tj cafuir | the Life and Times

While we all clutch our hoodies as we cross the streets we regularly do, the south shores of the north are lashing out tidal 8 foot waves. So I asked myself, why don’t I pack my remaining dry clothes and head out for some ocean love. Well, I filed a vacation leave already, so I think I’m all set. Plus, I contacted Jennie Castillo to hook me up with a Holga 120GN. Hopefully I’ll be getting it this afternoon. Me and my surf buddies will be leaving at dawn tomorrow and I can’t wait to snap great lomo shots.

Have you ever got that certain feeling every time the rain falls and all you get to do is stop and stare? There’s this mystic spell to it. Sights and sounds have a somber ambient. It makes me feel happy. Really.

Oh sh*t, I have to first pick up the camera at Glorietta at 6pm. That means I’ll only be taking the best way to get there. The MRT. Last time I was inside the trains it was heavily raining - and it was hell in a box. I still haven’t packed yet. My boardshorts are all dirty and the only dry clothes I have are worn-out shirts I wore back in college. They now can pass as baby tees.

Both blessing and a curse, either way, we all gonna get it. Rain falls just outside my window here… but I’m gonna travel in need of some more. Nature at its best, I’m chasing these rainy days.

“Turn me loose, turn me loose.. for the rain has fallen“

- Kaya, Bob Marley

Up to this day I’m still clueless as to why my blog made such an impact on you. I honestly thought it never had much readers and that I wasn’t making any sense. But you proved me wrong. Also, thank you for liking my curly hair. I like it too. Hehe.

Sometimes I ask myself why do I even blog. I mean why do I even share my personal stuff for public consumption? I guess I was hoping to reach out with people the same as me. Anybody I guess. Somebody out there must be feeling half the world away too. Nobody did connected with me I suppose, till there was you.

Although I disabled commenting on this blog, you still share your thoughts. Although we never get to see each other almost all the time, I can still feel your presence. You’ve always got an open ear. And say what you wanna say, I left the comments on. Thanks for caring.

Before this, I actually perceived subtlety as being weak. You know. My virtues in life were on being aggressive. Being on the offense. Speaking your mind. Asserting character. Fighting for what you believe in. Getting what you want. Gaining recognition and Showing Pride.

But it seems it’s no formula. I now believe that real strength is not always passive at all. Rather displayed for everyone to see, strength should just be observed. The dictionary describes it as the “refinement of reasoning” and if there’s something good to come out from these past tumultuous weeks, I am learning to be subtle. There is assurance in it.