Powders: A Short Story
Hello everyone, good day! How has life been? I hope that everything's been relatively manageable for you. Please take care of yourselves, and do take some time to pursue your hobbies! Whether it's music, writing, or reading a book, as long as you indulge in a bit of self-care to stay sane then some good should come from it ❤️
Anyways, this post will be another short story; that is, another entry for the monthly writing challenge Andrea hosts over at
Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents. I really do want to encourage everyone to participate in this, perhaps even in future installments of the challenge! It's a fun exercise to help writers (aspiring or otherwise) to get creative and keep those skills sharp ✨ You can check out this November's theme over
here, and tell her that I sent you LOLOL. Take time to explore their blog as well, you won't regret it! Oh, and if you'd like to read my previous entries for this monthly writing challenge, check out blog posts in this site that have the SVMWC tag; I'd love to hear what you think!
Am I risking cultural appropriation? I don't know lol, but I did try to research about this so I hope I won't say anything too out of place (please do say if anything sounds factually incorrect though!). I tried to make a short story that depicts the different experiences of perception. Without further ado, I present to you, dear readers, my entry for this month's theme— color. Please enjoy.
The sun was poised up high above the deep blue sky. Warm rays of sunshine bounced off the delicate swathes of clouds scattered across the ultramarine expanse. The small Indian town was only starting to wake, yet shops remained closed as a small crowd started to gather in the town square.
In one of the little inns tucked between the streets of small town was a young woman, perhaps in her twenties. She was sitting on the floor of her lodging, both her arms and legs crossed; her brow was knit in evident frustration.
"What an idiot I am," she sighed. Strewn in front of the cross legged woman were her various belongings. A tripod leaned haphazardly on the edge of her purple suitcase, which looked like it was ransacked. Crumpled shirts lay in sad piles surrounding the woman, a laptop expertly balanced on the mounds of fabric with the rest of the things she had packed to shoot this year's Holi, the magnificent festival of colors.
Alas, one vital object was missing from this assemblage of goods— the camera itself.
Her beautiful, swarthy Canon EOS 5D Mark IV was nowhere to be found; probably forgotten in a closet at home. "I'm such a scatterbrain. Of all things, I just had to leave the cam behind," the woman sighed, berating herself. Unfortunately there is not much for her to do in the absence of her photography implement, as she would be unable to do her job without a camera. "I'm already here though; it'd be a waste to not see Holi for myself," the woman said to herself. And so, she gets up and put on comfortable clothes, and went on her way.
It was only a few minutes past 7 AM, but the streets were already brimming with people and powders. Strangers patted yellow ochre dust on one another and wished for their good health. A pair of lovers dashed by, playfully chasing each other with vibrant crimson in their fists. The air was heavy with tinted mist. Holi was already well under way, but the woman was in no mood to partake in the kaleidoscopic festivities— not after finding out that she wouldn't be able to document it.
As the woman absentmindedly wandered the streets, a group of howling teenagers sprinted across her, letting loose a flurry of reds and blues that found its way onto her shirt. The woman had no time to react, and simply stood there on the curb, wide eyed.
"C'mon guys, wait up! You're too fast," a girl— perhaps the same age as those teens— yelled as she ran after them. Unfortunately, it seemed like this girl is not the most physically fit, as she placed her hands on her knees and was gasping for air. She looked up at the color-assaulted woman who was in shock. "Madame, are you alright there?"
The woman probed her apparel with gentle touches, but the red dye managed to stain her fingers nevertheless.
"You're shirt's going to be stained for a while," the teenage girl noted, shaking her head. "I do hope that that's a spare."
"Sadly, it isn't," the woman said in disdain. "But it's alright, really. I did go out today in order to observe the festivities, so getting the colors of Holi on me is to be expected," she laughs. "By any chance, are you a local? I'm a journalist for The Daily Mail, but due to unfortunate circumstances, taking photographs isn't possible for me right now. But it'd be a shame to return to Mumbai empty handed, so I'd really appreciate if you could show me around and give an interview?"
The girl nods and smiled. "Sure! I'd be glad to lend you a hand! May I ask what's this 'unfortunate circumstance' is about?"
"I, uh," the woman stammered, scratching her head. "I forgot to pack a camera before coming here."
Indra lifted a hand over her mouth, barely concealing a giggle. "Is that so? That's rsaeally unfortunate madame, but I'd be willing to act as a tour guide."
"Thank you," the woman smiled. "Let's talk as you show me around. May I know your name please?"
The teenager nodded. "My name is Indra. May I ask for yours as well?"
"You can call me Carmencita," the journalist woman smiled. "Indra is a wonderful name. From indradhanush, the Hindi for 'rainbow'. Quite fitting for this festival," she added with a chuckle.
"Thanks, but it's rather ironic," Indra laughed. "I ought to mention I'm colorblind, if that'll affect anything regarding the interview."
Carmencita shook her head reassuringly. "It's alright, I don't mind in the slightest."
The two females started to walk down the crowded road. "I guess you know by now that Holi is essentially a spring festival— a welcoming," Indra began. "People throw abir, colored powder, on each other to symbolize playfulness and good wishes. The colors each mean something as well."
The pair entered the town square, a bustling park teeming with families, lovers, and friends with vibrant, abir touched skin. They decided to sit on one of the benches that lined the path.
"I hope that my question does not come off as a breach of privacy, but I'm genuinely curious— how does it feel to celebrate and be a part of a cultural festivity that heavily relies on the visage of colors?" Carmencita asked, her torso slightly turned to look at Indra.
"Well, I don't really know," Indra carefully said, rubbing her chin. "It's odd. I've been born with this handicap, so not being able to distinguish certain colors is my normal." A short silence ensued before she continued. "Although, people do talk about colors a lot, so I think I have a good grasp of how they feel at the very least."
Carmencita raised an eyebrow at the girl's response. "How colors feel? Now that's an interesting sentiment. Tell me about that."
Indra's gaze landed on another pair of lovers, walking side by side as they left a trail of crimson in their wake. "Hmm, those pair of lovers over there," she pointed. "Although I cannot see what color the powders on their skin is, I'm almost sure that it's red. Red feels like something passionate. It's the rage that blinds your eyes, the adrenaline in your veins. But at the same time, it seems like the color of a warm flush on someone's cheeks during a moment of joy and love. Red feels like the color of a confident woman's lipstick."
"Over there, those leaves," Indra continued, gesturing towards some trees. "I've at least had the knowledge of their usual colors as green, so I associate green with life. It's the smell of the earth and the sound of rustling leaves. It's lush and peaceful and all over, like the grass underfoot or the canopy of trees."
Carmencita briefly closes her eyes as she lets Indra's words weave tapestries in her mind, then opens them again. "Fascinating. When you put it that way, it sounds very lovely," she smiled. "You have a great way with words, Indra."
"Thanks you," she smiled. "I think color is a visceral thing; it's not just what's visible," she explained. "Perhaps that's why I think of colors the way I do."
"That's definitely a unique perspective."
"Is it though?" Indra mused. "Well, I guess the 'feel' of colors is not something people would usually think about. What about you though," she asked. "I'm curious as to how you perceive colors!"
Carmencita scratches her head. "It's not really that interesting," she said. "I guess I only rely on the visual clues to tell them apart. Reds are the colors of cherries and strawberries. Blues are skies. All very practical."
"Huh, well that's a bit dull I think," Indra remarked. "A life without any sort of whimsy; no offense madame, but it seems like that's how you see the world right now."
Carmencita laughs. "None taken. You may be speaking the truth there. I've been living life around the printing presses for years; all the black and white of journalism has sucked away my soul." The older woman slumped back onto the bench. "Now let me tell you something; in our profession, things are either true or not true. It's very clean cut. No nonsense," she described.
"To be frank, I think I've lost my passion," Carmencita continued. "It all feels stale and drab. I've been wanting and waiting to do something big, but," she trailed off and shrugged.
"Then I guess it's just right that you're here in time for Holi," Indra replied after a few moments of silence. "A festival of colors and spring. Just what a sleeping soul needs to wake up," she smiled.
"I suppose," the older woman affirmed. "Thank you Indra, that was enlightening. If you don't mind, I'd like to cut the interview short and end it here," Carmencita said as she got on her feet.
The teenager shook her head. "That's fine with me. Good luck with your article, madame."
"Perhaps I'll go experience the colors of Holi for myself. It was a pleasure meeting you Indra, goodbye," Carmencita beamed, waving goodbye as she traversed the path through the rainbow bathed park.
Labels: SVMWC
The Sunday Currently, Vol. 2
Hello all! How are you guys doing lately? I do hope that you're well. Remember to stay safe when going outdoors, and stay hydrated. Please always take care of yourselves whether you're staying at home, in your dorm, at work, or wherever you may be 😊
Where did the year go? It's already November! My head is getting dizzy just thinking about how much time has passed. I can't even remember what I was doing last week, or two weeks ago! It's hard to believe that Christmas is coming real soon too. But I am looking forward to it— Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year after all :D
That aside, it's time for another volume of Sunday Currently! I haven't been going out of the house lately (what's new? lol), but I did go to the cemetery for All Saints Day with my mother the past week. I never realized how peaceful cemeteries are during daylight! Slightly macabre, I know, but you can't help but feel solemn when surrounded by all the memories held by the departed loved ones. There was one grave I spotted though, the years of birth and death are the same. It made me rather sad, since it seemed like a baby was buried there 😢
Whew, anyways— here's volume deux of my Sunday Currently!
Reading: My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, and Brodi Ashton. After I finished 1Q84 (which was an AMAZING read), I felt like picking up something more lighthearted and feel-good, so this one seemed like a good choice. My brother got me a hardcover copy of the novel for my birthday last year, but it's only now that I got around to reading it (sorry!). I started reading yesterday, so I'm just in the middle of the prologue. Though so far, it's good! I haven't read much historical fiction, so I'm looking forward to immersing myself in this novel 😆
Writing: I'm currently editing (and lightly re-writing. Does that count?) my friend's essay for university. I find it enjoyable to read other people's works, so it's not much of a trouble at all. I think that reading others' works could help you develop your own style as well!
Listening: to Panic! At The Disco's Pretty Odd album. It feels really nostalgic for some reason, and Pretty Odd sounds so whimsical and amazing. And of course, Ryan Ross. I know it's not the most well-appreciated album from P!ATD, but I love it all the same
Thinking: about which series I need to prioritize watching. Stranger Things, Riverdale, Star vs.The Forces of Evil, Doctor Who, Your Lie in April— so many things to watch, so little time!
Smelling: the buttery surface of the empanada I'm sinking my teeth into. Then as I bite away a chunk of baked pastry, the savory, mouthwatering scent of well-seasoned meat emanates from it. It smells nothing less than heavenly ❤
Wishing: for a better, faster internet connection (still). Really, the wifi situation in my area is simply atrocious. Youtube takes forever to load.
