Friday, December 26, 2008

The Beauty of Life

The Beauty of Life
does not depend on
how happy you are,
but how happy others
because of you.

Best Wishes For a Blessed Christmas

Life Is Too Short,
Break The Rules, Forgive Quickly,
Kiss Slowly, Love Truly,
Laugh Uncontrollably,
And Never Regret Anything
That Made You Smile.
Life May Not Be The Party
We Hoped For,
But While We're Here, We Should Dance...

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Life Long Struggle
(Henry Ward Beecher)

It is not what we read, but what we remember that makes us learned.
It is not what we intend, but what we do that makes us useful.
It is not a few faint wishes, but a life long struggle that makes us valiant.

Everything in Its Time

here is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

the wise heart will know the proper time and
procedure.

For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter,
though a mans misery weighs heavily upon him.

Since no man knows the future,
who can tell him what is to come?

No man has power over the wind to contain it;
so no one has power over the day of his death.

Do not say, Why were the old days better than these?
For it is not wise to ask such questions.

The end of a matter is better than its beginning,
and patience is better than pride.

I thought in my heart,

God will bring to judgment
both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time for every deed.

Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account.

There is not a righteous man on earth
who does what is right and never sins.

(Pondering the meaning of Life - discovering
ancient wisdom)

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Time Doesn't Wait




Time doesn't wait.
If you think you might have found the right one,
treasure the person,
don't let that person get away.
Don't let fear hold you back.
Give it a try else you might regret later...

"No one other than ourselves know
what can truly makes us happy."

Rahasia Kecil Kebahagiaan

Rahasia kebahagiaan adalah memusatkan perhatian pada kebaikan dalam diri orang lain.
Sebab, hidup bagaikan lukisan: Untuk melihat keindahan lukisan yang terbaik sekalipun, lihatlah di bawah sinar yang terang, bukan di tempat yang tertutup dan gelap sama halnya sebuah gudang.
Rahasia kebahagiaan adalah tidak menghindari kesulitan. Dengan memanjat bukit, bukan meluncurinya, kaki seseorang tumbuh menjadi kuat.

Rahasia kebahagiaan adalah melakukan segala sesuatu bagi orang lain. Air yang tak mengalir tidak berkembang. Namun, air yang mengalir dengan bebas selalu segar dan jernih.
Rahasia kebahagiaan adalah belajar dari orang lain, dan bukan mencoba mengajari mereka.
Semakin Anda menunjukkan seberapa banyak Anda tahu, semakin orang lain akan mencoba menemukan kekurangan dalam pengetahuan Anda. Mengapa bebek disebut "bodoh"? Karena terlalu banyak bercuap-cuap.

Rahasia kebahagiaan adalah kebaikan hati: memandang orang lain sebagai anggota keluarga besar Anda. Sebab, setiap ciptaan adalah milik Anda. Kita semua adalah ciptaan Tuhan yang satu.
Rahasia kebahagiaan adalah tertawa bersama orang lain, sebagai sahabat, dan bukan menertawakan mereka, sebagai hakim.
Rahasia kebahagiaan adalah tidak sombong. Bila Anda menganggap mereka penting, Anda akan memiliki sahabat ke manapun Anda pergi. Ingatlah bahwa musang yang paling besar akan mengeluarkan bau yang paling menyengat.

Kebahagiaan datang kepada mereka yang memberikan cintanya secara bebas, yang tidak meminta orang lain mencintai mereka terlebih dahulu. Bermurah hatilah seperti mentari yang memancarkan sinarnya tanpa terlebih dahulu bertanya apakah orang-orang patut menerima kehangatannya.
Kebahagiaan berarti menerima apapun yang datang, dan selalu mengatakan kepada diri sendiri "Aku bebas dalam diriku".
Kebahagiaan berarti membuat orang lain bahagia. Padang rumput yang penuh bunga membutuhkan pohon-pohon di sekelilingnya, bukan bangunan-bangunan beton yang kaku. Kelilingilah padang hidup Anda dengan kebahagiaan.
Kebahagiaan berasal dari menerima orang lain sebagaimana adanya; nyatanya menginginkan mereka bukan sebagaimana adanya. Betapa akan membosankan hidup ini jika setiap orang sama. Bukankah taman pun akan tampak janggal bila semua bunganya berwarna ungu?

Rahasia kebahagiaan adalah menjaga agar hati Anda terbuka bagi orang lain, dan bagi pengalaman-pengalaman hidup. Hati laksana pintu sebuah rumah. Cahaya matahari hanya dapat masuk bilamana pintu rumah itu terbuka lebar.

