An Open Heart: Authenticity and Trust

The currency of blogging is authenticity and trust.

- Jason Calacanis

A blog is only as interesting as the interest shown in others.

- Lee Odden

This blog has been around for more than seven years, and has over five hundred entries. 

One of the main reasons I have kept this blog going is that it has been a repository for the chapters of my life story. But it is not a mere chronicle of events; it is, rather, an interpretation of these events, my attempt to make sense and derive meaning out of my life circumstances.

Hopefully in the re-telling of the stories, one or two readers passing by may find inspiration and encouragement for the journey ahead of them.

In its earlier years, I would get as many as thirty comments for my entries... these days, I'd be happy to get five.

Honestly though, I like to receive comments, for the response that readers leave are a form of dialogue between me and my audience. But since I don't really write blogs for comments, that gives me the freedom to enjoy writing my blog posts, whether others read it or not... whether those who do read it leave comments or not. 

In a sense, the writing is in itself the reward.

The other huge reward I have received from blogging is the friends I have made through the years. They are people from around the globe that I would never have met were it not for their blogs.

Like my own blog, their blogs are very much like open hearts... they allow their readers a glimpse into what is inside - both the beautiful and the ugly, the profound and the shallow, the joys and sorrows, the victories and the defeats.

Recently a dear blog friend who lives in Japan gave me a blog award. Her name is Connie, the blog author of Joyful Solitude.

It's been years since anyone passed on a blog award to me, and I was not expecting to receive one at this point in my blogging life.

Nevertheless I was delighted with the award, because I have known Connie for a number of years now, and I know that when she gives away a blog award, she means it. Connie is married to a Japanese man, and I first met her when they were still living in Saipan. A few years ago they moved to Japan, and I have loved the way she is so honest, and transparent with her struggles as well as her victories living in a foreign land. She is so creative, and has made wise use of her time and available resources. 

I humbly accept this award, and I thank you, dear Connie for finding my blog worthy of this award. You are a dear friend, and one I truly appreciate and admire. Who knows, maybe one of these days, I will be given the wonderful privilege of meeting you face to face!

In accepting this award, we are asked to do three things:

1. Write a blog post about the award, where you thank the person who gave it, post a photo of the award as well as a link to that person's blog.

2. Nominate a few other blog authors that you think are deserving of this award, and post the link to their blogs.

3. Write seven things about yourself that are not commonly known.

Here are five blog authors whose blogs I consider really deserving of this award. I am not very sure that they will do the three things that are required of them, but let me post their blogs here just the same.

I pass on this Lovely Blog Award to the following:

1. Rebecca at Rebecca King's Blog. She lives in England, and is a deep well of spiritual water... and I have loved drinking from her well. (This is her current blog, Soar,)

2. Elaine at Peace for the Journey. An author of two books, she lives in North Carolina, and is a cancer overcomer. I love her for her honesty and depth. She writes beautifully... from the heart.

3. Sara at Back Porch Sheep. She lives in Michigan, and she loves dogs, her job, her family ... oh well, Sara loves life. She truly has a heart of compassion. She writes with such a depth of insight, I often find myself nodding in agreement with what she says.

4. Mayang at Home With Father. She is a dear friend of mine, we go to the same church here in Bacolod City. I have seen her journey of faith. She truly desires to be a woman after God's heart. Her blog will encourage you.

5. Denise at Simply Surrender. She is one of my dearest blog friends. She lives in Maryland. In the fall of 2013, I visited the USA and stayed till early 2014... and she and I made plans of meeting face to face in Wasington D.C. I would have loved to see this dear friend, but maybe next time. Her writing literally takes my breath away. And her photos... oh, her photos! Check out her blog and find out for yourself.

Here are a few things about myself, some of which most people already know, I think.

1. Even at 62, I still love wearing denims and sneakers. I want to dress comfortably, and when I have a favorite pair of denim pants, I keep wearing them (wash and wear again) until they wear out. I love 100 percent cotton blouses and shirts. If I have to dress up, I'd rather be in relaxed formals than a stiff gown or dress. 

2. Generally speaking, I don't do make up. When I go out, I only wear light lip gloss and light eye-shadow. For dressing up occasions, I like the "no makeup look" makeup. And I only like MAC.

3. I love simple elegance, and classical music.

4. I don't mind being alone... it's okay for me to go to a coffee shop or eat in a restaurant all by myself.

5. I love Facebook and blogging because it keeps me connected to my friends around the world.

6. I miss having deep, intelligent conversations about spiritual matters with another human being.

7a. Someday soon, with God's help, I will begin writing my book.

7b. Someday, I would really like to have a golden retriever and take him out for walks.

Thanks... I guess that is all I have to say for now.