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Fear not my gentleness
The eye is far gone
And rest is now due

Be faithful my gentleness,
To the heart..
Upon this land
Wandering traveler remain.
Have not concrete
Create not knots
Be as the flowing river..
Longing only for the sea.

My gentleness,clarity and depth
Be always, the song of your soul,
And Home, you will soon be.



Tuesday afternoon musings...that filled my momentarily idle mind..

( picture by Lois Greenfiled )

Of hopelessness & romance

I’ve decided to have one of my hopelessly romantic weeks. A sentiment that bears absolutely no logical barring and results in precious scraps of paper being victimized to accommodate my scribbles !

Its sheer emotional bliss ! :)

With thoughts as random as the colors of jelly beans in jar….and purely fictional ideas reaching heights sufficient to turn jack’s magical bean stalk enviously green…

I started writing a poem about a dream I had sometime last week. Its was an interesting ( in a morbid way) dream that ended all the more interestingly ( all the more morbidly).

The poem still feels rather rough.. I’d probably revisited it at some point and see what else I can make of it…

We took a chance..
As if we knew it would be
Our last dance

Fog filled arena
Tear filled heart
Final memory to be made
Final memory to be forgotten

The melody played on
Your voice echoed thru
A thousand draggers pierced me..
The pain, excruciatingly numb

Ending before it started
Healing before it could hurt
Remaining unknown
Remaining forgotten

Its all been said
Nothing more to be done
Trigger pulled ,your last breath taken.

( picture by .Lois Greenfield )

Nightingale's Dance

I revisited an old poem written in early 2005.
Fine tuned the poem a little..and here it is !
The image below is a painting by my dear comrade Lesly Leon Lee .
More of his amazing pieces.here .



Nightingale’s Dance ( version II )

A glowing heart…
On gentle feet..
Dancing endlessly
Purity beyond all worldly matter
From leaf to branch...
Sunset to sunrise..

The open horizons…
Promising..
Strength and freedom eternal.
Heart no longer sealed..
Hands of compassion
Embraces in abundance

Fingers that heal and love
Words...of compassion and care
Visions of beauty…
Transcending all wisdom
Caresses ..eternally infinite.

Silvery moon rises..nights only hope
Constellations ...tell a story..
A million years never to forget.
Of an ancient day..never to return

Happy Birthday Kelvin !

This post is dedicated to my brother ( Noel Anthony Netto , fondly known within the family as Kelvin ) who celebrated his 34th birthday yesterday the 5th of November





Dearest Kelvin,

I can’t help, but look at you and your life and give praise and thanksgiving to our precious Father in Heaven for all the wonderful blessings He has so abundantly blessed you with.

From an amazing job, to a beautiful wife, to 2 wonderful children ( who truly are the sugar and sunshine of the family ! ) who absolutely adore you!

How wonderful He is !

Truly Kelvin, your life is a living example of how perfectly God blesses His children.

I pray dear brother that He continues to bless you with only the dearest and most precious blessings and I continue to thank Him for blessing me , with you , Kelvin.

Thank you being my big brother ,and yes, I will always be your piggy. :)

Love you dearly.

Isabelle Maria Netto

( dedicated to my precious niece who turned 4 on the 8th of October 2008 )



Dearest Darling Belle,

Its amazing how time has flown!

I remember the call from your all excited grandma announcing your arrival as clearly as if it were a moment ago...

Baby girl ! she exclaimed...

I giggled to myself and said…”I told you so…”

I hurried off to Chinatown…where I insisted on a dozen yellow roses with a purple ribbon...



WOW…

……those were my first thoughts as I laid eyes on you the very first time.

All bundled up..and sound asleep, you were perfection personified.

With your eye lashes that curled perfectly…and your fingers that were long and slender ..

“oh, she’s going to be amazing with the piano!”

( now that has rang true , hasn’t it Bella darling ?!)




Bella darling…

Thank you for being the sunshine of our family….and that sunshine you shall always be.

St. Augustine

Beside St. John the Apostle, St. Augustine of Hippo is the saint that has always intrigued me…. His work, all as immensely passionate they are as intellectual.

One of my favorite excerpt's from his confessions :


“ Late have I loved You, O Beauty so ancient and so new, late have I loved You !

