A1: Learn To Fly Lyrics #MM

It took me ages to come up with a song for this week's MM, and I'm rather ashamed to say that it's almost the end of week.  I have been traveling memory lane with Mr. Hubby to be finally reminded of A1, a British-Norwegian boy band that had been a hit here in our college years.

No excuses for posting so late, except for a lousy sinusitis causing a bunch of writing deadlines that had to be executed in short time. I got all of them written in last minutes, which unfortunately lead to a physical drop last night. Very careless of me, I know. But, I'm glad to say that it's better now. Please, forgive me if I haven't been able to stop by yet.    

A1 made its first debut in 1999 with their single "Be The First To Believe". In 2002, the group decided to split when Paul Marazzi left for personal reasons. The song "Learn To Fly" was taken from the 7th track on their third album "Make It Good". A single release of the song had been canceled due to their split. It was later released by Australian Idol runner up (2003) Shannon Noll and third winner of The British X Factor 2008 Eoghan Quigg.

A1 announced their comeback without Marazzi in August 2009, and went through a series of concerts in Oslo in December 2010. "Waiting For Daylight" is a new album released on 11 October 2010. I hope you enjoy their inspiring lyrics in the song "Learn To Fly".

Learn To Fly lyrics

When you feel the dream is over
Feel the world is on your shoulders
And you lost the strength to carry on
Even though the walls may crumble
And you find you always stumble through
Remember never to surrender to the dark
Cuz if you turn another page
You will see that’s not the way
The story has to end

And if you need to find a way back
Feel you’re on the wrong track
Give it time, you’ll learn to fly
Tomorrow is a new day
And you will find your own way
You’ll be stronger with each day that you cry
Then you’ll learn to fly

In your head, so many questions
The truth is your possession
The answer lies within your heart (within your heart)
You will see the doors are open
If you only dare to hope
And you will find a way to fight
The fears that kept you down
Cuz if you turn another page
You will see that’s not the way
The story has to end

And if you need to find a way back
Feel you’re on the wrong track
Give it time, you’ll learn to fly
Tomorrow is a new day
And you will find your own way
You’ll be stronger with each day that you cry
Then you’ll learn to fly

Looking at your situation
There’s so much that you can do
Now’s the time to make your stand
This is just an observation
In the end it’s up to you
The future’s in your hands

And if you need to find a way back
Feel you’re on the wrong track
Give it time, you’ll learn to fly
Tomorrow is a new day
And you will find your own way
You’ll be stronger with each day that you cry
Then you’ll learn to fly

Give it time
Then you’ll learn to fly

http://www.azlyrics.com

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Keep a song in your heart.

Craig David: Walking Away Lyrics #MM

It's another Monday and I hope all of us will have a great week. If there is something or someone troubling your heart, how about just walking away to find a better day? Some things are just not worth to bother for. Try to let go and set your feelings free. 

Craig David is an English R&B singer from Southampton,  Hampshire. His first single "Fill Me In" released in 1999 turned him into the  first youngest male artist in the UK to reach a number one hit at the age of 19.

The song "Walking Away" written by David and Mark Hill was taken from the 7th track of Craig David's debut album "Born To Do It" in 2000. It reached number one in New Zealand and as far as I can remember was also a great hit in Indonesia. I hope you enjoy the music as much as I do.

Walking Away lyrics

I'm walking away from the troubles in my life
I'm walking away oh to find a better day
I'm walking away from the troubles in my life
I'm walking away oh to find a better day
I'm walking away

sometimes some people get me wrong
when it's something I've said or done
sometimes you feel there is no fun
that's why you turn and run
but now I truly realise
some people don't wanna compromise
well I saw them with my own eyes spreading those lies
and well I don't wanna live a lie, too many sleepless nights
not mentioning the fights, I'm sorry to say lady

I'm walking away from the troubles in my life
I'm walking away oh to find a better day
I'm walking away from the troubles in my life
I'm walking away oh to find a better day
I'm walking away

Well I'm so tired baby
things you say you're driving me away
whispers in the powder room baby
don't listen to the games they play
girl I thought you'd realise
I'm not like them other guys
coz I saw them with my own eyes
you should've been more wise
and well I don't wanna live a lie, too many sleepless nights
not mentioning the fights, I'm sorry to say lady

I'm walking away from the troubles in my life
I'm walking away oh to find a better day
I'm walking away from the troubles in my life
I'm walking away oh to find a better day
I'm walking away

http://www.azlyrics.com

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Keep a song in your heart.

One Republic: Come Home Lyrics #MM

This week's Musical Monday is held in the spirit of Veterans Day in the US. So, I thought that I would search for a song dedicated to all the men and women who have been sent out to war, nevertheless about their country and nationality. I hope that everyone will come home to the ones they love and someday war can be put to an end. November is also the month of Blog Blast for Peace and I find this moving song as a wonderful contribution for promoting peace.

One Republic is an American band from Colorado Springs that started their carrier through MySpace since 2002, before they made their first debut album in 2007 called Dreaming Out Loud. The song Come Home was taken from the 12th track on this album.