Rahasia kebahagiaan adalah memahami bahwa persahabatan jauh lebih berharga daripada barang; lebih berharga daripada mengurusi urusan sendiri; lebih berharga daripada bersikukuh pada kebenaran dalam perkara-perkara yang tidak prinsipiil.

Renungkan setiap rahasia yang ada di dalamnya. Rasakan apa yang dikatakannya.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

(Dalai Lama)
The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live and love.

(Leo Buscaglia)

Friday, August 15, 2008

Odd Titles (part 2)

Found some (more) interesting books' titles. No offense for the authors.












Thursday, August 14, 2008

If you have love in your life it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you don't have it, no matter what else there is, it's not enough.

(Ann Landers)

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Fake Magazine Cover

Just had some fun for making fake magazine covers. Not bad, huh? ;-)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Friends For Life

"A part of you has grown in me. And so you see, it's you and me together forever and never apart, maybe in distance, but never in heart."

Best friends from SMP St. Bellarminus, Jakarta, for more than two decades: Djoko Soedjono, Imelda Litania, and Jack Bally.

Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love.
Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing.

(Elie Wiesel)

Monday, July 14, 2008

Movie Love Quotes

You are what I never knew I always wanted.
~ Fools Rush In

You know, that moment when you kiss someone and everything around you becomes hazy. And the only thing in focus is you and that person. And you realize that that person is the only person that you're supposed to kiss for the rest of your life. And for one moment you get this gift. And you want to laugh and you want to cry because you feel so lucky that you found it and so scared that it will go away all at the same time.
~ Never Been Kissed

I would rather have had One breath of her hair,
One kiss from her mouth,
One touch of her hand,
Than eternity without it.
~ City of Angels

When you realise you want to spend
the rest of your life with somebody,
you want the rest of your life
yo start as soon as possible.
~ When Harry Met Sally

Love won't obey our expectations,
Its mystery is pure and absolute.
~ Bridges of Madison County


I love you without knowing how, why, or even from where.
~ Patch Adams

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Love (Paulo Coelho's Life)

Ever since time began,
people have recognized their true Love
by the light in their eyes.
("Brida")

Love means sharing the world with someone else.
("The Valkyries")

When everything has been told and retold
countless times,
when the places I have visited,
the things I have experienced,
the steps I have taken because of her
are all transformed into distant memories,
nothing will remain but pure love.
("The Zahir")

The Path (Paulo Coelho's Life)

It hurt when I lost each of the various men I fell in love with.
Now, though, I am convinced that no one loses anyone,
because no one owns anyone.
That is the true experience of freedom:
having the most important thing in the world without owning it.
("Eleven Minutes")

It is always important to know
when something has reached its end.
Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters,
it doesn't matter what we call it;
what matters is to leave behind us in the past
those moments in life that are over.
("The Zahir")

The Dream (Paulo Coelho's Life)

If you have a past with which you feel dissatisfied,
then forget it, now.
Imagine a new story for your life and believe in it.
Focus only on the moments when you achieved what you desired,

and that strength will help you to get what you want.

("The Fifth Mountain")

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Over The Rainbow (song lyrics)

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There's a land that I heard of

Once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true

Some day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemondrops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
Some day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemondrops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?

Friday, July 4, 2008

Odd Titles

Some books do have peculiar titles..
If I had all the time in the world, I might read them.. just for curiousity ;-)

Times Bookstore

On Thursday afternoon July 3rd, 2008, I made my 2nd visit to Times Bookstore at UPH Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang. This is the largest International bookstore in Indonesia.

Getting 20% off price for its grand opening event, I bought several books for myself, my hubby and my friend. Never miss a book sale events! Haha..

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Ancient Thoughts

Inscribed on the walls
of an ancient Persian temple
are these thoughts:

Do not say all you know,
for he who says all he knows
often says more than he knows.

Do not tell all you hear,
for he who tells all he hears
often tells more than he hears.

Do not spend all you have,
for he who spends all he has
often spends more than he has.

Do not covet all you see,
for he who covets all he sees
often wants more than he sees.

Blessed are you if you trust..

"When the frosts are in the valley,
And the mountaintops are gray,
And the choicest blooms are blighted,
And the blossoms die away,
A loving Father whispers,
'This all comes from my hand';
Blessed are you if you trust
When you cannot understand.
If, after years of toiling,
Your wealth should fly away
And leave your hands all empty,
And your hair is turning gray,
Remember then your Father
Owns all the sea and land;
Blessed are you if you trust
When you cannot understand."

