Six Years in the Island of The Gods

Happy Anniversary, to self!
I love you more than six years ago and less than the coming year(s) ahead!

 

The Big Five

Today marks my five years in Bali. 

Arrived wounded, I let the island healed me through even more things to lose, gain, change, and sometimes mutate. My steps were wobbly at first, and I almost gave up. Almost. 

People say you lose some, you win some. That's also the case in my life; in relationships, tangible materials, friends, wealth, weight, and maybe my skin's hydration (which sadly is a loss, grrr). 

After five years, the scar remains. But I am standing far cry from the past with all that I am today. 
Today, I am saying nothing but grace for all the things that I am blessed with; 

1. I am healthier. Sure, I just got better from a three day fever. But I am healthy. It was just my body telling me that I need to slow down. In general, I am healthy. I am in search of a nice skin moisturizer now but nothing like cure for serious illness. Thank you God.

2. The house. Of course. I may not be the only single woman who bought her own house before turning 35. But since I struggled my way to be here, I feel sooooo blessed and lucky. Boy, the mortgage...oh the mortgage! I must tell you, I still cringe sometimes when I have to pay for it. Thinking about holidays that I have not take for the past years, branded bags and or shoes... or lavish brunch that I have to say "Wait/No" to. But every time I wake up in the morning, staring at my 4*3 m bedroom's ceiling, knowing that, even though it is a small house... it is mine, I am grateful.

3. My dogs Marilyn and Mahoni, my siblings, and my friends that are now my families. 

"Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit." Zechariah 4:6. To God be the glory. 

Some related posts:

Day 365 in Bali

Two years and counting

My three years in Bali
Four and going strong

ps: Next, I will post on why I decided to make this blog public again. Including the reason why I blocked it a few weeks ago. Keep reading... :-)

From Nyepi Celebration.

Strong Woman

This is to celebrate my 4th year being a Balinese.
May His blessings always be with me.
Amen.

Charles Dickens Bicentenary Day: 7 February

On this day, 7th February 2012, institutions and organizations from all over the world are commemorating this very special anniversary in honor of Charles Dickens .

Was Dickens part of your childhood? I read Oliver Twist, The Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities and ... my favorite: Nicholas Nickelby! 

I did not read them over and over again like what I used to do to Lindgren's book, but none of the books from Dickens can be considered as an average. They stick in your mind forever, freaks you out to a certain period of time and to this day, and, get me all curious about England.

I would love to see a play of any of Dickens' work. Hopefully sooner than I thought!

Below pictures from Penguin Classics Clothbound series make me want to read all of Dickens' work again :)