If you have time, I would like to recommend you to check out JalapaoMaji's channel on Youtube for more beautiful videos. I must say that they were quite stunning and I thought that you might enjoy watching them as well.

Come Home lyrics

[Verse 1]
Hello world
Hope you're listening
Forgive me if I’m young
For speaking out of turn
There’s someone I’ve been missing
I think that they could be
The better half of me
They’re in the wrong place trying to make it right
But I’m tired of justifying
So i say you’ll...

[Chorus]
Come home
Come home
Cause I’ve been waiting for you
For so long
For so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all i see is you and me
The fight for you is all I’ve ever known
So come home
Oh

[Verse 2]
I get lost in the beauty
Of everything i see
The world ain’t as half as bad
As they paint it to be
If all the sons
If all the daughters
Stopped to take it in
Well hopefully the hate subsides and the love can begin
It might start now..Yeahh
Well maybe I’m just dreaming out loud
Until then

[Chorus]
Come home
Come home
Cause I’ve been waiting for you
For so long
For so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all i see is you and me
The fight for you is all I’ve ever known
Ever known
So come home
Oh

[Interlude]
Everything i can’t be
Is everything you should be
And that’s why i need you here
Everything i can’t be
Is everything you should be
And that’s why i need you here
So hear this now

[Chorus]
Come home
Come home
Cause I’ve been waiting for you
For so long
For so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all i see is you and me
The fight for you is all I’ve ever known
Ever known
So come home
Come home

http://www.azlyrics.com

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Keep a song in your heart.

Preparation | Sensational Haiku Wednesday

Thanks to Jenn for this week's theme

Preparation

Life is uncertain.
Thus, may come whatever comes.
Just try to hold on.

Give strength to the soul.
Be ready conquering fears.
You shall embrace bliss.


~RA

So many questions are coming up through our life. Some are easy to answer, some are not. We seem never to be ready enough to see what approaches within the next step. So prepare yourself as good as you can, but also go with the flow. Try to hold on, even though at the particular moment you don't really feel like it. A strong, warm heart never hurts. It's something you need on the ride to reach out for bliss.

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!
It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively
(a great way to use your fingers!)

I don't create poetry, I create myself,

for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

The Corrs: Everybody Hurts | Mount Merapi Eruption #MM

You can hear the song Everybody Hurts performed by The Corrs on almost every Indonesian television channel these days. The song hopefully gives away a sense of courage and enlightenment toward all the pain and struggle people in our nation are currently going through due the eruptions of Mount Merapi. But, let's also not forget about the victims of Wasior and Mentawai who need prayers and help.

Mount Merapi has still no attentions to close down on its activity. Several cities have been under the impact of its volcanic ashes and many flight schedules had been canceled because of thick and hot smoke. I have found a video on Youtube with the song Everybody Hurts by The Corrs that can show you some of the damage and tragedy by Mount Merapi's eruptions. Please, don't get tired of me asking you for prayers and good thoughts on Indonesia. Thank you.

The Corrs is a folk rock band featuring the Corr siblings from Ireland who gained international success in 1996, after performing at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta and supporting Celine Dion on her Falling Into You Tour.

The song Everybody Hurts was originally released by the American rock band R.E.M. in their 1992 album Automatic by The People. The Corrs released their cover version as 14th track on their CD album The Corrs Unplugged in 1999.

Everybody Hurts lyrics

When your day is long
And the night
The night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough of this life
Well hang on

Don't let yourself go
Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts
Sometimes

Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along
(When your day is night alone)
Hold on, hold on
(If you feel like letting go)
Hold on
If you think you've had too much of this life
Well hang on

Cause everybody hurts
Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts

Don't throw your hand
Oh, no
Don't throw your hand
When you feel like you're alone
No, no, no, you're not alone

If you're on your own
In this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you've had too much
Of this life
To hang on

Well, everybody hurts
Sometimes, everybody cries
And everybody hurts
Sometimes

And everybody hurts
Sometimes

So, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
(Everybody hurts
You are not alone)

Fade out

http://www.lyrics007.com

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Keep a song in your heart.

Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace) 2010

This is the second time I'm participating in Blog Blast for Peace, since last year. Because I really do believe that even though it seems quite difficult to achieve world wide peace right now, everything has to start from a certain point. So, where better to start than from within yourself. Like the quote from Robert Fulghum says, "Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away."

Vote for Peace, everyone.
It's worth to try. 

Thanks to Mimi Lenox

"If words are powerful...then this matters.
One subject. One day. One voice"

Direction | Haiku & Potry Potluck

Direction

When nature mourns;
Lands and mounts and seas collide.
Why point the finger?

Souls left without paths.
Grief and loss are on the roll.
Time to lend a hand.