Hoping: that hairdressing classes will be fun! It'll be my first session tomorrow, and I just hope that I don't accidentally cut off someone's ear lol. Still, I'm looking forward to learning a new skill :D
Wearing: my pajamas. It's a pink top-and-bottom pair with a cute fox covering most of the shirt's front side, and more tiny foxes (and pink hearts) dotting the pants. I remember my mother got me these PJs a while back, but since I've not grown any taller for who knows how long, it still fits LOL. Not that I'm complaining, the fabric is rather comfortable ✨
Loving: the new Thor movie! I watched Thor: Ragnarok with my father and siblings last Sunday, and I love Chris Hemsworth's new in-movie hairdo ❤ And the fact that Mark Rufallo, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Tom Hiddleston are also in the same movie? My inner fangirl may have just suffered from a heart attack due to sheer happiness. Now, all I need is for Sebastian Stan and Chris Pratt to join them in one big Marvel movie and I will be set for life.
Wanting: more time! Ugh, I have no wish for this year to end. There are still so many things I want to do before I enter university (both productive and otherwise), and there's simply not enough time for me fully prepare myself for this new chapter of life, mentally and emotionally. Sigh.
Needing: some help to clear up my iPad's memory space. I have over seven thousand photos in my album, and just knowing that I have to look at all those pictures is not encouraging. It's not an easy a task as it seems! As a sentimental person, photographs are a big deal so I definitely need help deciding whether a picture is still okay to keep or not.
Feeling: slightly annoyed because Tubbs won't stop eating my Frisky Bitz! I recently started playing Neko Atsume again, and Tubbs is definitely adorable, no doubt, but please I implore you: let other cats eat too ;-;
Clicking: onto various websites as I research for information I need to accomplish my monthly writing challenge entry. Of course, saying what I'm researching about will ruin the surprise, so it's a secret for now 😉
That's about it for this volume of Sunday Currently. If you've written your own, do leave a link for your blog in the comments! I'd love to read about how your Sundays (or any day, really) have been. See y'all soon, and take care ❤
Labels: sunday currently
The Blue Sky Tag (And My Apparent Lack of Friends)
Hello everyone, how are you all doing? I hope that today has treated you kindly. Please remember to take a break and rest up if you feel stressed from school or work. Take care of yourselves! Get enough sleep and remember to dream of the great things you'll be doing someday 😄
I got tagged into a challenge by Indigo over at
Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents! This'll be my first too, so it's pretty exciting ❤️ I think the biggest issue I encountered while accomplishing this was thinking of people to tag, since I don't really have a lot of people in my blogging social circle LOLOLOLOL That mayyy be one rule I have to break, whoops sorry.
That aside, I should really get on to it. Without further ado, I present to you dear readers, the Blue Sky Tag!
Rules:
1. Thank the person who tagged you (Thank you for the tag, Indigo 😊)
2. Answer their 11 questions (I'm on it)
3. Tag 11 people (I don't have that much friends though, I apologize lol)
4. Give them 11 questions to answer
And right below are the questions (and answers) for this Blue Sky Tag :D
1. Do you like cooking?
I don't cook meals all by myself, but I used to help out around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and doing little things like that. It's not something I do a lot anymore though, but it was fun and I enjoyed those minor jobs. In a sense, I guess I do enjoy cooking. (On another note, who doesn't enjoy the heavenly sound of sizzling cuisine on a hot pan? Like, that's one of the best sounds ever lolol)
2. When's your birthday, and what would your ideal birthday be like?
My birthday's on July 3, though I don't think much of it since my birthday usually lands on a weekday, and it'd just be like any other school day. But my ideal birthday would definitely involve a humongous bouncy castle and a frozen yogurt machine. And maybe lots of Broadway-themed karaoke 😆 I'll have my friends belt out the whole Hamilton soundtrack with me LOLOL
3. Favourite colour?
Black— it's the jack-of-all-trades of aesthetics! The color is extremely versatile, and it's very edgy lol. I also like how black is the resulting color when an object absorbs the whole light spectrum, so in some way I associated liking the color black to the fact that a little bit of every color is in black, so I wouldn't have to choose a specific color. Purple is also super cool, and lately I've been feeling an affinity for the hue ever since Fall Out Boy's Mania tour kicked off 💜
4. Do you have any pets? (And if you do, can you include photos? Lol.)
Yes, I do; a hedgehog, a dog, and four cats! We used to have chickens too, but sometimes the cats would hunt them and stash bones away on the pipes that drained rainwater from the roof (yeah, what even), so we had to do away with the chickens. I do miss our hen Trixie 😭
That aside, I'm no photography expert so I couldn't get a picture of all my non-human family. But here are my favorite images of them (at least, of the ones I managed to capture on camera lol)
 |
| My hedgehog Aravis, picture taken mid-bath |
 |
| A kitten called Chubby |
 |
| and his sassy mother, Kisses |
 |
| Scrappy the Dog stares off to a faraway land full of treats |
5. Got any hobbies?
I'm a pretty generic teen; my hobbies are nothing special. I like reading anything I can get my hands on (classics, YA, and children's novels are all welcome!), and I also enjoy writing short pieces of fiction. I like watching cute shows and movies, most of which are animated (Bee and Puppycat, albeit short, is so aesthetic hhHHhH). I like listening to lots of music— jazz to rock to indie, (almost) all music is free to grace my auditory pathway!
There are so many more things I enjoy doing (as everyone else does, surely), but I think the ones I just stated sum up my prominent hobbies pretty nicely.
6. If you could travel to any country in the world, where would you go?
That's a difficult question— there's just so many places I want to visit! But right now, I think I'll say Norway. I really wanna experience sitting on the porch of a cozy, fjord-side cabin and watching the beautiful polar lights with a mug of hot chocolate in hand ❤ Since I live in a tropical country, I always see pretty beaches and islands, but snow and fjords and ice are things I want to experience as well; it'd be great to bask in a different form of natural beauty!
7. What's your favourite song?
Aw man, it's almost impossible to choose! I may be able to single out my favorite song from a certain artist, but it's hard to name just one overall favorite 😓 Hmmm, well I have been getting Coffee's For Closers by Fall Out Boy stuck in my head quite often these days, so I'm considering that song my favorite as of now. My emotions have been getting out of whack lately (PMS? Lol I have no idea), and the "I will never believe in anything agaaAaaiiAiinn" lyric from the chorus is a drug for my soul ✨
8. Do you wear braces (or have you ever worn them)?
No, I never have. My teeth are relatively aligned except for a couple near the front, but it's barely noticeable and it hasn't caused me any discomfort or difficulty, so I decided to pass on the braces (besides, they're pretty expensive sigh).
9. Are you using this tag as an excuse not to do something else you have to do? (Because that's totally not what I'm doing?!)
Actually yeah lol. I really should be doing more important things like urgently sifting through my thousands (seven of them) of photos to free up much needed memory space on my iPad and doing some advance reading to prepare for my impending collegiate debut, but here I am.
10. Are you on Instagram, and if your account is public, can you give me your username so I can stalk you? (If it's private I understand if you don't want to share it!)
I remember making an IG account a couple months ago, but I'm not creative enough to recognize a potentially photographable scene— thus, I haven't touched my account in a while (whoops). But either way, my IG is deux_couverts. From French, it roughly translates to "two cutleries", and it's an old-timey way to reserve a table for two in a restaurant.
There's a whole convoluted reason why I chose that name, but it'd take some time to explain (though if you're curious, I'll type it down in the comments or something lol). I'm also not sure whether it's set to public or private; nevertheless, feel free to stop by!
11. Do you think eleven is a ridiculously large number of questions to answer? (Or come up with??)
Yes, it is indeed a ridiculously large number. And an odd one as well; I would've preferred a nice, even number (like 10, maybe)! But oh well, neither you nor I have created the rules, and we are mere bloggers under the mercy of these amusing tags 😆
And here are my questions:
1. Do you play a sport?
2. What are some things you find oddly satisfying?
3. Would you rather travel back or forward in time?
4. Do you have somewhere you'd consider your favorite place?
5. Would you ever dye your hair, and if you so, what color would it be?
6. How would your dream apartment/house look like?
7. What movie/book/etc. world would you like to be a part of?
8. If you could perform a song with your favorite musician/band, who would it be and what song would you sing?
9. What's the latest time you've ever stayed up during the night?
10. Have you ever learned a foreign language? If so, what is it?
11. What's the wildest thing you want to do someday?
Oh man, I really have no idea who to nominate though (are tag-backs allowed? welp) 😓 Hmm, when I view the stats for my blog's pageviews, it says that handfuls of people from places like the US or Spain or Germany or some other country have visited my blog. I would like to get to know you guys better, so please do accept this challenge! I nominate you, dear readers, to participate in this tag. Don't forget to leave a comment with a link to your post so that I could see :D Let's all be friends ❤
Demonio: A Short Story
Hello everyone! I hope you've all been doing well lately. Have you been eating your meals? Make sure to take care of yourself and have proper meals! Even brunch is okay, as long as you make sure to fill that stomach of yours and get the energy you need to seize the day ✨
Wow, we're pretty much past halfway through October! Time really does fly by, even for someone like me who's still on my extended break after graduating high school. I'll definitely whip up a "life update" blog entry before the year ends to explain why. I think the situation I'm in right now is rather peculiar and worth sharing LOLOLOL 😆
But I digress. If you have scrolled down a little, you would most likely encounter a blog post
containing a short story called Oceanarium, which was my September entry for the monthly writing challenge Indigo hosts over at Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents. Anyways, for the record, it may be worth mentioning that I'd love to make this regular thing for as long as I can lol. Not only is this challenge good writing practice for me, but it's also something I find therapeutic when I'm stuck in one of my unproductive episodes ❤ Here's the blog post with this month's details for anyone who wants to give it a shot (and I encourage you to do so!) On a side note, I'm pleasantly surprised by how long this entry turned out to be LOLOL
In the fittingly spoopy spirit of October, this month's theme is "Halloween"! Let me get this out of the way before you read though; I mayyy have taken some liberties with the theme and set my story in a different (maybe-related) holiday, but definitely still related to souls and the dead—
both of which are quite Halloween-y elements. I do hope you guys will accept my tweak 😅 With that said, please enjoy my attempt to commemorate the souls of the lost.
"Ugh." A peculiar Creature perches on a tombstone, its back hunched and expression scrunched. The sun was starting to dip below the horizon, illuminating the clouds' undersides with a soft amber glow. Varying headstones, crosses, and altars of stone and marble cast a welter of long shadows on the weedy path. The cemetery itself was neither chilly nor humid; a cool air rested between the stone, wildflowers, and soil as an elegant, eerie sullenness enveloped the tombs.
It was Día de los Muertos, the day of the dead, and the overgrown cemetery was void of families and rowdy children to build little altars filled with marigolds and sentimental tchotchkes for the departed souls of the bodies that lay in their graves.
"To be fair," the Creature muttered, "this cementerio has been abandoned for nearly a century now." It shuffled its position on the tombstone, and decided that the slab of rock was an uncomfortable roost as it stood up with a grunt. "But Dios mío, I have been abandoned along with this place!" The peculiar Creature, in a fit of misery, started to trample the poor, unassuming weeds under its feet.