(Taken from Streams In The Desert)

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

The Story of the Painting of the Last Supper

The story of the painting of The Last Supper is extremely interesting and instructive, and two incidents connected with it afford a most convincing lesson on the effects of right thinking or wrong thinking in the life of a boy or girl, or of a man or woman.

Leonardo Da Vinci, the noted Italian artist painted the Last Supper. It too seven years for him to complete it. The figures representing the twelve Apostles and Christ himself were painted from living persons. The life-model for the painting of the figure of Jesus was chosen first.

When it was decided that Da Vinci would paint this great picture, hundreds and hundreds of young men were carefully viewed in an endeavor to find a face and personality exhibiting innocence and beauty, free from the scars and signs of dissipation caused by sin.

Finally, after weeks of laborious search, a young man nineteen years of age was selected as a model for the portrayal of Christ. For six months Da Vinci worked on the production of this leading character of his famous painting. During the next six years Da Vinci continued his labors on this sublime work of art. One by one fitting persons were chosen to represent each of the eleven Apostles -- with space being left for the painting of the figure representing Judas Iscariot as the final task of this masterpiece.

This was the Apostle, you remember, who betrayed his Lord for thirty pieces of silver. For weeks Da Vinci searched for a man with a hard, callous face, with a countenance marked by scars of avarice, deceit, hypocrisy, and crime. A face that would delineate a character who would betray his best friend.

After many discouraging experiences in searching for the type of person required to represent Judas, word came to Da Vinci that a man whose appearance fully met his requirements had been found in a dungeon in Rome, sentenced to die for a life of crime and murder. Da Vinci made the trip to Rome at once, and this man was brought out from his imprisonment in the dungeon and led out into the light of the sun. There Da Vinci saw before him a dark, swarthy man his long shaggy and unkempt hair sprawled over his face, which betrayed a character of viciousness and complete ruin. At last the famous painter had found the person he wanted to represent the character of Judas in his painting. By special permission from the king, this prisoner was carried to Milan where the picture was being painted. For months he sat before Da Vinci at appointed hours each day as the gifted artist diligently continued his task of transmitting, to his painting, this base character representing the traitor and betrayer of our Savior.

As he finished his last stroke, he turned to the guards and said, I have finished. You may take the prisoner away. As the guards were leading their prisoner away, he suddenly broke loose from their control and rushed up to Da Vinci, crying as he did so, "Da Vinci, look at me. Do you not know who I am?" Da Vinci, with the trained eyes of a great character student, carefully scrutinized the man upon whose face he had constantly gazed for six months and replied, "No, I have never seen you in my life until you were brought before me out of the dungeon in Rome."

Then, lifting his eyes toward heaven, the prisoner said, "Oh God, have I fallen so low?" Then turning his face to the painter he cried, "Leonardo Da Vinci, look at me again for I am the same man you painted just seven years ago as the figure of Christ."

Strength of a Man

(by: Bill Greer, Chicken Soup for the Veteran's Soul)


The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.
It is seen in the width of his arms that encircle you.

The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.
It is in the gentle words he whispers.

The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.
It is how good a buddy he is with his kids.

The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.
It is in how respected he is at home.

The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.
It is in how tender he touches.

The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.
It is in his Heart that lies within his chest.

The strength of a man isn't how many women he's Loved.
It is in can he be true to one woman.

The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.
It is in the burdens he can understand and overcome.

If I Had My Life To Live Over

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching TV - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love yous"... more "I'm sorrys".

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it... live it... and never give it back.

(In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.)

Friendship vs. Love

Friendship is a quiet walk in the park with the one you trust.
Love is when you feel like you are the only two around.

Friendship is when they gaze into your eyes and you know they care.
Love is when they gaze into your eyes and it warms your heart.

Friendship is being close even when you are far apart.
Love is when you can still feel their hand on your heart
when they are not near.

Friendship is hoping that they experience the very best.
Love is when you bring them the very best.

Friendship occupies your mind.
Love occupies your soul.

Friendship is knowing that you will always try to be there
when in need.
Love is when you will give up everything to be at their side.

Friendship is a warm smile in the winter.
Love is a warming touch that sends a pulse through your heart.

Love is a beautiful smile to which nothing compares:
A tender laugh, which opens your heart,
A single touch that melts away your fears,
A smell that reminds you of the tenderness of heaven,
A voice that reminds you of the innocence of youth.