~RA

The natural disaster of Mount Merapi is still not on a hold today and I wish that I could do more to help all those souls in need, including the victims in Wasior and Mentawai. It has occurred to me that in these sad hours, many kind of faces have come to surface. Please, let's not point the finger at somebody else and just give a lending hand. Thinking the other way around seems so absurd to me right now. Grief and loss is certainly on the roll, so helping others to keep and raise their belief should be in top priority by any means.

To me prayers and good thoughts can't be left out from life. Because they can work miracles to show you directions, even in the darkest hours. I hope you don't mind that I'm asking you again to keep Indonesia in mind, everyone. Thank you.

Thanks to Jenn for this week's theme: 
Direction

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!
It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively
(a great way to use your fingers!)

Thanks to Amanda & Kavita

at Jingle Poetry for this week's theme:

Moods, Feelings & Emotions

Poetry Potluck Instructions:

Every week, MckLinky will be up on Sunday, at 8pm (CST),
and will stay open till Tuesday, 8pm (CST).
So you will have 48 hours to share up to 3 poems with us.

I don't create poetry, I create myself,
for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

Scorpion: Send Me An Angel #MM

These week's MM is dedicated to all the victims of Wasior, Mentawai and Mount Merapi. It has been a devastating week here in Indonesia and I hope that at the end of these tragic events, everyone will be back on their feet again, even though it may take some time.  Please, send your prayers and good thoughts. Thank you, my dear friends.

Mount Merapi is still active until this very moment and people are anticipating the possibility of further eruptions. Among the victims who have lost their life in previous pyroclastic flows is Mbah Maridjan, a popular person known as spiritual guardian or gatekeeper of the mount. He died in the line of duty at the age of  83 and was survived by his wife and five children. May he rest in peace.

Scorpions is a German rock band from Hannover. The song Send Me An Angel was taken from their album Crazy World in 1990.

Send Me An Angel lyrics

The wise man said just walk this way
To the dawn of the light
The wind will blow into your face
As the years pass you by
Hear this voice from deep inside
It's the call of your heart
Close your eyes and your will find
The passage out of the dark

Here I am
Will you send me an angel
Here I am
In the land of the morning star

The wise man said just find your place
In the eye of the storm
Seek the roses along the way
Just beware of the thorns

Here I am
Will you send me an angel
Here I am
In the land of the morning star

The wise man said just raise your hand
And reach out for the spell
Find the door to the promised land
Just believe in yourself
Hear this voice from deep inside
It's the call of your heart
Close your eyes and your will find
The passage out of the dark

Here I am
Will you send me an angel
Here I am
In the land of the morning star
Here I am
Will you send me an angel
Here I am
In the land of the morning star

http://www.lyrics007.com

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Keep a song in your heart.

Natural Disaster | The Muffed Target 17

It has been heavily raining for several days in Indonesia and some of the parts in our country have been flooded. I decided to take a shot of the cold weather on October 21th, 2010 here in my town. But, I forgot to leave out the flash and the above photo was the result. It supposed to look like the photo below.

Lately, our country has been dealing with many natural disasters and I hope that it will come to an end soon. Humans are no match to the forces of natures.  Many people are suffering from great losses.

A tragic flash flood happened in Wasior on October 5th, 2010.  It is said that the death toll reached 144 death and 161 missing, but I'm sure that there actually are much more.

Yesterday, Indonesia has also been hit by another tsunami and earthquake in Mentawai, Sumatera. According to the latest news I saw on Metro TV there are 108 death and 520 people missing.

There is also going on a possible eruption of the Merapi volcano in Central Java. Residents around the area are already on evacuation. It has been reported on television that people began to panic, because a few minutes ago at 17.02 WITA the mount began to vomit even more volcanic ashes, hot flames and materials.

My heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences go out to all the victims and families. Hopefully these situations will soon be over. Please, send some prayers and good thoughts. Thank you.

I feel very touched by Amanda @ Blogginwithamanda and Thom, our host, who have been trying to contact me as soon as they found out about the earthquake in Mentawai. I'm thankful and blessed to say that me and my family are alright and unharmed. The source was not that near from my town. Take good care, everyone.
 

Submitted to Thom's Muffed Target taken over from

Gattina @gattina-keyholepictures.blogspot.com. 

Thanks for hosting, my friend.

Breaking Benjamin: Dance With The Devil #MM Supernatural

These week's MM theme is about Halloween. But since it is not custom here in Indonesia to celebrate this event, I'm not familiar with any songs. So, I thought that I would post a soundtrack from one of these following TV series: Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Charmed or Supernatural. It didn't take long to make my choice when I came on several fanmade Youtube videos, which were playing Breaking Benjamin songs to scenes of the Supernatural series. Although these weren't the actual film soundtracks, I really liked what I heard for the first time, especially Dance With The Devil and Dear Agony. Besides, I totally love to see the Winchester brothers played by Jared Padalecki (Sam) and Jensen Ackles (Dean).