As it was occupied with stomping on the overgrowth like a madman, the rusty cemetery gates pleadingly creaked open. A noise like nails scraping on chalkboards echoed through the tombs. The Creature snapped to attention, sharply turning its intent gaze towards the long-undisturbed ingress of the graveyard. From the entryway stepped a youthful girl, her eyes cautiously examining the unearthly locale. She was conservatively clad in religious habit, her garb and veil a dark monochrome. With a soft footing, she makes her way through patches of tall grass and weeds as she continues to scrutinize the area with guarded eyes.
"Oy!" The Creature called out— though what compelled it to do so was beyond understanding. The young girl stopped cold on her tracks, clutching the small cross that hung from her neck then staying completely still, but her eyes were obviously flitting around to find the source of the beckoning. "Over here niñita," the peculiar Creature called out once more. "Can you see me?"
The girl finally laid eyes on the peculiar entity, unsure whether to run away or cry for help. She clears her dry throat and manages a whisper. "Are you a demonio?"
"Sure, whatever. Espíritu, demonio, it doesn't matter." The Creature sighed. "I am the keeper of these grounds, and you are the first human to visit in decades." And the wanderer is a nun no less, the Creature thought. What a nice surprise. "What brings you here?"
The girl assumed a calm demeanor, and she straightened her posture to look directly at the Creature. "I— uh," she stammers, fidgeting with her silver crucifix. "I was gathering flowers for the Día de los Muertos mass. I lost my way through the woods."
The peculiar Creature was finally able to take a good look at the visitor. She possessed a petite stature, as seem by how her tunic and scapular drapes breezily on her frame. A white coif rests beneath her black veil, concealing her hair. The sleeves of her garment were wide and flowing, from which her dainty hands peeked out, grasping her pendant. A wicker basket of marigolds was situated on the crook of her elbow.
Since when were convents allowed to let in girls this young? Times really have passed, the Creature brooded. "You know, it's quite ironic how you— a member of a religious order whose purpose is to guide lost souls— are lost yourself," it jested, approaching the girl.
"You need to shut up, demon," the young nun grumbled, throwing it a fistful of marigolds from her harvest, which simply fell limply at the Creature's feet. "You can't hurt me."
The peculiar Creature couldn't help but let out a chortle from the valiant attempt. "That's rich," it said between laughs, wiping away a metaphorical tear. "Oh man, your breed has gotten feistier!" After that fit, the Creature heaved and picked up the golden flowers at his feet. "But thanks for these. I honestly can't remember when I've seen these flowers last. Do you mind?" The Creature motioned towards the row of graves beside them, and the nun politely stepped back, allowing it to lay a flower on the base of each headstone.
The nun watched intently, her curiosity piqued by the Creature's actions, raised a brow. "So, what exactly are you?"
"What do you think?"
"A demonio."
It shrugged. "Okay, sure. What's a nun's business here with a demon like me?"
"Wondering why you're not taking my soul yet," the girl briskly said. "And don't, by the way. I may as well have you exorcised." After a short pause, she addressed the Creature again. "Why are you in a forgotten cemetery?"
It ignored her comments. "You seem to be unafraid of me, niñita. Well, I won't be taking your soul— that's not my job. I merely bring the departed to the next step in the cycle."
"Purgatory?"
"You're a nun. Shouldn't you know about what comes after death?"
Exasperated, the girl pressed a finger to her temple. "Look, whatever you are, one thing's for sure— you're crazy. Would you please just help me find my way?"
The Creature laughs. "In the centuries of my existence, this is a first for me! A nun asks a demon for favors." It stood still for a few moments, thinking about its situation. The Creature found the nun to be rather haughty and irritable, but on the other hand, it's still company— something it has not experienced during the lonely years of solitary duty. "Alright then, not like I have a choice. I wouldn't want flowers on my feet again, would I?" With a smug grin, it began amble through the maze of graves.
In response, the nun rolled her eyes and snorted as she trailed the Creature. "Oh please. You just may be the loneliest demonio I'll ever encounter in my life. I almost pity you."
"Big talk from someone who's asking for directions," it snickered. "You know for a member of a convent, you're pretty badmouthed."
"Well sorry," she scoffed. "My family shipped me away to straighten me up, but you can see how great it's turning out. You're not the only evil walking here." The girl kicked a pebble from her path. "I got my demons. You know how that feels?"
The Creature shrugged. "I am one. Is that supposed to be insulting?"
"I'm trying to be serious here," the nun girl scowled. "My parents don't want me, and I have no friends. I feel so alone, like you won't even understand." She starts to pluck off the petals of one flower in her basket.
The Creature, however, completely understood what the young girl felt because it was in the same situation— almost a century of wandering through the remnants of almost-forgotten people and memories; though it has ventured these paths countless times, the Creature felt like a lost soul himself, looking for a better future. A thin silence enveloped the two souls, lost in their own way, and masked only by the rustling sounds of foliage that came from underfoot. "I do know," it finally whispered. "Feeling alone, it makes one feel almost helpless. You are right," the Creature smiled, though behind this expression is a weakened fortitude, a bitter longing for what once was. "I may be the loneliest demon you ever will see. So then, tell me about yourself."
The girl pursed her lips. "Well, basically I was set up to marry this absolute sleaze of a man, but I was being mistreated. My parents said I'd either act happy and save face or be sent away."
"I can guess with certainty the decision you made."
She laughed. "Yeah. In all seriousness, this man is disgusting— not a day passes without a new cut or bruise on me. What a stinker he was," the girl recalled. "I was determined to escape, and I knew that this is better than what I was subject to in his hands. What about you, do you have a tale to tell?"
The Creature gave it some thought before speaking. "There used to be families visiting here. Lots of them, every year for Día de los Muertos," it slowly began to recount. "It used to be lively. The souls from the departed, I'd bring them here sometimes when their family is around. But it's been years— the departed have moved forward, and the families have forgotten."
"I have not slept a wink," it continued. "I have no respite. I cannot eat nor sleep like your kind does, for I do not have use for such activities. In the confines of this cemetery, where I have roamed for years, I am somehow lost."
The young nun let out a deep whistle and gave the Creature an empathetic look. "Whew, seems rough."
It smiled. "I envy you somehow. In the face of trouble, you paved your way out; you knew what you had to do. You may have lost your way, but you have a place to go back to. I wish I had that."
After the short, heartfelt exchange, the two continued to walk in a much more comfortable silence. Soon, a metal gate emerged from the outskirts a little beyond the worn altars and headstones. The Creature and the nun both padded through the grass wordlessly.
"Here we are," it said as the pair stopped by the rusting cast-iron gates. "If memory serves me correctly, a town should be some ways through this path; from there I trust you can find your own way?" The Creature inquired.
The girl nods, smiling wide. "Yes. I sincerely thank you— I wouldn't have made it through if it weren't for your help. Who would've thought though; a nun and a demon," she remarked, giggling. "Oh yes, before I leave, please take these as a token of my appreciation." The girl takes a handful of marigolds from her basket and held it out for the Creature.
It appreciated the gesture, but did not take them. "Thank you, but there's no need really. The graves here are mere symbols to remember the departed— but there is no one left to remember them anyway."
"Oh, just take it you!" The nun pushes the flowers onto the Creature. "Though marigolds tend to be for grieving loved ones, it's also known for other meanings," she explains. "Like the beauty and warmth of the rising sun. A new beginning maybe; a beacon for lost souls. Maybe someday you won't lose your way anymore, and I'll pray that one day you'll find your strength and purpose again."
The Creature couldn't help but let out a smile. "Well then, I look forward to you finding your way here again soon?"
"Every year," she laughed. "As long as you don't get too lost."
With that short exchange of goodbyes, the nun closed the tired gates behind her and off she went, her black ensemble fluttering behind her as the wicker basket of golden blossoms bounced in her arm. The Creature, marigolds in its palms, watched the nun disappear through the woods. With a new hope, it begins counting the days until the next Día de los Muertos; it may be the day of the dead, but for the Creature it will become the day he finds his way.
Labels: SVMWC
Concerts (And Enjoying It Alone)
Hello everyone, how's it going? I do hope that life's been treating you well. Have you been staying hydrated? Remember to drink water often, even if you're not doing anything physically taxing 😊
I went to a concert last Saturday, and *pterodactyl screeching* is the only fitting reaction I could give to encapsulate my emotions. I am beside myself with a motley of feelings that I never want to forget, so I decided to document my thoughts in a blog entry! That aside, I hope that if people out there are preparing to attend their first concerts, this post can provide insights for you guys to be able to live out your fullest First Concert Experience™ 😉
The concert I went to was the Manila leg of Mayday Parade's tour for the 10th anniversary of A Lesson In Romantics (their first album). This wasn't really the first concert I've ever attended— I've seen a couple of groups live (like when I saw Hillsong last year lol). Though the thing is, in all these events I'm either with a parent or with my church friends. This Mayday Parade concert is the first one I've attended unchaperoned, so I'd like to technically consider this experience my real initiation into the concert scene LOLOLOL.
First things first, hunting down a friend to accompany me was harder than I thought it'd be. When I caught wind of Mayday Parade's tour, I was quick to let all my potential concert mates know about it! Unfortunately, I do not know a lot of people with the same taste in music as I, so my search was quickly over when all responded negative.
Still, that is not enough to thwart my plans lol. Concert mate or no, I was determined to see Mayday Parade, so I got a VIP standing ticket for 3000 pesos (that's around $60 or £45) which— by the way— is a bargain considering how concerts are way too pricy in the Philippines (´Д` )
Alright, now allow me to fast forward a few months, to the day of the concert ✨ This'll be my first piece of advice to future concert attendees: come early. Like, really early. The details from the poster said that doors to the event will open at 6 pm, so I decided to come three hours earlier in hopes of getting dibs on the best spots in the venue. I was wayy off lol. When I got there (and confident that I'm early too, mind you), the line was already so long. I had no points of reference to size up how long the line really is, but trust me— it was already doing zig-zags, so I'm almost definitely positive that if anything, that's a lot of people.
The three hours on the line may be one of the longest waits I remember experiencing in my life. When I was doing my own research on concert-going tips, many blogs mentioned talking to the people in line with you, and I really think that if you could strike up a conversation with them then that'd be pretty swell. Except, I wasn't able to do that because I'm a socially awkward twat. The girls in front of me were obviously close friends talking about their personal business, so I found it difficult to break the ice. Behind me was this lovey giggly couple, and I definitely did not want to do any third wheeling LOL. So in the end, I resigned to using my mobile data and hit up my friends online as I loitered for three hours. Moral of the anecdote: definitely bring a charger or power bank for some extra juice.
