, or not to be too naughty.  This is why she has to stay in her crate for the rest of the day when nobody can look after her.  Of course, she doesn't like it and she can be really loud when she wants your attention.

No, it's not all fun and smiles to have dogs in the house.  Sometimes, her naughtiness can get in our nerves too.  But when she starts to whimper or lie down begging for us to scratch her furry, white belly, her charm always wins me over in the end.

I guess that is why some people say, "happiness is a puppy". I raised George and Sophia (Kisses' Mom) since they were puppies and I totally believe that.  Do you? 

Happiness is a State of Mind!

I used to write all the time until somewhere along the way, I forced myself to stop.  I used to reason to myself that it is my way to purge sadness from my system.  That I am turning ugliness into something beautiful but soon realized that it is the other way around.  

Something else was happening to me.  The more I write about sadness, the more that I feel sad.  The more I write about frustrations, the more I feel exasperated.  The more I talk about anger, the more I feel hurt.  

I sometimes miss my dark writings.  I was brave enough to call it poetry and I was vain enough to think of it as beautiful.  Sweet misery.   But all I did was shut myself out from the rest of the world.  I was someone who overly complicates things, concentrating on the imperfections I see in me, in other people, in the world I move in.  And it did not comfort me in any way.  I became an unhappy girl who was contented to dwell in loneliness.

I promised myself not to write about the same things.  I decided to fill this space with happy thoughts that lift the soul.  There was a time when I used to imagine Peter Pan coming in from our window, even though our house has no second floor.  “Just think of happy thoughts and you can fly with me to Neverland!”, he would say.  

Think happy.  Think happy.  Think happy.  This should be my mantra.  For I am one of those people who have this uncanny attraction to sorrow.  Thus, I must constantly remind myself to be happy.  Think happy.  Feel happy.

I would like to believe that I have learned a few important lessons in my journey outside of that dark world.  I am slowly learning to accept the things I cannot change and make the best out of them.  I cannot forever hate what is given to me.

Didn’t they say that “happiness is but a state of mind”?  It’s what you sincerely believe in that feeds your heart and soul.  There is no point in making the world cold, when you have the fire inside you.   Gratefulness sparks happiness, keeps your feet on the ground.

Jagged Rock Formations of Pangil

On our last day, we stopped by Brgy. Pangil Currimao, Ilocos Norte to have lunch and see the rock formations. It got its name Pangil (fang) because of the jagged rocks which can really wound you if you're not careful.  

The rocky shore extends throughout the length of the road.  These little caves are a home to small fishes and yes, we were able to spot some fishes in the water but my cam wasn't  made to get clear shots underwater. 

The sun was pretty strong but the wind felt cool as it blew on our faces.  It was a beautiful day with blue skies.

After thirty minutes, it was time to go.  We're traveling back to Ilocos Sur, on our way home to Baguio.  Our next stop: Baluarte and Vigan.

The Blue Lagoon in Pagudpod

The more than 12-hour-drive toward the far North of Ilocos was certainly worth the trip.   The blue and green waters, the view of the mountain, the white sand beach on a sunny day never fails to calm the nerves and waken the senses.  I have been waiting for this trip to come and was glad that we finally got to see Pagudpod.  Here are some of favorite shots from the place:

I'm always happy to be on the beach even though I still have yet learn how to swim.  Part of the adventure was when we headed for the two small islands.  Although it was just a short distance, the journey was not at all easy. 

We must have spent at least an hour as we carefully walked through the waters, rocks and seaweeds.  Strong waves we're coming in  and it was quite tough to stay put. 

Yet the view from the top of the hill was breathtaking!  These two rocks seemed like two hearts stranded on the island.  It felt real nice just to sit on the hill, surrounded by the sea, and take in the wondrous beauty of nature.  I wished we weren't constrained by time.

The biggest disappointment about our trip to Ilocos Norte was that we were not able to see the Windmills and the famous Patapat Bridge due to time constraints.  I was most excited to see the giant windmills in person but when we got there, the sun had gone down and it was too dark to see the view.  After Pagudpod, we headed back to Laoag.  It was another three-hour ride so we couldn't make it back the next day.  I hope we could see the Windmills and the Bridge next time.

Have you been to Pagudpod?  Have you been to these 2 small islands?  What were some of your most treasured moments here?

Travel Back In Time in Vigan

I would like to share some photos I took from our Ilocos trip last month, starting with these shots from Vigan. Vigan is the capital city of Ilocos Sur and is the only surviving historic city with structures dating back to the 15th century when the Philippines was under the Spanish colonization.

I am so amazed at how the old structures have been preserved up to this day.  Vintage lovers would surely fall in love with this place.

Guests can ride a calesa - a carriage pulled by a horse, which was the main road transportation during the Spanish era.  We didn't get the chance to ride at all.  I had never experienced a calesa ride but there wasn't enough time.  We were on our way back to Baguio city so we just had a very brief stopover.

I felt so bad that we could only spend 15 minutes to catch a glimpse of this city.  I wished we couldn't stayed longer.  I wouldn't mind spending the whole day walking around with my DSLR camera.  There's just so many details that I would've liked to photograph.  I am definitely going back to this place to really take a tour and spend a lot more time discovering every nook and cranny.  

Have you been to Vigan?
What fond memories do you have of this place?

Inspire Me: Do More of What You Love

“Do More Of What You Love”

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