If you ask me about the lyrics, I actually liked Dear Agony a little bit better than Dance With The Devil. Because, to me the message in the song was talking about fighting your own demons. Asking the crawling agony to let go of you. Still, I found the title, lyrics and video of Dance with The Devil more suitable for this week's theme. The lyrics and video also reminded me of a current relationship in my life... I'm trying to hold on a person whose character fits perfectly into the song lyrics descriptions. I still have my hopes that everything will turn out okay, because I hate to say goodbye to someone I deeply care about. Like Dean in the series who wasn't about to give up on Sam. 

Breaking Benjamin is an alternative American rock band from Pennsylvania. The song Dance with The Devil was taken from the seventh track of their third album Phobia released on August 8, 2006. Please be aware that the Supernatural television series are categorized in the genre of horor, mistery and thriller. So, the following video contains some strong graphic violence.

Dance With The Devil lyrics

Here I stand, helpless and left for dead.

Close your eyes, so many days go by.
Easy to find what's wrong, harder to find what's right.

I believe in you, 
I can show you that I can see right through all your empty lies.

I won't stay long, in this world so wrong.

[Chorus:]
Say goodbye, as we dance with the devil tonight.
Don't you dare look at him in the eye, as we dance with the devil tonight?

Trembling, crawling across my skin.
Feeling your cold dead eyes, stealing the life of mine.

I believe in you, 
I can show you that I can see right through all your empty lies.

I won't last long, in this world so wrong.

[Chorus]

Hold on. Hold on.

[Chorus]

Hold on. Hold on.

Goodbye.

http://www.elyrics.net

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Keep a song in your heart.

Pathways | Sensational Haiku Wednesday

Thanks to Jenn for this week's theme

Pathways

Confusion of mind.
Coming on crossroads, you wonder:
Which path best to choose?

Lay strength to your heart.
Now and then, just move forward.
Let come what may come.


~RA


The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!
It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively
(a great way to use your fingers!)

Thanks for every visit and comment.

Keep a song in your heart.

Lyrics Savage Garden: Crash n Burn #MM

You know these moments in life where some unpleasant news reach you, and you feel like crash and burn? I have been going through some restless nights, because of something similar like this. Whenever my parents share their worries with me, I can feel their burden and pain as well. I pray that they'll be blessed for the rest of their life.

You can say that my mood dropped to point zero these few days. But, thank goodness to my wonderful husband who always seems to find some ways to lift me up, I feel way better now. This song is dedicated to him and all the beautiful persons in my life who keep on standing by. Thank you.

The lyrics of the song Crash n Burn looks like a perfect fit for my situation this week. The single was released by my favorite Australian duo band, Savage Garden, for their second album Affirmation and Oceania in 2000. It is a sad fact to me that this was their last top 10 single, before Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones decided to split up the following year. Too bad that a reunion seems to be out of question. I just found out Darren Hayes said in August 2007 that it was only considerable if the event could cure cancer. Ouch, that's quite strong! Now, I'm wondering why these guys split up back then?   

Savage Garden Crash n Burn Lyrics

When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you
Give me a moment please to tame your wild wild heart
I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you
It's hard to find relief and people can be so cold
When darkness is upon your door
And you feel that you can't take anymore

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

When you feel all alone
And a loyal friend is hard to find
You're caught in a one way street
With the monsters in your head
When hopes and dreams are far away and
You feel like you can't face the day

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

Because there has always been heartache and pain
And when it's over you'll breathe again
You'll breathe again

When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you
Give me a moment please
To tame your wild wild heart

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

Oooh, oooooh,
(Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone x3)
oooh, oooooh

Source: www.sing365.com 

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Keep a song in your heart.

The Muffed Target 15

This shot was actually taken by my friend Adjie on our senior high school reunion last Sunday. Can you figure out what it is?

Well, basically all you can see is a sarong covering the bodies of two persons playing along in a game. They were appointed as one of the two 'hot couples' meaning two people who have been attending the same year in high school and made it into marriage. The target of this game was to dance along the music and cover yourselves up with the sarong as soon as the music stopped. Let me tell you, I never knew that a sarong could be so small! And, nope... I can't dance at all. LOL

Yup, the persons squeezed into the sarong were me and my husband. Although we never dated in high school, it turned out that we were destined to complete each other. Can you see our blurred hands trying frantically to close the sarong over our heads? There is also a part of my husband's white shirt still looking out of the sarong. To be truth, I love this shot very much. Thanks for capturing this memorable moment, Adjie.

Submitted to Thom's Muffed Target taken over from

Gattina @gattina-keyholepictures.blogspot.com. 

Thanks for hosting, my friend.

Neri Per Caso: Quello Che Vuoi #MM

I'm sorry for my late post (again), but yesterday afternoon I got sudden cramp attacks on both of my hands and legs due to a decrease in my electrolyte levels. No worries, I'm feeling much better now. Still a little bit numb on my fingers, but it's okay.

I can't quite remember why I came on the song Quello Che Vuoi performed by Neri Per Caso. Neri Per Caso is an Italian a cappella group from Salerno, which made its debut in 1995.  The song Quello Che Vuoi that can be translated into What You Want is a single released in 1998. I have been searching the Web for a translation of the entire song without any success. According to the interpretation of Google Translate, I think that it is basically about a person asking the lover not to get lost in people's high fantasies. By accepting the heart as it is, it will be able to give more and make out the best of it. Something like that, I guess. But, I'm not sure. Anyway, I love the sound of this song and back then it was a big hit here. I hope you'll enjoy. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.   

