Do not be scared.
It’s okay to be scared.
It means you are risking. Living. Loving. Open to failing. Learning. Open to losing. Open to winning. Open to greatness. Open.
You got me open.
This year, with your blogs and words, and music, and cooking. Your smile and friendship. Your art. Those photographs you took. The ones you didn’t take because we were so caught up enjoying the moment. On the dance floor. In cars, leaning against kitchen counters. Randomly seeing you crossing the street, or at a mall.
Even if I don’t really know you, or you me. I like what I see.
Life changing moments.
Retreats.
Advances.
The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival.
Germany. Zurich. Rome.
Seeing Oma.
Buying my first piece of art for my wall and thanking myself every single day for it.
Kaya sends me text messages now. My baby verbalizes her feelings. It is the ability I want to equip her with the most.
Christine is still sleeping.
Social media has emphasized why I hold onto the people I do, and why I have distanced myself from others.
To the kids I have had conversations with. The ones willing to wear our love for the Philippines on their heads like a Camila Parker-Bowles wedding hat with me.
New York.
And yes, even the NBA.
My real life basketball wives. And children.
Victoria Herrera.
Hello, purpose. You too, practicality.
Okay, Christianity. Buddhism, delight me.
(Anything but de-light me.)
Dream Hampton and Warsan Shire.
Pablo Neruda.
The Bridge. The Deck.
Ikiru+Domingo.
Philippine Fashion.
Mon Jimenez.
Everyone we featured in our book.
We, Creative Natives.
Let the dollar circulate.
I dedicate 2012 to Erica Paredes.
I will hold my husband’s hand through every single day of it.
June Marieezy.
Joey Espino.
My reflection in the mirror.
My Father’s ashes.
Mama and Tino.
The Playmates.
Everybody loves the sunshine.
-s.
#PhilippineFridays
Cc: Erwin Romulo and Luis Katigbak