And behold, You were within me and I was outside, and there I sought for You,
And in my deformity I rushed head-long into the well formed things that You have made.

You were with me, and I was not with You.

Those outer beauties held me far from You, yet if they had not been in You, they would not have existed at all.

You called and cried out to me and broke open my deafness;
You shone forth upon me, and you scattered my blindness;
You breathed fragrance, and I drew in my breath and
I now pant for You : I tasted , and I hunger and thirst ;

You touched me , and I burned for Your peace.”

My last night..

It started of with a thought…just like any other thought.

What if….i were to give it a try ?

But like all other thoughts that are conceived within my mind…it was tested by the fires of my minds own scrutiny.

I had short listed 3 of poems , these 2 I finally read…i'm home , my Love and The universe, me and You


It was an experience like none other. For someone who’s been writing for over a decade…this was my first real step towards breathing life into my work.


That’s exactly what last night felt like…


Last night was a blessing beyond compare... humbling to be amongst such talent , and yet be made to feel perfectly at home…

The perfect inspiration that I’ve been needing…

Lesly, thank you for assuring me that the eggs (if thrown) wouldnt smell too bad and for capturing the evening so beautifully :)

My Salvation

"Father, how wonderful Your care for us!
How boundless Your merciful love.
To ransom a slave you gave away Your Son.
O happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam, which gained for us so great a Redeemer". (Exsultet - Easter Proclamation)

Adrian thank you for the amazing post which the above was taken from.
God Bless you ever so dearly.

I will be your St.John

This post is dedicated to my dearest & closest friend , Dave Jean Kameron.




There is a silver lining to everything u once said. But somehow, it seems that everytime a wound heals, a new and more painful one forms.

So much has been said. So much was suppose to be done. All thrown to the wind...all left as if it were meaningless.

Deceiving and deception the sudden fruits of pride and envy…saddening and painful but plain reality.

But, by this I say , not all is forgotten :

Never , will that timid 14 year old forget that you were the first to ever tell her that her smile was her sweetest blessing.

Never will that 16 year old forget the sleepless hours you spent assuring her , that her future , though seemingly uncertain , is indeed, by His grace, as bright as the morning star.

And never , will that broken hearted 21 year old forget…how you , and only you , had hope in her. Picking up , not only the broken pieces of her heart….but her broken life all the same. Carrying her with your strength, until she, was strong enough to fly , dream and believe, once again….that by Him..everything is indeed possible.

Always will your life be the greatest testimony of His love.

Always will your life be a shining example of how perfectly He blesses us…with not only what we need…but far more that we can ever imagine.

And finally...

Always...

As you have been mine...

I will be your, St.John.

My perfect inspiration...

How beautiful You are, my love
How perfect, how pure
In Your image, I was formed
In my life, I long to reflect

The sweetest blessings
Of life, You have bestowed
How precious, the love
That only You, complete with

By Your side, draw me closer
By Your word, the grace to live
To You alone, ever pleasing
And home to You , one day to be

Within Your loving arms
I long to be
Held so close within your embrace
Resting my being, forever.

Prayer of St. Francis

its the weekend, i'm home..due to work totaly stressed and sleepless.

amidst all the noise, i found the below again..


Lord,
make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is discord, unity.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is error, truth.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
And where there is sadness, joy.

Divine Master,

grant me that I may seek not so much to be consoled, but to console.

Not so much to be understood, as to understand.

Not so much to be loved, but as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive, it is in losing ourselves that we find ourselves.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

an evening of wonder..

I met Joy for the first time this evening. At 14 months, he’s almost the cutest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. Something about him made my heart skip a beat.

Will the adoption work out..? I’m not sure…but if he’s meant to be mine, I’ll know and time will tell. Paul, see , he’s not been named after you. But thank you , yes , again :)

How different my life today is compared to a mere month ago. Never would I have thought that so much that was significant would become so insignificant ….. in such mere time.

But now, the storm has passed on and I’m setting sail once again.

This time, much stronger and wiser .

Truly, when He heals…He heals completely. My zest and passion for life…. which I thought was stolen away from me, He has renewed and is now a fire burning stronger and purer than ever before.

Is there a plan? Yes, there always is. But for now, its been surrendered to Him…and if it is His plan ….. In His time it will materialize.