At around 6 pm, we were finally allowed to enter the concert hall. My heart was pounding a mile a minute at this point 💖 This is when you'll be glad you went early— since my ticket was for VIP Standing, there aren't any reserved seats so you gotta reach the front first and stake out your desired position LOLOLOLOL. My waiting definitely paid off, since I was able to stand on the front lines of the barricades 😁 (that sounded like a war narrative for a second. Whoops)
A couple more hours of waiting ensued, and at this point the hype cannot be contained. When the sound-tech men came onstage to do their job, the crowd was howling. And they weren't even the actual band yet lol. Though when the house lights suddenly went out, it was literally pandemonium in there: hysterical fans all pushing, jumping, and fist pumping towards the air. You can feel the excitement buzz through everyone, then finally the spotlight goes on with the music and you see the band members on stage and UGH. You can feel the night finally truly begin.
Let me tell you something— once you've experienced screaming singing along to songs as the artist/band performs live onstage, it's hard going back to just muttering lyrics under your breath on your daily commutes. The wild crowd surrounding you aren't strangers anymore; they're your kin. When these people seem to be screaming the lyrics with as much love for the music as you, concerts really feel like homes for kindred souls.
It's one of the best feelings in the world. Physically, I was uncomfortable— everyone's a little sweaty and packed wayy too closely to each other, my feet hurt, and my voice was starting to get real hoarse because of my scream-singing. But inside, I knew I wanted to be here with the hundreds (potentially thousands) of people who gathered here because of an appreciation for a band's meaningful songs. I felt like I belonged there, and that was an amazing sensation.
One thing I noticed is that there were a lot of people taking videos of the performance, and I really want to address this somehow. Nothing wrong with recording concert performances per se (as long as it's allowed of course), but I would heavily advise anyone and everyone to not record the whole performance because it won't be fun. After all, you paid good money to see them live! I really think that the selling point of concerts is the experience 😊 And besides, half the time I am willing to bet that phone recordings of concerts are shaky and low quality anyway.
In retrospect, I really did have a fun time; in fact, more than I expected I would! At first, I really did think that going alone wouldn't be so fun because I have no one to fangirl with, but when you think about it, you'll be in a room full of fellow enthusiasts who share your love for a certain artist. And everyone is there in the concert to have a good time, so why shouldn't you? Thus, I also want to extend this piece of advice: don't be afraid to venture concerts by yourself! Yeah, I think safety is the main concern when doing this, but when you're pretty sure that the area is secure and well-guarded, I think you'll be fine. You'll be surprised by the great memories you'll form, even if your concert experience was sans friend ✨ What matters is that you have the time of your life with like-minded people ❤️
I could literally go on and on about this, but I think I'll cut this blog entry here lol. Point is, I had a great concert experience, and if you've been thinking of attending one then here's your call to action. Get that concert ticket. Take in the experience— feel the blasting music, the tightly packed crowd, and the beating of your heart as you let the drums, guitars, basses, and vocals wash over you and take you to a faraway land (at least, until the concert ends).
Oceanarium: A Rambling Narration of Self-Rediscovery
Hello everyone! Wow, I don't think I've ever posted on my blog this frequently before lol. Lately, I've been getting back into my
~blogging zone~ and am really excited to bring some life back into this space ❤
I've recently landed upon
Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents, a blog run by Andrea, and she's hosting a monthly writing challenge which I found rather interesting. It seems like a great way to wake up dormant creative juices and channel my energy into something productive, and thus I have decided to give it a shot and participate! I'm glad I was able to (somehow) finish before the extended deadline lol. Here is a
link to the original post for those who want to check it out :) I urge you to try it sometime, I had a lot of fun writing this story and perhaps you guys may find it entertaining as well 😄
The current theme is "school", so I tried to think outside the box lol. Without further ado, I present to you, dear reader, my botched attempt at a short story.
I cannot believe what just happened.
Today is Saturday, and I am supposed to go on a date. My phone says it's now 6 pm, which is definitely beyond the 4 pm meeting time we agreed upon. The afternoon sun has set. Street lamps start flickering on across the street. I can feel the stares of the people on me, and I can almost hear what they're thinking— she's been standing there for two hours now, she's probably got lots of time on her hands to be loitering on the streets instead of contributing to society, or even worse, poor kid, she's got no friends. We were supposed to go to the oceanarium together. Why, I'm even wearing my nicer pair of jeans for today's occasion. But no, how does this even happen? I have been stood up.
Nevertheless, I am determined not to squander the rest of my evening and return home to lounge in sweatpants. I've sworn that insipid life off after I moved out from my parents to pursue university. I enter the oceanarium— headstrong, walking tall. The spitting image of an independent woman. I purchase an entrance ticket for one from the counter, and no I was not stood up, thank you.
I shuffled past the turnstiles, and started to make my way to the underwater tunnels. Once I stepped inside, I couldn't help but hold my breathe from sheer wonder. What a sight it was to behold— a softly curving tunnel of glass through which I could see, for lack of better word,
everything. Schools of fish swimming across the waters above my head. Jellyfish whose stingers flow like a mermaid's hair. Majestically hued parrot fish, in all their rainbow glory. A family of seahorses, with the baby seahorse dancing around its parents.
The floor reflected dancing light from the moving waters. The tunnel itself was slightly chilly and dimly lit, the only other thing illuminating the area coming from sparkling rope lights lining the edges of the deep blue floor. The crowed has mostly thinned out now, and only a handful of families and couples litter the tunnel. What usually was a place filled with screaming children and conversation was now a quiet observatory where I could wallow in peace and marine life.
I start to make my way through the winding path, now and then taking time to stop and admire the marine life thriving over my head. A school of herring darted past me. I couldn't help but let out a sigh. At least the herring belonged somewhere.
"Look over there, it's a lot of fish!" A young boy tugs on his mother's arm and points at the herrings I saw. "I learned yesterday that fish swim in schools to find food!"
I continued to listen as the young boy goes on explaining what science class has taught him. I decided not to correct him that he defined
shoaling, a different behavior displayed by fish because who am I to spoil his joy? I need not victimize people due to my misery.
University life sucks. Even if everyone is there to pursue a passion, discrimination still exists within the ranks of students. I'd like to see moving into the big city and getting an education as something to be proud of, but my social life has been abysmal. I'm not smart enough for the smart kids. I'm not cool enough for the cool kids. I'm not ordinary enough to blend with the crowd. I stick out like a sore thumb.
I'm just a regular marine biology student in a big university. I love studying water animals. And apparently, that makes me unapproachable. A lone surgeonfish stares at me. "You'll find your school too someday," I can imagine it say. I smiled, giving the glass a light tap.
"Do you think I'll find a group I'd belong to like the herrings?" I ask.
The surgeonfish's stare bores into my soul, its little fins moving slightly from the current.
I sigh. "I just want to belong, sir surgeonfish. Don't you want to as well?"
Dang, I must be going crazy— talking to a creature that looks like it came from Finding Nemo. I stare at it for a while longer. I wonder if its aquatic mind can understand my sentiments. I did my best impression of an elderly hermit fish character. "It's our nature to swim in groups. I'll be fine. We all belong somewhere."
I resume speaking with my normal voice. "You're right. I am the master of my domain, for fate is unknowable. Eventually, we will both find a school to belong to. Thank you, wise elder."
As if on cue, the little shard of blue and yellow swims away. I can't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over me. If nobody wants to be my friend now, maybe someday somebody will; a fish out of water like myself can find her school— a group to belong to.
With a newfound sense of hope and strength, I began to walk towards the tunnel's exit and left the oceanarium, where I was greeted by a sea of people and an ocean of possibilities.
Labels: SVMWC
The Sunday Currently, Vol. 1
Hello hello everybody! How're you all doing?
How's your dog/cat/fish/nonhuman companion? I do hope that everyone is having a tolerable existence today ✨
Ever since the last blog entry I posted, I have done absolutely nothing productive. I did go to Taiwan for a trip with my mother and some friends from church, and let me tell you— my feet and wallet both hurt afterwards lololol. It was a great destination nevertheless. The night markets are THE best places to get lost in though; wandering around bustling streets filled with the wafting scent of mouthwatering food and great bargains at almost midnight is the most intoxicatingly amazing sensation ヾ(o✪ ▽ ✪o)ｼ
I've also been stalking old friends and teachers from school lately shh don't tell them, and I happened to come across my previous teacher's blog. She had this post from wayyy back in 2015 entitled "Sunday Currently". With that said, The Sunday Currently is a trend that started with Lauren's blog Siddathornton, and soon became a thread where bloggers could share what they were up to at the moment.
I think this is a nice little thing I could join in and do as well, it seems like a fun meditative activity to appreciate the little things that usually go unnoticed *(^_^)* Without further ado, here's the first volume of my Sunday Currently~
Reading: Haruki Murakami's 1Q84! I just flipped past the 200-page mark of this behemoth of fiction, and am loving it so far! I always find it fascinating when a book juggles multiple narrators who lead different stories that would eventually intertwine. This is actually the first Murakami book I decided to pick up, and I'm now falling in love with this piece of art ❤️
Writing: This blog entry. But aside from that, I'm (attempting) to write a musical from down up as well. Nothing special, it's just a fun passion project :>
Listening: to the whirring electric fan beside me and my neighbors' loud karaoke session. But past that background noise, I'm currently listening to For The Damaged Coda by Blonde Redheads, otherwise known as Evil Morty's theme song. Rick and Morty's season 3 finale comes out tomorrow, and this is how I'm keeping my wild obsession at bay 'til then. UGH you guys, I have so many thoughts about how the finale would play out
Thinking: about how kind the guy from the music store who re-strung my viola strings is. He even changed my bridge and made my bow seem like new, so I feel bad that I wasn't able to pay him enough :(
Smelling: nothing in particular. But a while ago, the faint scent of this night's dinner lingered from the kitchen, which definitely made me hungry
Wishing: for a faster internet connection please. And for the person I like to stop ignoring me. Also for a way to get rid of my belly fat. Sigh
Hoping: that I can score high on my IELTS, since I just took the test. It wasn't particularly difficult, but the good student in me will not let me live down an unsatisfactory score. Oh, and also hoping that the new Steven Universe episode will come out soon. Crewniverse, your fans (myself included) have been waiting with bated breath
Wearing: a white button-down polo with tiny black polka dots and a pair of black leggings. I was too lazy to change into more comfortable lounging apparel once I got home lol
Loving: Ben Platt, Will Roland, and the rest of the Dear Evan Hansen cast. Bless them, my precious babies
Wanting: a choker, like what all the 90s scene kids used to wear. Like, I know some people consider it a fashion faux pas, but dang I never got to jump into the choker trend, and lately I've been having the strongest desire to sport one
Needing: a friend to talk to. Man, being home alone with no one to judge if I've worn the same pajamas for two days is amazing for the most part, but I'm seriously starting to miss seeing my high school friends everyday
Feeling: a bit tired from the IELTS, a bit sad because I'm a lonely twat, satisfied with the hearty dinner I had, and extremely hyped for R&M's season finale. I'm a regular ball of emotions ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Clicking: or rather, tapping and using Snapachat on my phone. Ever since my friends went to university, I've been keeping an eye on the Stories tab so that I can have a glimpse of their daily life, which is definitely not creepy and stalker-ish in any way
Labels: sunday currently
Powders: A Short Story
Hello everyone, good day! How has life been? I hope that everything's been relatively manageable for you. Please take care of yourselves, and do take some time to pursue your hobbies! Whether it's music, writing, or reading a book, as long as you indulge in a bit of self-care to stay sane then some good should come from it ❤️
Anyways, this post will be another short story; that is, another entry for the monthly writing challenge Andrea hosts over at
Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents. I really do want to encourage everyone to participate in this, perhaps even in future installments of the challenge! It's a fun exercise to help writers (aspiring or otherwise) to get creative and keep those skills sharp ✨ You can check out this November's theme over
here, and tell her that I sent you LOLOL. Take time to explore their blog as well, you won't regret it! Oh, and if you'd like to read my previous entries for this monthly writing challenge, check out blog posts in this site that have the SVMWC tag; I'd love to hear what you think!
