Posted in Rachel's Journal 🌼

A Sunday Afternoon Under the Mango Tree

Under the mango tree, I stood while my mother sat on a worn out plastic chair. I quietly splattered hair dye around her greying locks. While I worked in silence, she chattered endlessly about trivial matters, jumping from one topic to another. I stared at her brown skin revealing the fact that throughout the years, the sun had not been tender towards it.

I realized that my mother is growing old and no amount of hair dye could hide that. In silent reverie, I made an unconscious promise to be kind to her.

The wind intensely and gently blew around. It was as if she was reminding us, that though she is kind she can be fierce too.

Our dogs, Susie and Viola came to join us after awhile. And when all was finished, the ambience felt light and comfortable.

I reveled in the wind, the trees, the chirping of the birds, the sun casting bright lights and at our dogs looking so adorable.

While walking around, I saw what yesterday’s wind had done to our trees.

I also took a selfie with our pandikaki plant and thank God I was not bitten by this tiny creature. (see below)

Also! Indian mangoes are back in season! I’m hoping to eat some in the coming days.

In conclusion, it was a pleasant afternoon that I rarely experience. Emma is at her grandparents’ house so I get to have a little peace and quiet today. I do miss her though.

I just want to capture this moment in a blog post since I seldom spend time outside these days.

Posted in Rachel's Journal 🌼

Sunday Thoughts & Blues

Before the pandemic started, every Sunday morning, as a family we would go out for breakfast, then have groceries after. Our favorite places to dine were Bluejay Coffee & Co., Bo’s Coffee and occasionally, Coffee Project.

This Sunday, we got to have the same routine except for the presence of my Dad who chose to stay at home because he can’t stand wearing a mask.

The ambiance in Coffee Project oozes with aesthetics and privilege? I mean most people who enter have the stance and confidence of rich people. I usually feel uncomfortable but I just try to focus on the pleasing interior.

The food and drinks here are good but a bit expensive.

I ordered a Caramel Latte.

For breakfast, I ordered Chicken Parmigiana with Hot Pepper Rice which I forgot to take a picture of.

While waiting for our orders to arrive, I glanced around to see that almost everyone was looking down on their phones. It got me thinking, “what was it like for people before, who didn’t have such technology? what did they do in a coffee shop while waiting for their drinks to arrive?”

I thought that maybe they talked a lot or if they were alone, brought a book with them to entertain themselves or maybe they just sat and think or observe.

I didn’t want to use my phone and in front of me about 5 feet away, a boy about 12 years old was sitting down with earphones on and so I did the same since my mom and brother were not in the mood for talking. And I reflected upon the book I read last night.

I remember how last year I would sit in those same spots and worry about the upcoming Monday were I had to face survival in an office setting. Now, I’m so grateful I can breathe easily without the anxiety of work brooding around.

After our fancy and expensive breakfast, (😢😅) we went to a family friend for some errands to make. It’s so weird to think we seldom see the people close to us anymore.

After our fast adventure, we headed to the grocery store, S&R. I only took one photo and an unflattering one as well.

I was caught up in talking to my brother as well as looking for something to buy. I got some few essentials.

It was a normal day but I just wanted to share what life was like today. The weather is cool and cloudy, the cars are few, and the day is peaceful.

I’m so glad that amidst the pandemic, we still get to have good days.

While sometimes, I feel like it’s safe to go out, I know it isn’t. Our enemy, the virus is still roaming around and we need to practice caution and care.

My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones in this pandemic. Truly, you’ll never know what it feels like `til it happens to you. While life must go on, I hope we can all be sensitive, learn to take precautions, and keep in mind those who are fighting this virus and the frontliners risking their lives to help.

Stay safe!