I write this as I at the Figaro Cafe at The Fort in Taguig, Manila Philippines. I find it so timely that "What You Won't Do For Love" by Bobby Caldwell should come on in the background... A simple reminder of potential possibilities and blessings.
I'm waiting to start a meeting regarding this press conference we're doing next Wednesday in Manila, to kick off the AJ Rafael Red Roses tour. Things have certainly changed since my first tour here. The press conference marks a significant first for many people. It marks AJ's first Red Roses tour of many to come. It marks our tour promoter's first Filipino American artist to take on tour. It marks my company's first step into other parts of Southeast Asia. Most importantly it marks the first time a handful of significant companies from different countries and sectors of the industry and community to come together. Why are they coming together? The music, especially by Mr. AJ Rafael has the power to bring people together. And this kid, for as long as I've known him personally, wants to bring people together. He wants to make people smile, send positive messages into the world, and give back...most especially to his family.
Love is all around this Red Roses tour. I feel it.
And certainly there isn't anything we won't do for love.
Thanks Bobby Caldwell for writing that song and for the reminder.
What if I was born on Christmas? What would it be like if I was born on December 25, 1980, the date my mom expected to have me delivered. Instead I was born at 7 months on October 26, 1980.
What would have that been like?
The word Scorpio would no longer be applicable.
I would no longer have the same birthday as Hillary Clinton.
My black cats, witches and halloween themed birthdays would be automatically converted to Christmas parties. It would also mean that I would receive less gifts.
A December birthday in San Francisco is much colder than an October birthday.
But check this - Instead of starting kindergarten in September 1984, I would have started in September 1985. The rule was that you had to be 5 years old at the start of the school season. But they made an exception for me, whose birthday was just a month behind the determinant month. My whole school life would have been delayed by a full year, which would have changed my friends and teachers.
And think about this - I would no longer be the oldest grandchild on my father's side. My half brother who was born on November 10, 1980, would of been the oldest instead. We turned out to be two weeks apart instead of two months apart. (Yes, there's another complicated story behind that! haha) But this would have completely changed my family dynamic and relationships.
If two months makes this much of a difference, we certainly can't dismiss the difference of a month, a few weeks, even just one day.
One day over two thousand years ago, a baby named Jesus was born in a manger. He saved the world.
One day.
If I had the same birthday as Jesus, I know I would embrace it. But the one day that I was born on, makes me who I am today.
One day.
I feel it. I recognize it. More so in the last few weeks than ever before. I don't know what the outcome will be, but I feel in my heart that it will be indescribable. I can't even explain in words right now what I feel.
At best, I can say...
My heart is warm.
And that must be a good thing.
I've been playing the piano for 25 years now. I've had the same piano teacher since I was 6 years old and have been taking lessons with her for 24 years. This past year I haven't gone back to take lessons. And because of it my time on the piano has dropped dramatically. I like to attempt to live a balanced life as much as possible - I watch how many hours I spend working during the week, make sure I give time to my mom and my grandmother, put in time for a social life, spend quality time with God, and allow for some me time.
Me time includes a lot of journaling, reading, reflection, meditation. It used to include playing the piano. There is something about playing the piano that makes me feel complete and a little bit more in control. Here is a piece of wood at your fingertips and its up to you to put your heart and soul into it --- for a song to come out of it.
Today is my attempt to return to it. For I know it just doesn't feel right.
Song choice: Christmas Time Is Here by Vince Guaraldi Trio.
There's a lot going on, but am ready to set things aside so that I can enjoy the holiday season with family, and with Jesus. After all, He is the reason for the season.
Right now I couldn't ask for anything more. I can see what's up ahead. Even my team can see what's ahead, in a way we've never been able to before. It certainly does make me feel warm and fuzzy, to know and feel God transforming my life. What the outcome will be, I have yet to know. But I do know that this is where He asks me to be, carrying out a mission I don't know but can feel- a mission that only He knows.
So why restless? That's what I'm figuring out too. Either I'm missing something. Or feeling what's to come.
Here we go..