Am I risking cultural appropriation? I don't know lol, but I did try to research about this so I hope I won't say anything too out of place (please do say if anything sounds factually incorrect though!). I tried to make a short story that depicts the different experiences of perception. Without further ado, I present to you, dear readers, my entry for this month's theme— color. Please enjoy.
The sun was poised up high above the deep blue sky. Warm rays of sunshine bounced off the delicate swathes of clouds scattered across the ultramarine expanse. The small Indian town was only starting to wake, yet shops remained closed as a small crowd started to gather in the town square.
In one of the little inns tucked between the streets of small town was a young woman, perhaps in her twenties. She was sitting on the floor of her lodging, both her arms and legs crossed; her brow was knit in evident frustration.
"What an idiot I am," she sighed. Strewn in front of the cross legged woman were her various belongings. A tripod leaned haphazardly on the edge of her purple suitcase, which looked like it was ransacked. Crumpled shirts lay in sad piles surrounding the woman, a laptop expertly balanced on the mounds of fabric with the rest of the things she had packed to shoot this year's Holi, the magnificent festival of colors.
Alas, one vital object was missing from this assemblage of goods— the camera itself.
Her beautiful, swarthy Canon EOS 5D Mark IV was nowhere to be found; probably forgotten in a closet at home. "I'm such a scatterbrain. Of all things, I just had to leave the cam behind," the woman sighed, berating herself. Unfortunately there is not much for her to do in the absence of her photography implement, as she would be unable to do her job without a camera. "I'm already here though; it'd be a waste to not see Holi for myself," the woman said to herself. And so, she gets up and put on comfortable clothes, and went on her way.
It was only a few minutes past 7 AM, but the streets were already brimming with people and powders. Strangers patted yellow ochre dust on one another and wished for their good health. A pair of lovers dashed by, playfully chasing each other with vibrant crimson in their fists. The air was heavy with tinted mist. Holi was already well under way, but the woman was in no mood to partake in the kaleidoscopic festivities— not after finding out that she wouldn't be able to document it.
As the woman absentmindedly wandered the streets, a group of howling teenagers sprinted across her, letting loose a flurry of reds and blues that found its way onto her shirt. The woman had no time to react, and simply stood there on the curb, wide eyed.
"C'mon guys, wait up! You're too fast," a girl— perhaps the same age as those teens— yelled as she ran after them. Unfortunately, it seemed like this girl is not the most physically fit, as she placed her hands on her knees and was gasping for air. She looked up at the color-assaulted woman who was in shock. "Madame, are you alright there?"
The woman probed her apparel with gentle touches, but the red dye managed to stain her fingers nevertheless.
"You're shirt's going to be stained for a while," the teenage girl noted, shaking her head. "I do hope that that's a spare."
"Sadly, it isn't," the woman said in disdain. "But it's alright, really. I did go out today in order to observe the festivities, so getting the colors of Holi on me is to be expected," she laughs. "By any chance, are you a local? I'm a journalist for The Daily Mail, but due to unfortunate circumstances, taking photographs isn't possible for me right now. But it'd be a shame to return to Mumbai empty handed, so I'd really appreciate if you could show me around and give an interview?"
The girl nods and smiled. "Sure! I'd be glad to lend you a hand! May I ask what's this 'unfortunate circumstance' is about?"
"I, uh," the woman stammered, scratching her head. "I forgot to pack a camera before coming here."
Indra lifted a hand over her mouth, barely concealing a giggle. "Is that so? That's rsaeally unfortunate madame, but I'd be willing to act as a tour guide."
"Thank you," the woman smiled. "Let's talk as you show me around. May I know your name please?"
The teenager nodded. "My name is Indra. May I ask for yours as well?"
"You can call me Carmencita," the journalist woman smiled. "Indra is a wonderful name. From indradhanush, the Hindi for 'rainbow'. Quite fitting for this festival," she added with a chuckle.
"Thanks, but it's rather ironic," Indra laughed. "I ought to mention I'm colorblind, if that'll affect anything regarding the interview."
Carmencita shook her head reassuringly. "It's alright, I don't mind in the slightest."
The two females started to walk down the crowded road. "I guess you know by now that Holi is essentially a spring festival— a welcoming," Indra began. "People throw abir, colored powder, on each other to symbolize playfulness and good wishes. The colors each mean something as well."
The pair entered the town square, a bustling park teeming with families, lovers, and friends with vibrant, abir touched skin. They decided to sit on one of the benches that lined the path.
"I hope that my question does not come off as a breach of privacy, but I'm genuinely curious— how does it feel to celebrate and be a part of a cultural festivity that heavily relies on the visage of colors?" Carmencita asked, her torso slightly turned to look at Indra.
"Well, I don't really know," Indra carefully said, rubbing her chin. "It's odd. I've been born with this handicap, so not being able to distinguish certain colors is my normal." A short silence ensued before she continued. "Although, people do talk about colors a lot, so I think I have a good grasp of how they feel at the very least."
Carmencita raised an eyebrow at the girl's response. "How colors feel? Now that's an interesting sentiment. Tell me about that."
Indra's gaze landed on another pair of lovers, walking side by side as they left a trail of crimson in their wake. "Hmm, those pair of lovers over there," she pointed. "Although I cannot see what color the powders on their skin is, I'm almost sure that it's red. Red feels like something passionate. It's the rage that blinds your eyes, the adrenaline in your veins. But at the same time, it seems like the color of a warm flush on someone's cheeks during a moment of joy and love. Red feels like the color of a confident woman's lipstick."
"Over there, those leaves," Indra continued, gesturing towards some trees. "I've at least had the knowledge of their usual colors as green, so I associate green with life. It's the smell of the earth and the sound of rustling leaves. It's lush and peaceful and all over, like the grass underfoot or the canopy of trees."
Carmencita briefly closes her eyes as she lets Indra's words weave tapestries in her mind, then opens them again. "Fascinating. When you put it that way, it sounds very lovely," she smiled. "You have a great way with words, Indra."
"Thanks you," she smiled. "I think color is a visceral thing; it's not just what's visible," she explained. "Perhaps that's why I think of colors the way I do."
"That's definitely a unique perspective."
"Is it though?" Indra mused. "Well, I guess the 'feel' of colors is not something people would usually think about. What about you though," she asked. "I'm curious as to how you perceive colors!"
Carmencita scratches her head. "It's not really that interesting," she said. "I guess I only rely on the visual clues to tell them apart. Reds are the colors of cherries and strawberries. Blues are skies. All very practical."
"Huh, well that's a bit dull I think," Indra remarked. "A life without any sort of whimsy; no offense madame, but it seems like that's how you see the world right now."
Carmencita laughs. "None taken. You may be speaking the truth there. I've been living life around the printing presses for years; all the black and white of journalism has sucked away my soul." The older woman slumped back onto the bench. "Now let me tell you something; in our profession, things are either true or not true. It's very clean cut. No nonsense," she described.
"To be frank, I think I've lost my passion," Carmencita continued. "It all feels stale and drab. I've been wanting and waiting to do something big, but," she trailed off and shrugged.
"Then I guess it's just right that you're here in time for Holi," Indra replied after a few moments of silence. "A festival of colors and spring. Just what a sleeping soul needs to wake up," she smiled.
"I suppose," the older woman affirmed. "Thank you Indra, that was enlightening. If you don't mind, I'd like to cut the interview short and end it here," Carmencita said as she got on her feet.
The teenager shook her head. "That's fine with me. Good luck with your article, madame."
"Perhaps I'll go experience the colors of Holi for myself. It was a pleasure meeting you Indra, goodbye," Carmencita beamed, waving goodbye as she traversed the path through the rainbow bathed park.
Labels: SVMWC
The Sunday Currently, Vol. 2
Hello all! How are you guys doing lately? I do hope that you're well. Remember to stay safe when going outdoors, and stay hydrated. Please always take care of yourselves whether you're staying at home, in your dorm, at work, or wherever you may be 😊
Where did the year go? It's already November! My head is getting dizzy just thinking about how much time has passed. I can't even remember what I was doing last week, or two weeks ago! It's hard to believe that Christmas is coming real soon too. But I am looking forward to it— Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year after all :D
That aside, it's time for another volume of Sunday Currently! I haven't been going out of the house lately (what's new? lol), but I did go to the cemetery for All Saints Day with my mother the past week. I never realized how peaceful cemeteries are during daylight! Slightly macabre, I know, but you can't help but feel solemn when surrounded by all the memories held by the departed loved ones. There was one grave I spotted though, the years of birth and death are the same. It made me rather sad, since it seemed like a baby was buried there 😢
Whew, anyways— here's volume deux of my Sunday Currently!
Reading: My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, and Brodi Ashton. After I finished 1Q84 (which was an AMAZING read), I felt like picking up something more lighthearted and feel-good, so this one seemed like a good choice. My brother got me a hardcover copy of the novel for my birthday last year, but it's only now that I got around to reading it (sorry!). I started reading yesterday, so I'm just in the middle of the prologue. Though so far, it's good! I haven't read much historical fiction, so I'm looking forward to immersing myself in this novel 😆
Writing: I'm currently editing (and lightly re-writing. Does that count?) my friend's essay for university. I find it enjoyable to read other people's works, so it's not much of a trouble at all. I think that reading others' works could help you develop your own style as well!
Listening: to Panic! At The Disco's Pretty Odd album. It feels really nostalgic for some reason, and Pretty Odd sounds so whimsical and amazing. And of course, Ryan Ross. I know it's not the most well-appreciated album from P!ATD, but I love it all the same
Thinking: about which series I need to prioritize watching. Stranger Things, Riverdale, Star vs.The Forces of Evil, Doctor Who, Your Lie in April— so many things to watch, so little time!
Smelling: the buttery surface of the empanada I'm sinking my teeth into. Then as I bite away a chunk of baked pastry, the savory, mouthwatering scent of well-seasoned meat emanates from it. It smells nothing less than heavenly ❤
Wishing: for a better, faster internet connection (still). Really, the wifi situation in my area is simply atrocious. Youtube takes forever to load.