I just cant wait… :)

My faithful three

Poetry, painting & music… its amazing how these 3 elements of art has never failed to intrigue me, in an eye sparkling , mind stimulating, heart moving kind of way…

All of these elements over the course of time in their own way seem to have documented the various phrases of my life…

I was tidying up my study a couple of nights ago, when I stumbled upon one of my oldest sketch books.I’m an amateur among amateurs, but what intrigued me about my own little sketches (some merely scribbles) was how each and every one of them brought back clear distinct memories…memories of what I was experiencing and my state of mind as I sketched.

As I flipped through its yellowish pages, I was almost impressed by the ‘child me’ who so diligently documented so much…so much that today , they act as lessons for the ‘adult me’ to learn from.

The sentiments were similar as I starting flipping through my first poetry collection. Poetry was first among the three that I dabbled with…using it initially as a mode of journal writing…but in a code that only I truly understood.

Whether it was a poem about a childhood crush or childhood confusion…it was all there, in my little code book…providing me with the occasional giggle at my own childish naiveness , the occasional sigh at the heart broken teenage girl, and the lessons that came with all of that. Most of all, I experienced deep sense of gratitude of how blessed my life is today.

How amazingly things have turned out to be…far beyond anything my childish mind could have ever comprehended.

A moment later my eye caught sight of my violin that was in the corner of the room. Though music has always been an element close to heart , I never considered it to be a forte. I’ve found myself dabbling with it many times at different points of my life..but each time never truly long enough to know how far i could actually take it.

Thus music seems to have documented a slightly different perspective of my life. My rebelliousness at the age of 8 , whene I refuse to attend any of my violin classes…my fearlessness at 14 whene I sang “a whole new world” in front of an audience of 200…yes, and these days I shy away from even humming a tune out loud.

But of late….this element seems to be growing closer and closer to heart. Still shying terribly in comparison to the many great names we know…but somehow within the comforts of my dimly lit study something new seems to be brewing and this time…I dare say, its here to stay.

Maybe this is the element that will document my adult life , immortalizing moments that would otherwise simply pass by…never to be remembered.

Storms of life..

When I feel like I’ve had enough…
Off heartbreaks..
Off disappointments…
When I feel…I just cant..

Your voice tells me..
“Continue…this is for My glory”

When I feel there’s nothing left…
That alls been spent..
That alls been drained…
When I feel..Its all over

Your voice tells me
“Continue…your strength I’ll renew ”

Now, that I feel like breaking down…
Giving up…
Walking away…
And letting all go…

Now…
You’re holding me so close…
Wiping away my tears…

And you say to me..
“Together we’ll soar above the storm”

You don’t have to prove anything..

Its 5.32am. Yes, its another day too long.
I came across the below, something so simply said by William Stafford..

“It’s for the best,” my mother said, “Nothing can
ever be wrong for anyone truly good.”

And then I look at the suffering Jesus endured,
and the suffering of all people.
If any one was definitely good, it would be Jesus.
As for me, the only good in me is Jesus.

And yet he suffered.
I have suffered, and will again.
The people I love have suffered.
The stranger in the store has suffered,
and perhaps even now is trying to live with tragedy.

Why? I don’t know.
I do know that Jesus came and he suffered.
He was human. He suffered
with us, for us.

God never answered Job’s questions.
He is not going to answer mine.
God is the one who asks the questions:
How are you going to respond?
Are you going to receive or reject, keep or give?

The answer to the question is not a what, but a who,
not words, but the Word.
God is the answer to all questions.
And Jesus came
to show and to live and to be the answer.

I claim no deep understanding,
but I know—I know—with Jesus,
nothing can ever be wrong.

Near the end of the same poem,

“You don’t have to prove anything,” my mother said.
“Just be ready for what God sends.”

You do all things well

The first time I truly listened to this song was on Saturday, the 28th of June.
It was the end of an extremely tough week…during a weekend that was initially no simpler.

My heart, was still as heavy and my mind, still filled with far too many questions.

I spent a fair amount of time that particular Saturday night on the beach…

Just me..

Me and the sound of the waves rushing to shore…

Me, and the wind that gently caressed me….

Me.. and this song..

