principles & politics

I am stealing the wise words of this impressive young warrior friend. 

On good days I take in our cityscape - its natural dips and rises, its mix of high rise buildings and tiny houses, its trees, streets and people, its cultures and politics - and my heart is filled to bursting with love and gratitude.

On bad days I take in our cityscape - its natural dips and rises, its mix of high rise buildings and tiny houses, its trees, streets and people, its cultures and politics - and my heart feels crushed by anger and frustration.

overflowing slum

Any city will do this to its residents on any day - but all city leaders owe it to their citizens to ensure there is more good than bad in our lives. Sadly, the world over, our leaders are failing to deliver - the outcome is our quality of life is now at risk. 

a reflective St. Patrick's Day 2020

Lucky stars above you,

Sunshine on your way,

Many friends to love you,

Joy in work and play.

Laughter to outweigh each care,

In your heart a song -

And gladness waiting everywhere

All your whole life long.

Prayer of St. Patrick

shepherd, slave, snake wrangler, saint

This year the parade was cancelled as New York City shut down amid the pandemic spread of coronavirus [COVID19].

It is a strange time and a shock to us all as we start 2020 and the new decade under the weight of its uncertainty and pandemonium.

All have been advised to self isolate as much as we can since it is the most reliable option we have at the moment. Many cities and countries are already under imposed quarantine in the hope of diminishing its spread and devastation.

For the first time in many years, more of us now have the time and space [enforced or otherwise] to quiet down and reflect on much to consider. Many believe life as we know it is eternally altered as a result of this. For better or worse we are all encouraged to self isolate and practice social distancing.

Blessing or inconvenience - Happy St. Patrick's Day to us all. Let us celebrate all the leprechauns, miracle workers, rainbows and pots of gold in our lives.

Luck of the Irish [and our own] to ya ! ! ! Until we meet again, may God hold us in the palm of His hand.

liberty, justice, freedom

Any recipient of abuse lives with the consequence of their traumatic experience. Each individual manages their own personal experience - dealing with it through whatever means they have available and are capable of. 

Those who have not been abused live in a different world.  Touched or untouched by the abuse of another, some can relate and others cannot. But never in the exact same way the one abused is forever changed - for better or worse. 

embracing life

I have always been demanding of myself and others.

Never high maintenance but definitely difficult at times.

I do not concede defeat. Instead I question and challenge.

I like options. I love to choose. I advocate for change.

paradise lost

Progress unfolds and builds momentum as it goes on a roll.

View from the executive suite at the Manila Marriot Hotel

How consciously and ethical it does is largely in our hands.

But more often than not greed and avarice rule over sense and sensibility.

Nowhere is this more prevalent than in Southeast Asia.