Hoping: that hairdressing classes will be fun! It'll be my first session tomorrow, and I just hope that I don't accidentally cut off someone's ear lol. Still, I'm looking forward to learning a new skill :D
Wearing: my pajamas. It's a pink top-and-bottom pair with a cute fox covering most of the shirt's front side, and more tiny foxes (and pink hearts) dotting the pants. I remember my mother got me these PJs a while back, but since I've not grown any taller for who knows how long, it still fits LOL. Not that I'm complaining, the fabric is rather comfortable ✨
Loving: the new Thor movie! I watched Thor: Ragnarok with my father and siblings last Sunday, and I love Chris Hemsworth's new in-movie hairdo ❤ And the fact that Mark Rufallo, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Tom Hiddleston are also in the same movie? My inner fangirl may have just suffered from a heart attack due to sheer happiness. Now, all I need is for Sebastian Stan and Chris Pratt to join them in one big Marvel movie and I will be set for life.
Wanting: more time! Ugh, I have no wish for this year to end. There are still so many things I want to do before I enter university (both productive and otherwise), and there's simply not enough time for me fully prepare myself for this new chapter of life, mentally and emotionally. Sigh.
Needing: some help to clear up my iPad's memory space. I have over seven thousand photos in my album, and just knowing that I have to look at all those pictures is not encouraging. It's not an easy a task as it seems! As a sentimental person, photographs are a big deal so I definitely need help deciding whether a picture is still okay to keep or not.
Feeling: slightly annoyed because Tubbs won't stop eating my Frisky Bitz! I recently started playing Neko Atsume again, and Tubbs is definitely adorable, no doubt, but please I implore you: let other cats eat too ;-;
Clicking: onto various websites as I research for information I need to accomplish my monthly writing challenge entry. Of course, saying what I'm researching about will ruin the surprise, so it's a secret for now 😉
That's about it for this volume of Sunday Currently. If you've written your own, do leave a link for your blog in the comments! I'd love to read about how your Sundays (or any day, really) have been. See y'all soon, and take care ❤
Labels: sunday currently
The Blue Sky Tag (And My Apparent Lack of Friends)
Hello everyone, how are you all doing? I hope that today has treated you kindly. Please remember to take a break and rest up if you feel stressed from school or work. Take care of yourselves! Get enough sleep and remember to dream of the great things you'll be doing someday 😄
I got tagged into a challenge by Indigo over at
Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents! This'll be my first too, so it's pretty exciting ❤️ I think the biggest issue I encountered while accomplishing this was thinking of people to tag, since I don't really have a lot of people in my blogging social circle LOLOLOLOL That mayyy be one rule I have to break, whoops sorry.
That aside, I should really get on to it. Without further ado, I present to you dear readers, the Blue Sky Tag!
Rules:
1. Thank the person who tagged you (Thank you for the tag, Indigo 😊)
2. Answer their 11 questions (I'm on it)
3. Tag 11 people (I don't have that much friends though, I apologize lol)
4. Give them 11 questions to answer
And right below are the questions (and answers) for this Blue Sky Tag :D
1. Do you like cooking?
I don't cook meals all by myself, but I used to help out around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and doing little things like that. It's not something I do a lot anymore though, but it was fun and I enjoyed those minor jobs. In a sense, I guess I do enjoy cooking. (On another note, who doesn't enjoy the heavenly sound of sizzling cuisine on a hot pan? Like, that's one of the best sounds ever lolol)
2. When's your birthday, and what would your ideal birthday be like?
My birthday's on July 3, though I don't think much of it since my birthday usually lands on a weekday, and it'd just be like any other school day. But my ideal birthday would definitely involve a humongous bouncy castle and a frozen yogurt machine. And maybe lots of Broadway-themed karaoke 😆 I'll have my friends belt out the whole Hamilton soundtrack with me LOLOL
3. Favourite colour?
Black— it's the jack-of-all-trades of aesthetics! The color is extremely versatile, and it's very edgy lol. I also like how black is the resulting color when an object absorbs the whole light spectrum, so in some way I associated liking the color black to the fact that a little bit of every color is in black, so I wouldn't have to choose a specific color. Purple is also super cool, and lately I've been feeling an affinity for the hue ever since Fall Out Boy's Mania tour kicked off 💜
4. Do you have any pets? (And if you do, can you include photos? Lol.)
Yes, I do; a hedgehog, a dog, and four cats! We used to have chickens too, but sometimes the cats would hunt them and stash bones away on the pipes that drained rainwater from the roof (yeah, what even), so we had to do away with the chickens. I do miss our hen Trixie 😭
That aside, I'm no photography expert so I couldn't get a picture of all my non-human family. But here are my favorite images of them (at least, of the ones I managed to capture on camera lol)
|
| My hedgehog Aravis, picture taken mid-bath |
|
| A kitten called Chubby |
|
| and his sassy mother, Kisses |
|
| Scrappy the Dog stares off to a faraway land full of treats |
5. Got any hobbies?
I'm a pretty generic teen; my hobbies are nothing special. I like reading anything I can get my hands on (classics, YA, and children's novels are all welcome!), and I also enjoy writing short pieces of fiction. I like watching cute shows and movies, most of which are animated (Bee and Puppycat, albeit short, is so aesthetic hhHHhH). I like listening to lots of music— jazz to rock to indie, (almost) all music is free to grace my auditory pathway!
There are so many more things I enjoy doing (as everyone else does, surely), but I think the ones I just stated sum up my prominent hobbies pretty nicely.
6. If you could travel to any country in the world, where would you go?
That's a difficult question— there's just so many places I want to visit! But right now, I think I'll say Norway. I really wanna experience sitting on the porch of a cozy, fjord-side cabin and watching the beautiful polar lights with a mug of hot chocolate in hand ❤ Since I live in a tropical country, I always see pretty beaches and islands, but snow and fjords and ice are things I want to experience as well; it'd be great to bask in a different form of natural beauty!
7. What's your favourite song?
Aw man, it's almost impossible to choose! I may be able to single out my favorite song from a certain artist, but it's hard to name just one overall favorite 😓 Hmmm, well I have been getting Coffee's For Closers by Fall Out Boy stuck in my head quite often these days, so I'm considering that song my favorite as of now. My emotions have been getting out of whack lately (PMS? Lol I have no idea), and the "I will never believe in anything agaaAaaiiAiinn" lyric from the chorus is a drug for my soul ✨
8. Do you wear braces (or have you ever worn them)?
No, I never have. My teeth are relatively aligned except for a couple near the front, but it's barely noticeable and it hasn't caused me any discomfort or difficulty, so I decided to pass on the braces (besides, they're pretty expensive sigh).
9. Are you using this tag as an excuse not to do something else you have to do? (Because that's totally not what I'm doing?!)
Actually yeah lol. I really should be doing more important things like urgently sifting through my thousands (seven of them) of photos to free up much needed memory space on my iPad and doing some advance reading to prepare for my impending collegiate debut, but here I am.
10. Are you on Instagram, and if your account is public, can you give me your username so I can stalk you? (If it's private I understand if you don't want to share it!)
I remember making an IG account a couple months ago, but I'm not creative enough to recognize a potentially photographable scene— thus, I haven't touched my account in a while (whoops). But either way, my IG is deux_couverts. From French, it roughly translates to "two cutleries", and it's an old-timey way to reserve a table for two in a restaurant.
There's a whole convoluted reason why I chose that name, but it'd take some time to explain (though if you're curious, I'll type it down in the comments or something lol). I'm also not sure whether it's set to public or private; nevertheless, feel free to stop by!
11. Do you think eleven is a ridiculously large number of questions to answer? (Or come up with??)
Yes, it is indeed a ridiculously large number. And an odd one as well; I would've preferred a nice, even number (like 10, maybe)! But oh well, neither you nor I have created the rules, and we are mere bloggers under the mercy of these amusing tags 😆
And here are my questions:
1. Do you play a sport?
2. What are some things you find oddly satisfying?
3. Would you rather travel back or forward in time?
4. Do you have somewhere you'd consider your favorite place?
5. Would you ever dye your hair, and if you so, what color would it be?
6. How would your dream apartment/house look like?
7. What movie/book/etc. world would you like to be a part of?
8. If you could perform a song with your favorite musician/band, who would it be and what song would you sing?
9. What's the latest time you've ever stayed up during the night?
10. Have you ever learned a foreign language? If so, what is it?
11. What's the wildest thing you want to do someday?
Oh man, I really have no idea who to nominate though (are tag-backs allowed? welp) 😓 Hmm, when I view the stats for my blog's pageviews, it says that handfuls of people from places like the US or Spain or Germany or some other country have visited my blog. I would like to get to know you guys better, so please do accept this challenge! I nominate you, dear readers, to participate in this tag. Don't forget to leave a comment with a link to your post so that I could see :D Let's all be friends ❤
Demonio: A Short Story
Hello everyone! I hope you've all been doing well lately. Have you been eating your meals? Make sure to take care of yourself and have proper meals! Even brunch is okay, as long as you make sure to fill that stomach of yours and get the energy you need to seize the day ✨
Wow, we're pretty much past halfway through October! Time really does fly by, even for someone like me who's still on my extended break after graduating high school. I'll definitely whip up a "life update" blog entry before the year ends to explain why. I think the situation I'm in right now is rather peculiar and worth sharing LOLOLOL 😆
But I digress. If you have scrolled down a little, you would most likely encounter a blog post
containing a short story called Oceanarium, which was my September entry for the monthly writing challenge Indigo hosts over at Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents. Anyways, for the record, it may be worth mentioning that I'd love to make this regular thing for as long as I can lol. Not only is this challenge good writing practice for me, but it's also something I find therapeutic when I'm stuck in one of my unproductive episodes ❤ Here's the blog post with this month's details for anyone who wants to give it a shot (and I encourage you to do so!) On a side note, I'm pleasantly surprised by how long this entry turned out to be LOLOL
In the fittingly spoopy spirit of October, this month's theme is "Halloween"! Let me get this out of the way before you read though; I mayyy have taken some liberties with the theme and set my story in a different (maybe-related) holiday, but definitely still related to souls and the dead—
both of which are quite Halloween-y elements. I do hope you guys will accept my tweak 😅 With that said, please enjoy my attempt to commemorate the souls of the lost.
"Ugh." A peculiar Creature perches on a tombstone, its back hunched and expression scrunched. The sun was starting to dip below the horizon, illuminating the clouds' undersides with a soft amber glow. Varying headstones, crosses, and altars of stone and marble cast a welter of long shadows on the weedy path. The cemetery itself was neither chilly nor humid; a cool air rested between the stone, wildflowers, and soil as an elegant, eerie sullenness enveloped the tombs.
It was Día de los Muertos, the day of the dead, and the overgrown cemetery was void of families and rowdy children to build little altars filled with marigolds and sentimental tchotchkes for the departed souls of the bodies that lay in their graves.
"To be fair," the Creature muttered, "this cementerio has been abandoned for nearly a century now." It shuffled its position on the tombstone, and decided that the slab of rock was an uncomfortable roost as it stood up with a grunt. "But Dios mío, I have been abandoned along with this place!" The peculiar Creature, in a fit of misery, started to trample the poor, unassuming weeds under its feet.