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Thanks to Denise for her Music Monday blog hop

Keep a song in your heart.

2AM: Like A Fool, Personal Taste OST #MM

There are so many great original soundtracks out there that I had a hard time to choose for this Musical Monday's theme. I'm one day late, because I just couldn't make up my mind. So, that's why I finally decided to go for a song that is moving me at the present time.

First, I was searching for a song that reminded me of high school. Because, I'm really looking forward to attend my high school reunion on this upcoming Sunday. But, I just couldn't think of anything in particular. The next best thing that came to my mind was Get'cha Head In The Game by High School Musical. My daughter is so into this movie that I'm beginning to remember the songs by myself. The movie's name popped into my head because of the reunion, and keeping my head straight is something that I have definitely to do these days. There are so many distractions to get things done on time and it seems that I'm always behind. I just hope that this won't become the story of my life. 

I didn't go for the HSM song, because I have my eyes on something else these days. You know that I'm a big Korean drama fan, don't you? Well, they just began airing Personal Taste on one of our TV channels and I'm so caught up with it right now that I thought to share one of its subbed soundtracks called Like A Fool performed by 2AM with you. Though I can't understand Korean without the subs, I really love the lyrics and sound. You can see several scenes from this drama in the video. Have a wonderful week, everyone.

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Thanks to Denise for her Music Monday blog hop

Keep a song in your heart.

The Snake Pit | Haiku & Poetry Potluck

Moments of terror.
Snake pit; I can’t close my eyes.
Calm a pondering heart.

Will I stand this fight?
Thee, brave warrior inside.
Keep me safe and sound.

~RA

A little note on the story of these words. You can take the meaning of my writing to the inner mental state of a person, but there is also another real story captured behind. Yesterday, we actually found a snake pit or hole on our yard. A big white snake was caught from it. I didn't dare to look at it. A black companion was also seen inside, but until now there are still no more signs. I really hope that there were only the two of them, because the thought of a nest gives me a chill. But, I guess that's one of the consequences you have to stand living near rice fields at the countryside. There's this possibility that they come to visit once in a while. I'm okay with it as long as they are not poisonous and keep a safe distance. Even better, if they stay far away. Usually they are harmless little snakes without poison, not big ones like yesterday. Other residential areas in my country don't have any snakes. Please, don't worry. Have a blessed day, everyone ^_^.

Thanks to Jenn for this week's theme: 
Stress

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!
It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively
(a great way to use your fingers!)

Thanks to Amanda & Kavita

at Jingle Poetry for this week's theme:

Kings, Queens & Warriors

Poetry Potluck Instructions:

Every week, MckLinky will be up on Sunday, at 8pm (CST),
and will stay open till Tuesday, 8pm (CST).
So you will have 48 hours to share up to 3 poems with us.

I don't create poetry, I create myself,
for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

Two Little Boys The Muffed Target 13

Well, there is actually just one little boy in the photo. My nephew. But add him up to my boy and you'll have rumble in da house. These two guys have not a slightest idea of trouble in their dictionary. Except, of course, causing mischief by their own.

Here, the two little boys were trying to play badminton according to their own rules on our latest family vacation. Just look at the determined expression of my nephew's face. The two were quite absorbed in the game and it was lots of fun. Well, may be not so fun for the person who was in charge to get and throw the shuttle-cocks. LOL

The badminton racket in the photo got all muffed. But, I kind of love the motion captured in this shot. Have a wonderful week, everyone.

Submitted to Thom's Muffed Target taken over from

Gattina @gattina-keyholepictures.blogspot.com. 

Thanks for hosting, my friend.

Music is expression of harmony in sound.

Love is the expression of harmony in life

~Stephen F. Gaskin

Keep a song in your heart.

Des'ree: You Gotta Be #MM

The kids are having school examinations for a week. So, I'm quite sure that my time will be more than full packed along with all those other chores and deadlines. To be truth, I can't wait to get at the end of the week. Well, what kind of spirit is that to have at the beginning of a week? That's why the song You Gotta Be by Des'ree seems a perfect fit for me. All I know, all I know that love will save the day. Come on get into the beat!

You Gotta Be is the first single of Des'ree's second  album I Ain't Movin, released in 1994. In 1995 it was used for the ending credits of the movie The Next Karate Kid, starring Hillary Swank and Pat Morita. I hope you'll enjoy watching and listening to the video. Remember, love will save the day.