Friendship can survive without love.
Love cannot live without friendship.

Seseorang Yang Mencintai Kamu

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu...
Tidak bisa memberikan alasan mengapa ia mencintaimu
Ia hanya tau, di matanya kamulah satu satunya.

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu...
Sebenarnya selalu membuatmu marah, gila, jengkel sekaligus stres
Tapi ia tidak pernah tau hal bodoh apa yg sudah ia lakukan
Karena semua yang ia lakukan adalah untuk kebaikanmu.

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu...
Jarang memujimu, tetapi di dalam hatinya kamu adalah yg terbaik
Hanya ia yang tahu.

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu ...
Akan marah-marah atau mengeluh jika kamu tidak membalas pesannya atau teleponnya
Karena ia peduli dan ia tidak ingin sesuatu terjadi ke kamu.

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu...
Hanya menjatuhkan airmatanya dihadapanmu
Ketika kamu mencoba untuk menghapus airmatanya, kamu telah menyentuh hatinya
Di mana hatinya selalu berdegup, berdenyut, bergetar untuk kamu.

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu...
Akan mengingat setiap kata yg kamu ucapkan
Bahkan yang tidak sengaja dan ia akan selalu
Menggunakan kata-kata itu tepat pada waktunya.

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu...
Tidak akan memberikan janji apapun dengan mudah karna ia tidak mau mengingkari janjinya
Ia ingin kamu untuk mempercayainya dan ia ingin
Memberikan hidup yang paling bahagia dan aman selama-lamanya.

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu...
Mungkin tidak bisa mengingat kejadian atau kesempatan istimewa seperti perayaan hari ulang tahunmu
Tapi ia tau bahwa setiap detik yang ia lalui
Ia mencintai kamu, tidak peduli hari apakah hari ini.

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu...
Tidak mau berkata aku mencintaimu dengan mudah
Karena segalanya yang ia lakukan untuk kamu adalah untuk menunjukkan bahwa ia siap mencintaimu
Tetapi hanya ia yang akan mengatakan kata I Love You pada situasi yang spesial
Karna ia tidak mau kamu salah mengerti
Ia mau kamu mengetahui bahwa ia mencintai dirimu.

Seseorang yang benar-benar mencintai kamu...
Akan merasa bahwa sesuatu harus dikatakan sekali saja
Karna ia berpikir bahwa kamu telah mengerti dirinya
Jika berkata terlalu banyak
Ia akan merasa bahwa tidak ada yang akan membuatnya bahagia dan tersenyum.

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu...
Akan pergi ke airport untuk menjemputkamu
Ia tidak akan membawa seikat mawar dan memanggilmu sayang seperti yang kamu harapkan
Tetapi, ia akan membawakan kopermu
Dan menanyakan
mengapa kamu menjadi lebih kurus dalam waktu dua hari
Dengan hatinya yang tulus.

Seseorang yg mencintai kamu ...
Tidak tahu apakah ia harus menelponmu ketika kamu marah
Tetapi ia akan mengirimkan pesan setelah beberapa jam
Jika kamu menanyakan mengapa ia telat menelepon
Ia akan berkata, ketika kamu marah penjelasan dari dirinya semua hanyalah sampah
Tetapi, ketika kamu sudah tenang penjelasannya baru akan benar-benar menyejukkan hati.

Seseorang yang mencintaimu...
Akan selalu menyimpan semua benda yang telah kamu berikan
bahkan kertas kecil bertuliskan 'I LOVE U' ada di dalam dompetnya.

Seseorang yg mencintaimu...
Jarang mengatakan kata-kata manis
Tapi kamu tau, kecupannya sudah menyalurkan semua.

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu...
Akan selalu berusaha membuatmu tersenyum dan tertawa
Walau terkadang caranya membingungkanmu.

Seseorang yang mencintai kamu...
Akan membalut hatimu yang pernah terluka dan menjaganya dengan setulus hati agar tidak terluka lagi
Dan ia akan memberikanmu yang terbaik walau harus menyakiti hatinya sendiri.

Seseorang yang mencintaimu...
Akan rela melepaskanmu pergi bila bersamanya kamu tidak bahagia
Dan ia akan ikut bahagia walau kamu yang dicintainya bahagia bersama orang lain.

Writing Reviews at Amazon.com

Today I wrote a review at Amazon.com based on the books I had read. I started with "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho and then "Something Borrowed" by Emily Giffin. Those two are my favorite ones.