Your Smile

IMG_4598, originally uploaded by joeblog.

Your smile can light my life and make it happy,
turn me up side down and get me back,
Your smile gives me the strength to overcome my weaknesses,
is the fountain of felicity full of so much cheer.
I live within that fountain of your smile,
remembering precious moments of you, my child.

Adapted from "Your Smile" by Salem Gomi

My Baby Boy!

IMG_4080, originally uploaded by joeblog.

"My Baby Boy
he brings so much joy.
Chubby cheeks and chin
and a really great grin.
All of God's grace
in his cute little face.
Even tho'l pray
little he won't stay.
Please don't grow so fast
let these cherished moments last.
Cars, balls, and boats
soon he'll make them float.
Outgrowing all his toys
My Cherished Baby Boy!" ~ Christine Michaels

My Christmas Secrets

IMG_4070, originally uploaded by joeblog.

Hurry Christmas!
How you creep,
I've some presents I can't keep,
Just this morning I forgot,

And told baby what I'd bought.
All he answered was, "Goo goo!"
So I don't think that he knew,
I told mamma hers was white,

And she'd wear it every night.
That she'd need it getting tea.
Then my mamma smiled at me,
And she whispered, "Isn't Jessie
Letting secrets fly away?"

Adapted from "My Christmas Secrets" by S.C. Peabody

The First Day of Daycare

IMG_3540, originally uploaded by joeblog.

I wonder if my drawing will be as good as theirs
I wonder if they'll like me, or just be full of stares
I wonder if my teacher will look like mama or papa
And I wonder if my fishy will wonder where I am.

Adapted from "The First Day at School" by Aileen Fisher

Lucas Joseph Jun-Chong Lai (7 lbs, 12 ozs)

You little one are Papa's pride,
the joy you bring I cannot hide.
Ten little fingers and ten little toes,
your beautiful eyes and button nose.
How could I... even dream
what having you would really mean.
I do wish I would've known,
that you are really a gift on loan.
Tho', I could not have prepared,
for the gift of love, that God has shared.
I will always do my best,
God believes, I'll pass the test
and I will know I have succeeded
when you're a parent, and there when needed.

Adapted from "Daddy's Pride" by Christine Michaels

The Fable of Leopard and Zebra

IMG_2823, originally uploaded by joeblog.

“The landscape dresses in African colours.
The sky uses light rose and Verona light blue, at sunset.

Abruptly, walking far away from the group set,
A zebra breaks the route.

White and black, her suite is cute.
Nobody knows who draw her blouse.

The eyes in alert, the nerves are prepared.
The muscles are strong, the legs are narrowed.

In the meanwhile, the leopard sees banquet.
Elastic bronze, his skin is sand coloured

With obscure spots. He is a vanquisher.
Odorous sweat, the leopard is a beast.

His strength is known and so his dinner feast.
The leopard jumps like an acrobat

An acrobat reader.
He reads the signals and selects the exact instant.

Then shocking air, he is over the victim at once.
A pirouette, a whirl from the tall tree

Where he has been unseen.
In black and white, the meat is promising but…

The zebra escapes through the landscapes.
She has perceived the jeopardy

And, with ability
She has selected to wait but no near the tree with lowest twigs.

We need to learn from zebras skill. It saves them from predators.
They are not frightful, they are anticipators.” ~ Maria Cristina Azcona

"Gentle Child"

IMG_2759, originally uploaded by joeblog.

"Gentle Child of loves sweet passions,
Bring happiness to this loving pair.

Let both have bounding compassion,
Through that childhood that both do share.

Love and laughter be always with you,
Parental strength guide your faltering way.

Happy tears like fresh morning dew,
Will help you on life's path to stay.

A Mother's love a Father's care by day and by night,
Will help you grow into a child to bring joyful delight.

Thrive Gentle child born of loves sweet passion,
Thrive, grow strong, and fulfil your purpose in living.

Remember your childhood's parental compassion,
And live your life in joyful giving." ~ Bernard Shaw

Psalm 46:10

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"Be still, and know that I am God..." ~ Sons of Korah

"The Bubble Song"

IMG_2621, originally uploaded by joeblog.

[Sung to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"]

"Everybody look at me. Pretty bubbles you will see.
Red and green and yellow, too, floating through the air for you.
Will they break before they land? Can you catch one in your hand?" ~ Jane

"God Sent Me An Angel"

IMG_2661, originally uploaded by joeblog.

"Today I pray more often and feel blessed with my God's Love
As He was there and listening - and sent an Angel from above..." ~ Tommy Q

Capturing a Blessing

IMG_0411, originally uploaded by joeblog.

Location: Toronto's Centre Island
Date: June 24, 2006
Lense: 18-55 mm
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 46 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/33554432 EV

Once a Week...

IMG_1172, originally uploaded by joeblog.

... let a child take you on a walk, and the beauty of her youth will revitalize your spirit and inspire your soul =)

Hanging Out Downtown Chinatown