You Gotta Be Lyrics

Songwriters: Weekes, Des'Ree; Ingram, Ashley

Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
Stand up and be counted
Don't be ashamed to cry


You gotta be
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day


Herald what your mother said
Reading the books your father read
Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time
Some may have more cash than you
Others take a different view
My oh my, heh, hey


You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day


TIME asks no questions, it goes on without you
Leaving you behind if you can't stand the pace
The world keeps on spinning
You can't stop it, if you try to
This time it's danger staring you in the face


Remember
Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
My oh my heh, hey, hey


You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day


You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Source:
http://www.youTube.com

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Thanks to Denise for her Music Monday blog hop

Keep a song in your heart.

Three Things Tag & Two Awards

Almost two weeks ago, the three things tag & two awards were passed on to me by my friend Imagina's Pages. Thanks for thinking of me.

I'm very late for everything. We had a long holiday here in Indonesia and I recently took on more serious writing in my mother language (my first anthology book will come up soon), so I'm trying to catch up on many deadlines and various things. Please, forgive me if it takes time to make my rounds. Now, let's get started!

3 places I would pack my travel bag for

Lombok, Indonesia
Some say that it is even more beautiful than Bali.
I'm curious.

Duisburg, Germany
I was born here.
It always has a special place in my heart.

New Zealand?
Difficult pick.
Basically, it is any place with natural beauty.

3 On-Screen characters I love to watch

I rarely watch TV these days. Too little time.
But, I'm addicted to  Korean dramas.
The characters are cute and fun. LOL

Troublemaker Lee Mong-Ryong
in Sassy Girl Chun Hyang

 Eccentric writer Lee Jin Soo
in Coffee House

Witty Yoo Rin
in My Girl


3 moods that describe me the best

loved
passionate
almost always rushed


3 things I always think of doing on a weekend

Time off
Culinary Food
Photography


3 things from my childhood that I can’t forget

Germany (again)
Intimate and traumatic moments
Gosh, I'm getting old. I gotta admit that I forget a lot :p.


3 things I would never say no to

Family and friends in urgent need
Holidays & Vacation
Special Treats


3 things I can’t live without

Family
Friends
Blessings



Music is expression of harmony in sound.

Love is the expression of harmony in life

~Stephen F. Gaskin

Keep a song in your heart.

Night, Moon & Stars | Poetry Potluck

Thanks to Amanda & Kavita
at Jingle Poetry for this week's theme:

Night, Moon & Stars

Dark as the night
Reflections of the moon rise
Sparkling light
Dancing stars
Every time I dive
Into the depth of your eyes
My sweet child

~RA

Poetry Potluck Instructions:

Every week, MckLinky will be up on Sunday, at 8pm (CST), and will stay open till Tuesday, 8pm (CST). So you will have 48 hours to share up to 3 poems with us... Wonderful!

I don't create poetry, I create myself,

for me my poems are a way to me.
~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

Natasha Bedingfield: Pocketful of Sunshine #MM

Pocketful of Sunshine performed by Natasha Bedingfield has me moving this week. I love the song's upbeat rhythm and the lyrics fit my current mood perfectly. We just returned from a sweet two week holiday escape, but now reality is calling. Monday was quiet a day to kick off the week. After a huge pile of vacation laundry, my motorcycle decided to turn a back on me and let me push it for almost 2 km back home. I was lucky that Mr.Hubby was still out of office and came to help after I called. He tried to pull me with his motorcycle, but a flat front tire on my motorcycle (what a timing!) was giving both of us a hard time to move forward. The usual ten minute trip turned into I don't even know how long... On other holidays, we could have easily pulled over into a workshop to fix the problems. But yesterday happened to be the time after a very special holiday here in Indonesia, where almost everyone returns to their hometown and many businesses were still on a temporary close. If I didn't have a pocketful of sunshine with me, I could have burst into tears for sure. Well, may be this was just a warm up for the great news I received today, the following day? I woke up to find out that my story submission for an anthology book has been accepted. Awesome. There actually will be a book with my name in it. I'm so excited.

Pocketful of Sunshine is the second single of Natasha Bedingfield's second North American album with the same title, released in 2008. It is also an original soundtrack of the romantic comedy movie The Ugly Truth starring Gerard Butler and Katherine Heigl. I hope you'll enjoy watching and listening to the video. Wishing you all better days ahead.

Note: If you can't see this video, Amanda has provided another link by VEVO in this post comments. Thank you.

Pocketful of Sunshine Lyrics

Songwriter: Bedingfield, Natasha; Brisebois, Danielle; Shanks, John M

OOOOh yea yea yea


I got a pocket,
Got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love and I know that its all mine
Oh, woah

Do what you want,
But your never gonna break me,
Sticks and stone are never gonna shake me
no,oh

I got a pocket,
Got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love and I know that its all mine
oh, woah

Wish that you could but you aint gonna own me
Do anything but you want
you cant slow me down
no,

Take me away (take me away)
A secret place (a secret place)
A sweet escape (a sweet escape)
Take me away (take me away)
Take me away (take me away)
To better days (to better days)
Take me away (take me away)
A higher place (a higher place)

I got a pocket,
Got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love and I know that its all mine
Oh, (got a pocket, got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine) oh (and I know that it's all mine)