As it was occupied with stomping on the overgrowth like a madman, the rusty cemetery gates pleadingly creaked open. A noise like nails scraping on chalkboards echoed through the tombs. The Creature snapped to attention, sharply turning its intent gaze towards the long-undisturbed ingress of the graveyard. From the entryway stepped a youthful girl, her eyes cautiously examining the unearthly locale. She was conservatively clad in religious habit, her garb and veil a dark monochrome. With a soft footing, she makes her way through patches of tall grass and weeds as she continues to scrutinize the area with guarded eyes.
"Oy!" The Creature called out— though what compelled it to do so was beyond understanding. The young girl stopped cold on her tracks, clutching the small cross that hung from her neck then staying completely still, but her eyes were obviously flitting around to find the source of the beckoning. "Over here niñita," the peculiar Creature called out once more. "Can you see me?"
The girl finally laid eyes on the peculiar entity, unsure whether to run away or cry for help. She clears her dry throat and manages a whisper. "Are you a demonio?"
"Sure, whatever. Espíritu, demonio, it doesn't matter." The Creature sighed. "I am the keeper of these grounds, and you are the first human to visit in decades." And the wanderer is a nun no less, the Creature thought. What a nice surprise. "What brings you here?"
The girl assumed a calm demeanor, and she straightened her posture to look directly at the Creature. "I— uh," she stammers, fidgeting with her silver crucifix. "I was gathering flowers for the Día de los Muertos mass. I lost my way through the woods."
The peculiar Creature was finally able to take a good look at the visitor. She possessed a petite stature, as seem by how her tunic and scapular drapes breezily on her frame. A white coif rests beneath her black veil, concealing her hair. The sleeves of her garment were wide and flowing, from which her dainty hands peeked out, grasping her pendant. A wicker basket of marigolds was situated on the crook of her elbow.
Since when were convents allowed to let in girls this young? Times really have passed, the Creature brooded. "You know, it's quite ironic how you— a member of a religious order whose purpose is to guide lost souls— are lost yourself," it jested, approaching the girl.
"You need to shut up, demon," the young nun grumbled, throwing it a fistful of marigolds from her harvest, which simply fell limply at the Creature's feet. "You can't hurt me."
The peculiar Creature couldn't help but let out a chortle from the valiant attempt. "That's rich," it said between laughs, wiping away a metaphorical tear. "Oh man, your breed has gotten feistier!" After that fit, the Creature heaved and picked up the golden flowers at his feet. "But thanks for these. I honestly can't remember when I've seen these flowers last. Do you mind?" The Creature motioned towards the row of graves beside them, and the nun politely stepped back, allowing it to lay a flower on the base of each headstone.
The nun watched intently, her curiosity piqued by the Creature's actions, raised a brow. "So, what exactly are you?"
"What do you think?"
"A demonio."
It shrugged. "Okay, sure. What's a nun's business here with a demon like me?"
"Wondering why you're not taking my soul yet," the girl briskly said. "And don't, by the way. I may as well have you exorcised." After a short pause, she addressed the Creature again. "Why are you in a forgotten cemetery?"
It ignored her comments. "You seem to be unafraid of me, niñita. Well, I won't be taking your soul— that's not my job. I merely bring the departed to the next step in the cycle."
"Purgatory?"
"You're a nun. Shouldn't you know about what comes after death?"
Exasperated, the girl pressed a finger to her temple. "Look, whatever you are, one thing's for sure— you're crazy. Would you please just help me find my way?"
The Creature laughs. "In the centuries of my existence, this is a first for me! A nun asks a demon for favors." It stood still for a few moments, thinking about its situation. The Creature found the nun to be rather haughty and irritable, but on the other hand, it's still company— something it has not experienced during the lonely years of solitary duty. "Alright then, not like I have a choice. I wouldn't want flowers on my feet again, would I?" With a smug grin, it began amble through the maze of graves.
In response, the nun rolled her eyes and snorted as she trailed the Creature. "Oh please. You just may be the loneliest demonio I'll ever encounter in my life. I almost pity you."
"Big talk from someone who's asking for directions," it snickered. "You know for a member of a convent, you're pretty badmouthed."
"Well sorry," she scoffed. "My family shipped me away to straighten me up, but you can see how great it's turning out. You're not the only evil walking here." The girl kicked a pebble from her path. "I got my demons. You know how that feels?"
The Creature shrugged. "I am one. Is that supposed to be insulting?"
"I'm trying to be serious here," the nun girl scowled. "My parents don't want me, and I have no friends. I feel so alone, like you won't even understand." She starts to pluck off the petals of one flower in her basket.
The Creature, however, completely understood what the young girl felt because it was in the same situation— almost a century of wandering through the remnants of almost-forgotten people and memories; though it has ventured these paths countless times, the Creature felt like a lost soul himself, looking for a better future. A thin silence enveloped the two souls, lost in their own way, and masked only by the rustling sounds of foliage that came from underfoot. "I do know," it finally whispered. "Feeling alone, it makes one feel almost helpless. You are right," the Creature smiled, though behind this expression is a weakened fortitude, a bitter longing for what once was. "I may be the loneliest demon you ever will see. So then, tell me about yourself."
The girl pursed her lips. "Well, basically I was set up to marry this absolute sleaze of a man, but I was being mistreated. My parents said I'd either act happy and save face or be sent away."
"I can guess with certainty the decision you made."
She laughed. "Yeah. In all seriousness, this man is disgusting— not a day passes without a new cut or bruise on me. What a stinker he was," the girl recalled. "I was determined to escape, and I knew that this is better than what I was subject to in his hands. What about you, do you have a tale to tell?"
The Creature gave it some thought before speaking. "There used to be families visiting here. Lots of them, every year for Día de los Muertos," it slowly began to recount. "It used to be lively. The souls from the departed, I'd bring them here sometimes when their family is around. But it's been years— the departed have moved forward, and the families have forgotten."
"I have not slept a wink," it continued. "I have no respite. I cannot eat nor sleep like your kind does, for I do not have use for such activities. In the confines of this cemetery, where I have roamed for years, I am somehow lost."
The young nun let out a deep whistle and gave the Creature an empathetic look. "Whew, seems rough."
It smiled. "I envy you somehow. In the face of trouble, you paved your way out; you knew what you had to do. You may have lost your way, but you have a place to go back to. I wish I had that."
After the short, heartfelt exchange, the two continued to walk in a much more comfortable silence. Soon, a metal gate emerged from the outskirts a little beyond the worn altars and headstones. The Creature and the nun both padded through the grass wordlessly.
"Here we are," it said as the pair stopped by the rusting cast-iron gates. "If memory serves me correctly, a town should be some ways through this path; from there I trust you can find your own way?" The Creature inquired.
The girl nods, smiling wide. "Yes. I sincerely thank you— I wouldn't have made it through if it weren't for your help. Who would've thought though; a nun and a demon," she remarked, giggling. "Oh yes, before I leave, please take these as a token of my appreciation." The girl takes a handful of marigolds from her basket and held it out for the Creature.
It appreciated the gesture, but did not take them. "Thank you, but there's no need really. The graves here are mere symbols to remember the departed— but there is no one left to remember them anyway."
"Oh, just take it you!" The nun pushes the flowers onto the Creature. "Though marigolds tend to be for grieving loved ones, it's also known for other meanings," she explains. "Like the beauty and warmth of the rising sun. A new beginning maybe; a beacon for lost souls. Maybe someday you won't lose your way anymore, and I'll pray that one day you'll find your strength and purpose again."
The Creature couldn't help but let out a smile. "Well then, I look forward to you finding your way here again soon?"
"Every year," she laughed. "As long as you don't get too lost."
With that short exchange of goodbyes, the nun closed the tired gates behind her and off she went, her black ensemble fluttering behind her as the wicker basket of golden blossoms bounced in her arm. The Creature, marigolds in its palms, watched the nun disappear through the woods. With a new hope, it begins counting the days until the next Día de los Muertos; it may be the day of the dead, but for the Creature it will become the day he finds his way.
Labels: SVMWC
Concerts (And Enjoying It Alone)
Hello everyone, how's it going? I do hope that life's been treating you well. Have you been staying hydrated? Remember to drink water often, even if you're not doing anything physically taxing 😊
I went to a concert last Saturday, and *pterodactyl screeching* is the only fitting reaction I could give to encapsulate my emotions. I am beside myself with a motley of feelings that I never want to forget, so I decided to document my thoughts in a blog entry! That aside, I hope that if people out there are preparing to attend their first concerts, this post can provide insights for you guys to be able to live out your fullest First Concert Experience™ 😉
The concert I went to was the Manila leg of Mayday Parade's tour for the 10th anniversary of A Lesson In Romantics (their first album). This wasn't really the first concert I've ever attended— I've seen a couple of groups live (like when I saw Hillsong last year lol). Though the thing is, in all these events I'm either with a parent or with my church friends. This Mayday Parade concert is the first one I've attended unchaperoned, so I'd like to technically consider this experience my real initiation into the concert scene LOLOLOL.
First things first, hunting down a friend to accompany me was harder than I thought it'd be. When I caught wind of Mayday Parade's tour, I was quick to let all my potential concert mates know about it! Unfortunately, I do not know a lot of people with the same taste in music as I, so my search was quickly over when all responded negative.
Still, that is not enough to thwart my plans lol. Concert mate or no, I was determined to see Mayday Parade, so I got a VIP standing ticket for 3000 pesos (that's around $60 or £45) which— by the way— is a bargain considering how concerts are way too pricy in the Philippines (´Д` )
Alright, now allow me to fast forward a few months, to the day of the concert ✨ This'll be my first piece of advice to future concert attendees: come early. Like, really early. The details from the poster said that doors to the event will open at 6 pm, so I decided to come three hours earlier in hopes of getting dibs on the best spots in the venue. I was wayy off lol. When I got there (and confident that I'm early too, mind you), the line was already so long. I had no points of reference to size up how long the line really is, but trust me— it was already doing zig-zags, so I'm almost definitely positive that if anything, that's a lot of people.
The three hours on the line may be one of the longest waits I remember experiencing in my life. When I was doing my own research on concert-going tips, many blogs mentioned talking to the people in line with you, and I really think that if you could strike up a conversation with them then that'd be pretty swell. Except, I wasn't able to do that because I'm a socially awkward twat. The girls in front of me were obviously close friends talking about their personal business, so I found it difficult to break the ice. Behind me was this lovey giggly couple, and I definitely did not want to do any third wheeling LOL. So in the end, I resigned to using my mobile data and hit up my friends online as I loitered for three hours. Moral of the anecdote: definitely bring a charger or power bank for some extra juice.