Mountain Maker
Ocean Tamer
Glimpses of You
Burn in my eyes
The worship of heaven
Fills up the skies

You made it all
Said, "let there be"
And there was
All that we see
The sound of Your voice
The works of Your hands
You do all things well
You do all things well
You do all things well

Star creator
Wind breather
The strokes of Your beauty
Brushed through the clouds
Light from the heavens
Touching the ground

Imagination runs wild
And breathes the breath of life
Across the fields
Across the miles

- Chris Tomlin

Be still...in quietness & trust

Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust



Words and Music by Reuben Morgan

loving reminder..

I am the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
(Psalm 34:18)

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
(Isaiah 40:11)

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
(Revelation 21:3-4)

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
(Revelation 21:3-4)

On a dark night..

On a dark night,
Kindled in love with yearnings
oh, happy chance!
I went forth without being observed,
My house being now at rest.

In darkness and secure,
By the secret ladder, disguised
oh, happy chance!
In darkness and in concealment,
My house being now at rest.

In the happy night,
In secret, when none saw me,
Nor I beheld aught,
Without light or guide,
save that which burned in my heart.

This light guided me
More surely than the light of noonday
To the place where he was awaiting me
A place where none appeared.

Oh, night that guided me,
Oh, night more lovely than the dawn,
Oh, night that joined
Beloved with lover,
Lover transformed in the Beloved!

Upon my flowery breast,
Kept wholly for himself alone,
There he stayed sleeping,
and I caressed him,
And the fanning of the cedars made a breeze.

The breeze blew from the turret
As I parted his locks;
With his gentle hand
He wounded my neck
And caused all my senses to be suspended.

I remained, lost in oblivion;
My face I reclined on the Beloved.
All ceased and I abandoned myself,
Leaving my cares
forgotten among the lilies.

St. John of the Cross



* Translated from the original Spanish version "En una noche oscura".
St. John of the Cross has written two books on this poem, explaining its meaning as a metaphor of a soul that unites with God. The books are "The Dark Night of the Soul", and "Ascent of Mount Carmel".

Nevertheless, some modern critics take the poem for an erotic love poem, which it may seem to be at first look. *

The 4th of April...A birthday medley..

I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)….I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26).) .... For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27)….. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)…. )…

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I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)…I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)..You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16)… For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)… My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)… Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)



My sister sent me the below;

You were born on Holy Thursday. There was a full moon and Kelvin and I had just discovered Werewolves.

What if she is a werewolf-baby I asked Kelvin as we walked from Church to town with Daddy for dinner ('cos Mummy was in the hospital). The moon (as it is its wont) followed us.

Wow! Kelvin said. Thrilled with the idea of a werewolf- baby sister. Gradually I came to like the idea too - I figured you would be like the puppy I always wanted :-p

Of course you were so much more. From a cute, rambunctious independent baby you grew into a gorgeous, rambunctious, independent young lady. Learning lessons at a young age that took me a decade or so to assimilate.

People seeing us together now always think that you are the older sister - your height, your confidence and your grace under pressure being the deciding factors. And they are right - in so many ways you are the bigger person.

Thank you for coming into our lives that beautiful Maundy Thursday night.
I couldn't have wished for a better Easter gift.



Sunita , Kelvin & Jenny , Belle & Chistan , Mummy & Daddy ,
i love you ever so dearly.



To my most treasured ones..Dave, Marianne, Jimmy, Susan, Sam & Sheilla

The lil angels..Rahul, Priyanka, Christine & Celynn.

Thank You for being my life’s greatest blessings.




And to all who wished and blessed me on that special day, Thank you.
God bless you ever so dearly.

Enough

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

You are my supply
My breath of life
And still more awesome than I know
You are my reward
worth living for
And still more awesome than I know

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

You’re my sacrifice
Of greatest price
And still more awesome than I know
You’re the coming King
You are everything
And still more awesome than I know

More than all I want
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know
More than all I can say
You are more than enough for me

Enough , by Chris Tomlin
Picture , by Albin Lobo

In Your Arms..

So I throw my life upon all You are,

Cause I know You gave it all for me,

And when all else fades,

My soul will dance with You,

Where the love lasts forever.....


(Where the love last forever - Hillsongs)

Snips of Christmas