Do what you want,
But you never gonna break me,
Sticks and stone are never gonna shake me
no, (never gonna shake me) oh (never gonna shake me)

Take me away (take me away)
A secret place (a secret place)
A sweet escape (a sweet escape)
Take me away (take me away)
Take me away (take me away
To better days (to better days)
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Take me away (take me away)
A higher place (a hegher place)


There's a place that I go
That nobody knows
Where the rivers flow
And I call it home
And theres no more lies
And the darkness is light
And nobody cries
Theres only butterflies


Take me away (take me away)
A secret place (a secret place)
A sweet escape (a sweet escape)
Take me away (take me away)
Take me away (take me away
To better days (to better days)
Take me away (take me away)
A higher place (a hiding place)
(2 times)


The sun is on my side
It takes me for a ride
I smile up to the sky
I know I'll be alright


The sun is on my side
It takes me for a ride
I smile up to the sky
I know I'll be alright

Source:
http://www.sweetslyrics.com

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Thanks to Denise for her Music Monday blog hop

Keep a song in your heart.

How To Disable Facebook Instant Personalization

Did you know that the new Facebook Instant Personalization privacy setting shares your user information to third party websites on default?

According to what I have understand through several articles, Facebook Instant Personalization means that any application or third party you use through FB will be able to pull out your user information to give you a personalized experience on their app/site.

I don't really know, if this is actually good or evil like discussed by many people on the web? Some say that these new settings make it easier for apps or sites to determine what you probably like on their site. You'll be able to see what people in your friends circle like related to this certain app/site, and it also works the other way around. On the other hand there are also people that say Instant Personalization leaves the doors open to privilege abuse. People are able to see your related activities and information, weather you like it or not. You can find more insightful articles on this issue on the web.

If you feel uncomfortable about this whole situation and decide that you want to be more in charge of your private information, you can still opt out of this setting. Here are steps on how to disable Facebook Instant Personalization:

1. Choose Privacy Settings from Account.
2. Scroll down to the left bottom of page and edit your settings in Applications and Websites.
3. Edit settings in Instant Personalization.
4. Deselect Enable instant personalization on partner websites and confirm to save changes.

You also might want to check out the Edit settings in Info accessible through your friends. There is a note saying that: your name, profile picture, gender, networks and user ID (along with any other information you've set to everyone) is available to friends' applications unless you turn off platform applications and websites.

Music is expression of harmony in sound.

Love is the expression of harmony in life

~Stephen F. Gaskin

Keep a song in your heart.

8 Tag Questions

My friend Amanda @ Bloggin' with Amanda has been tagged with 8 tag questions and passed them on to me. I need to answer these questions and then tag 8 others. Thanks for the tag, Amanda. Okay, let's start!

1. Why did you start blogging?

I didn't really know what blogging was when I started out writing on my first blog at Friendster. I think, back then I must have seen it as a sort of online diary. The first post Superman VS Batman in June 2008 was something about my son and his panties. LOL

My friends Alex and Waileng were the ones who brought me into real blogging. We moved together from Friendster to Blogger in January 2009, and it was a month after that when I came upon these fascinating photo memes that lead me to many new wonderful societies and friends in our Blogosphere.

2. If you could travel anywhere in the world with no restriction of costs, where would it be and why?

This might sound cliche, but I would want to travel to the most beautiful places in the world. Places that give away tranquility and still show the pure beauty of mother earth. You'll come on stunning photos, when you search for this keyword on Google Images. Wow!

3. Did you have a teacher in school that had a great influence on your life? If so, what?

I've been blessed with many wonderful teachers who have taught me about life. This reminds me of a quote I just wrote on my FB status for Teacher's Day earlier this month

"The true value of a teacher is determined not by what he knows, nor by his ability to impart what he knows, but by his ability to stimulate in others a desire to know."

~Prof. Robert Lee Madison

4. If you could spend the day with a famous person, who would it be, and what would you do?

Depends on what side of my personality takes over that day. Right now, I'm on holidays. The vacation mood is dominating and I would say bring Gerard Butler or Hugh Jackman to me. Do I have to explain more?

5. Toilet paper – over or under?

To be totally truth, I have no idea what the question means. English is not my mother language, you know.

6. Name one thing in your life that you would do over, if possible.

This is a tricky question. I admit that there are some things in life I would love to do over again, but I don't know about the new outcomes. Would circumstances really become better or worse? Like the butterfly effect, some things are just meant to be a certain way. I kind of like my position now. So, no. I'll skip on that.

7. Tell about your pets – if any.

We have cats inside and outside the house, plus a turtle. Before that we also had a marmot and hamsters, but unfortunately I was allergic. Add these critters with two kids and you have plenty of stories to tell. Let me give you a favorite and spare you.

8. Do you live in a small town or a large town. (You don’t have to name the town.)

I might say, it is a combination of both. I live in a smaller town at the border of a big city.

Now, who will I tag?
I love to play, but... Nope, I'm still no good at tagging.
Just play along, if you like.