At around 6 pm, we were finally allowed to enter the concert hall. My heart was pounding a mile a minute at this point 💖 This is when you'll be glad you went early— since my ticket was for VIP Standing, there aren't any reserved seats so you gotta reach the front first and stake out your desired position LOLOLOLOL. My waiting definitely paid off, since I was able to stand on the front lines of the barricades 😁 (that sounded like a war narrative for a second. Whoops)
A couple more hours of waiting ensued, and at this point the hype cannot be contained. When the sound-tech men came onstage to do their job, the crowd was howling. And they weren't even the actual band yet lol. Though when the house lights suddenly went out, it was literally pandemonium in there: hysterical fans all pushing, jumping, and fist pumping towards the air. You can feel the excitement buzz through everyone, then finally the spotlight goes on with the music and you see the band members on stage and UGH. You can feel the night finally truly begin.
Let me tell you something— once you've experienced screaming singing along to songs as the artist/band performs live onstage, it's hard going back to just muttering lyrics under your breath on your daily commutes. The wild crowd surrounding you aren't strangers anymore; they're your kin. When these people seem to be screaming the lyrics with as much love for the music as you, concerts really feel like homes for kindred souls.
It's one of the best feelings in the world. Physically, I was uncomfortable— everyone's a little sweaty and packed wayy too closely to each other, my feet hurt, and my voice was starting to get real hoarse because of my scream-singing. But inside, I knew I wanted to be here with the hundreds (potentially thousands) of people who gathered here because of an appreciation for a band's meaningful songs. I felt like I belonged there, and that was an amazing sensation.
One thing I noticed is that there were a lot of people taking videos of the performance, and I really want to address this somehow. Nothing wrong with recording concert performances per se (as long as it's allowed of course), but I would heavily advise anyone and everyone to not record the whole performance because it won't be fun. After all, you paid good money to see them live! I really think that the selling point of concerts is the experience 😊 And besides, half the time I am willing to bet that phone recordings of concerts are shaky and low quality anyway.
In retrospect, I really did have a fun time; in fact, more than I expected I would! At first, I really did think that going alone wouldn't be so fun because I have no one to fangirl with, but when you think about it, you'll be in a room full of fellow enthusiasts who share your love for a certain artist. And everyone is there in the concert to have a good time, so why shouldn't you? Thus, I also want to extend this piece of advice: don't be afraid to venture concerts by yourself! Yeah, I think safety is the main concern when doing this, but when you're pretty sure that the area is secure and well-guarded, I think you'll be fine. You'll be surprised by the great memories you'll form, even if your concert experience was sans friend ✨ What matters is that you have the time of your life with like-minded people ❤️
I could literally go on and on about this, but I think I'll cut this blog entry here lol. Point is, I had a great concert experience, and if you've been thinking of attending one then here's your call to action. Get that concert ticket. Take in the experience— feel the blasting music, the tightly packed crowd, and the beating of your heart as you let the drums, guitars, basses, and vocals wash over you and take you to a faraway land (at least, until the concert ends).
Oceanarium: A Rambling Narration of Self-Rediscovery
Hello everyone! Wow, I don't think I've ever posted on my blog this frequently before lol. Lately, I've been getting back into my
~blogging zone~ and am really excited to bring some life back into this space ❤
I've recently landed upon
Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents, a blog run by Andrea, and she's hosting a monthly writing challenge which I found rather interesting. It seems like a great way to wake up dormant creative juices and channel my energy into something productive, and thus I have decided to give it a shot and participate! I'm glad I was able to (somehow) finish before the extended deadline lol. Here is a
link to the original post for those who want to check it out :) I urge you to try it sometime, I had a lot of fun writing this story and perhaps you guys may find it entertaining as well 😄
The current theme is "school", so I tried to think outside the box lol. Without further ado, I present to you, dear reader, my botched attempt at a short story.
I cannot believe what just happened.
Today is Saturday, and I am supposed to go on a date. My phone says it's now 6 pm, which is definitely beyond the 4 pm meeting time we agreed upon. The afternoon sun has set. Street lamps start flickering on across the street. I can feel the stares of the people on me, and I can almost hear what they're thinking— she's been standing there for two hours now, she's probably got lots of time on her hands to be loitering on the streets instead of contributing to society, or even worse, poor kid, she's got no friends. We were supposed to go to the oceanarium together. Why, I'm even wearing my nicer pair of jeans for today's occasion. But no, how does this even happen? I have been stood up.
Nevertheless, I am determined not to squander the rest of my evening and return home to lounge in sweatpants. I've sworn that insipid life off after I moved out from my parents to pursue university. I enter the oceanarium— headstrong, walking tall. The spitting image of an independent woman. I purchase an entrance ticket for one from the counter, and no I was not stood up, thank you.
I shuffled past the turnstiles, and started to make my way to the underwater tunnels. Once I stepped inside, I couldn't help but hold my breathe from sheer wonder. What a sight it was to behold— a softly curving tunnel of glass through which I could see, for lack of better word,
everything. Schools of fish swimming across the waters above my head. Jellyfish whose stingers flow like a mermaid's hair. Majestically hued parrot fish, in all their rainbow glory. A family of seahorses, with the baby seahorse dancing around its parents.
The floor reflected dancing light from the moving waters. The tunnel itself was slightly chilly and dimly lit, the only other thing illuminating the area coming from sparkling rope lights lining the edges of the deep blue floor. The crowed has mostly thinned out now, and only a handful of families and couples litter the tunnel. What usually was a place filled with screaming children and conversation was now a quiet observatory where I could wallow in peace and marine life.
I start to make my way through the winding path, now and then taking time to stop and admire the marine life thriving over my head. A school of herring darted past me. I couldn't help but let out a sigh. At least the herring belonged somewhere.
"Look over there, it's a lot of fish!" A young boy tugs on his mother's arm and points at the herrings I saw. "I learned yesterday that fish swim in schools to find food!"
I continued to listen as the young boy goes on explaining what science class has taught him. I decided not to correct him that he defined
shoaling, a different behavior displayed by fish because who am I to spoil his joy? I need not victimize people due to my misery.
University life sucks. Even if everyone is there to pursue a passion, discrimination still exists within the ranks of students. I'd like to see moving into the big city and getting an education as something to be proud of, but my social life has been abysmal. I'm not smart enough for the smart kids. I'm not cool enough for the cool kids. I'm not ordinary enough to blend with the crowd. I stick out like a sore thumb.
I'm just a regular marine biology student in a big university. I love studying water animals. And apparently, that makes me unapproachable. A lone surgeonfish stares at me. "You'll find your school too someday," I can imagine it say. I smiled, giving the glass a light tap.
"Do you think I'll find a group I'd belong to like the herrings?" I ask.
The surgeonfish's stare bores into my soul, its little fins moving slightly from the current.
I sigh. "I just want to belong, sir surgeonfish. Don't you want to as well?"
Dang, I must be going crazy— talking to a creature that looks like it came from Finding Nemo. I stare at it for a while longer. I wonder if its aquatic mind can understand my sentiments. I did my best impression of an elderly hermit fish character. "It's our nature to swim in groups. I'll be fine. We all belong somewhere."
I resume speaking with my normal voice. "You're right. I am the master of my domain, for fate is unknowable. Eventually, we will both find a school to belong to. Thank you, wise elder."
As if on cue, the little shard of blue and yellow swims away. I can't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over me. If nobody wants to be my friend now, maybe someday somebody will; a fish out of water like myself can find her school— a group to belong to.
With a newfound sense of hope and strength, I began to walk towards the tunnel's exit and left the oceanarium, where I was greeted by a sea of people and an ocean of possibilities.
Labels: SVMWC
The Sunday Currently, Vol. 1
Hello hello everybody! How're you all doing?
How's your dog/cat/fish/nonhuman companion? I do hope that everyone is having a tolerable existence today ✨
Ever since the last blog entry I posted, I have done absolutely nothing productive. I did go to Taiwan for a trip with my mother and some friends from church, and let me tell you— my feet and wallet both hurt afterwards lololol. It was a great destination nevertheless. The night markets are THE best places to get lost in though; wandering around bustling streets filled with the wafting scent of mouthwatering food and great bargains at almost midnight is the most intoxicatingly amazing sensation ヾ(o✪ ▽ ✪o)ｼ
I've also been stalking old friends and teachers from school lately shh don't tell them, and I happened to come across my previous teacher's blog. She had this post from wayyy back in 2015 entitled "Sunday Currently". With that said, The Sunday Currently is a trend that started with Lauren's blog Siddathornton, and soon became a thread where bloggers could share what they were up to at the moment.
I think this is a nice little thing I could join in and do as well, it seems like a fun meditative activity to appreciate the little things that usually go unnoticed *(^_^)* Without further ado, here's the first volume of my Sunday Currently~
Reading: Haruki Murakami's 1Q84! I just flipped past the 200-page mark of this behemoth of fiction, and am loving it so far! I always find it fascinating when a book juggles multiple narrators who lead different stories that would eventually intertwine. This is actually the first Murakami book I decided to pick up, and I'm now falling in love with this piece of art ❤️
Writing: This blog entry. But aside from that, I'm (attempting) to write a musical from down up as well. Nothing special, it's just a fun passion project :>
Listening: to the whirring electric fan beside me and my neighbors' loud karaoke session. But past that background noise, I'm currently listening to For The Damaged Coda by Blonde Redheads, otherwise known as Evil Morty's theme song. Rick and Morty's season 3 finale comes out tomorrow, and this is how I'm keeping my wild obsession at bay 'til then. UGH you guys, I have so many thoughts about how the finale would play out
Thinking: about how kind the guy from the music store who re-strung my viola strings is. He even changed my bridge and made my bow seem like new, so I feel bad that I wasn't able to pay him enough :(
Smelling: nothing in particular. But a while ago, the faint scent of this night's dinner lingered from the kitchen, which definitely made me hungry
Wishing: for a faster internet connection please. And for the person I like to stop ignoring me. Also for a way to get rid of my belly fat. Sigh
Hoping: that I can score high on my IELTS, since I just took the test. It wasn't particularly difficult, but the good student in me will not let me live down an unsatisfactory score. Oh, and also hoping that the new Steven Universe episode will come out soon. Crewniverse, your fans (myself included) have been waiting with bated breath
Wearing: a white button-down polo with tiny black polka dots and a pair of black leggings. I was too lazy to change into more comfortable lounging apparel once I got home lol
Loving: Ben Platt, Will Roland, and the rest of the Dear Evan Hansen cast. Bless them, my precious babies
Wanting: a choker, like what all the 90s scene kids used to wear. Like, I know some people consider it a fashion faux pas, but dang I never got to jump into the choker trend, and lately I've been having the strongest desire to sport one
Needing: a friend to talk to. Man, being home alone with no one to judge if I've worn the same pajamas for two days is amazing for the most part, but I'm seriously starting to miss seeing my high school friends everyday
Feeling: a bit tired from the IELTS, a bit sad because I'm a lonely twat, satisfied with the hearty dinner I had, and extremely hyped for R&M's season finale. I'm a regular ball of emotions ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Clicking: or rather, tapping and using Snapachat on my phone. Ever since my friends went to university, I've been keeping an eye on the Stories tab so that I can have a glimpse of their daily life, which is definitely not creepy and stalker-ish in any way
Labels: sunday currently
Books 
My friends 
Homestuck 
More time to read books please 