PS. I just remembered that my daughter started blogging @ Amalia's Heart. Tag, you're it! Answer the 8 questions, dear.

Paper Windmill Craft | The Muffed Target 10

This is the silhouette of a paper windmill craft made by me and my daughter for one of her school projects. As usual, we love to take photos of artworks or crafts that we have done to keep them in our memories. I'm sure that I could have come up with a much better photo, if only we didn't have to finish this project until the last minute. My daughter got almost late to school and this is the best photo that I got. I dunno, what possibly went wrong? Too much or less light exposure or what? May be someone could give me some advice on this.

If you want to make a paper windmill craft, you could use these following materials:

• a plastic jar
• origami paper
• colorful aluminum paper
• a wooden stick and
  
• some nails.

The plastic jar was cut into the shape of a flower. Origami paper was cut into shapes of petals and glued onto the plastic jar. We used the colorful aluminum paper to wrap the wooden stick, and then nailed the windmill flower on it. Last but not least, we cut out some butterflies and leaves from the origami paper and glued them on the wooden stick and the flower.

I really wish you could see the actual colors of this paper windmill craft. But, then again it wouldn't be submitted to Thom's Muffed Target taken over from Gattina @gattina-keyholepictures.blogspot.com. Thanks for hosting, my friend. Have a wonderful week, everyone.

Music is expression of harmony in sound.

Love is the expression of harmony in life

~Stephen F. Gaskin

Keep a song in your heart.

Rob Thomas: Little Wonders Lyrics #MM

The song Little Wonders written and performed by Rob Thomas really got stuck into my head, when we were watching Meet The Robinsons on Saturday. I love the great tunes, uplifting lyrics and wonderful voice of the singer. It's a very inspiring song to get into this week's mood.

Little Wonders can be found as the fourth track in Disney's Box Office Hits album, released on 24 November 2008. You might want to check out the other 14 tracks as well. Besides Rob Thomas, you'll find several other popular songwriters and singers. I think it is an awesome compilation.

Besides going solo, Rob Thomas is also lead singer of the American rock band Matchbox 20 formed in 1995. Coming on the song Little Wonders reminded me of how much I loved their music back then. Although they are on a current hiatus, it has been stated that the band might will record another album at this end of year.

I hope you'll enjoy watching and listening to the video Little Wonders by Rob Thomas. It is an original soundtrack of the movie Meet The Robinsons. Keep moving forward!

Little Wonders lyrics

Songwriter: Rob Thomas

Let it go, let it roll right off your shoulder
Don't you know the hardest part is over?
Let it in, let your clarity define you
In the end we will only just remember how it feels

Our lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate
Time falls away but these small hours
These small hours still remain

Let it slide, let your troubles fall behind you
Let it shine until you feel it all around you
And I don?t mind if it?s me you need to turn to
We?ll get by, it?s the heart that really matters in the end

Our lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate
Time falls away but these small hours
These small hours still remain

All of my regret will wash away somehow
But I cannot forget the way I feel right now
In these small hours
These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate
Yeah, these twists and turns of fate!

Time falls away, yeah but these small hours
And these small hours still remain, yeah
Ooh they still remain
These little wonders, oh these twists and turns of fate

Time falls away but these small hours
These little wonders still remain

Source:
http://www.elyrics.net

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.

Update September 7th:
Thanks to Denise who is giving away a $15 iTunes gift card
to one lucky participant at her Music Monday blog hop

Keep a song in your heart.

Nessa's Writer Workshop: Assignment 1-3

Thanks to Nessa

Sunday (20100829): Write one sentence about what I want; why I am participating in “Do It, Write!” Be as specific as possible in 25 words or less.

Monday (20100830): Write a list of at least 10 reasons why I haven’t perused or achieved what I want. Using a black marker, scratch out each excuse until I can’t see them anymore.

Tuesday (20100831): Write “I am a …” 10 times based on the sentence from Sunday.

My Assignment Answers

Sunday (20100829): Why do I participate?

I want to be a consistent writer and improve my skills with the help of serious critique and encouragement.

Monday (20100830): Why I haven’t perused or achieved what I want?

1. I don't have a fixed schedule to write.
   
2. I think too much before I begin to write.
   
3. I have not enough time to write.
4. I don't know what to write about.
5. I can't write long story lines.
6. I don't have knowledge enough to write.
7. My vocabulary is not large enough.
8. I get confused with grammar and spelling.
9. I'm concerned about what people will think.
10. I have to get into the mood before I can write.
    

Tuesday (20100831):

1. I am a consistent and skilled writer.
2. I am a consistent and skilled writer.
3. I am a consistent and skilled writer.
4. I am a consistent and skilled writer.
5. I am a consistent and skilled writer.
6. I am a consistent and skilled writer.
7. I am a consistent and skilled writer.
8. I am a consistent and skilled writer.
9. I am a consistent and skilled writer.
10. I am a consistent and skilled writer.

There are thousands of thoughts
lying within a man that he does not know
til he takes up the pen and writes.

~William Makepeace Thackeray