Small Kindness

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Elisa Choi

I will never forget the small kindness that a stranger from Macau has done for me.

My family and I were on vacation and we visited the Museum of Macau. After that we were at a garden and Mom told me to take a photo of the Grand Lisboa at the other side.

Whilst there I saw a man also taking pictures of the beautiful landmark. I captured mine in a very simple shot.

Then I proceeded to take photos around me. Suddenly the man appeared. He must have noticed that I was taking a picture of Grand Lisboa. He started talking to me in Cantonese while showing me a place where I can see a better view of that building and take a better photo of it.

I don’t understand Cantonese but I listen to his body language. Apparently there is a big hole in a wall where you can see through outside. He said I can photograph a better view of the building by taking advantage of the hole. He showed me his photos in his DSLR. They were awesome!

So I took three shots and I chose the “best” one here. Can you see the difference? Better view no?

I smiled and thanked him a lot. He continued to talk and I just nodded at him all the time. Lol!
I can never forget this man who have shown his creativity and kindness by sharing it to me. Who would have thought that a stranger wants you to take awesome photos too?

Ahh.. thank you Lord for him. Thank you for kindness. It certainly makes the world go round.

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Joining and celebrating Small Kindness with Fiona Robyn and hundreds around the world today. If you want to join go here.

July 31: What I Pondered on July

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Elisa Choi

And so my July challenge has ended.

I did not manage to post everyday about my thoughts, feelings and learning.
But I manage to be more aware of everything that I am.
My birthday has passed and I always say to myself that I will be more mature as I grow older.

But I am still the same.
I still get cranky. I still cry. I still get hurt. I’m still sensitive. I still waste my time. I’m still lazy. I’m still awkward.
It’s funny because I am nowhere in the borderline of being a full-fledged mature woman.

I always remind myself to be happy. To not give up.To always pray for strength. To always be positive.
But there are a lot of times like today when I can’t just feel the joy.
And most of it is attributed to the way I handle myself.

I am aware of how much I think short of myself. How I belittle my works. How I belittle my efforts.
How I get hurt when people don’t show their appreciation. How they just criticize rather than say something nice when I ask for their opinions.
I am aware at how much I value what they think rather than what I think of myself.

But.

It’s relieving to think that our lives are a constant work in progress.
The part of being alive that I can always get back up and get down on my life’s work.
Regardless if it looks like a mess or a bunch of typical mojos.

And now as I calm myself from bawling my eyes out,
I know deep inside this fragile heart,
That I am better than this.
That I know to whom I am working for.

I am simply enough for Him.

July 28: Giveaway Winners Announced!

Posted on July 28, 2012 by Elisa Choi

The blooming of our tiger tail plant. Mom bought this huge clay pot to plant this gorgeous green.
Tiger Tails are known for their ability to cope with little water.
Just sunshine and they’ll give you back lots and lots of oxygen.
Perfect as indoor plant.
We had so many more pots of these lovelies!

Today I am announcing the winners of my giveaway! I thank each and everyone for their participation but only included those who have followed the instructions even if it is either commenting with their answer or by liking my page.

So the first winner is…

Faye: Elisa, your work is always inspirational. I think the thing I’ve learned in life is that no one is perfect and we should be forgiving people. Thanks for the opportunity to be in your drawing.

And the second winner is…

Lynn Cohen: Be humble! What a lovely giveaway so generous of you! HPPF!!

Congratulations guys! I will be contacting you about your prizes! More giveaways like this soon!

Have a great and blessed weekend everyone!

July 24: My Friend

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Elisa Choi

My very good friend gave me this rose as a birthday gift.
A rose for our friendship.
And it’s been a long long while since we last talk.
And when we meet it feels like we have been seeing each other everyday.
We hug, we laugh and we always start with, “where are we going to eat?”
And I always end up choosing the place. Because she always said that I decide.

What I love about when we talk while we eat is that she listens and I listen.
There is never a moment when she will be texting or daydreaming off the space while talking to me.
I dislike people doing that.
We will laugh so hard and we wouldn’t care.
We take turns talking.
Listening is the best part of this communication.
And I eat too slow now that I am talking a lot.
But time runs fast when you are having a good time. Or not. It doesn’t matter though.

We talk about finding balance as a necessity of life.
No matter how toxic everything is we need to be able to balance ourselves.
We need friends and loved ones to encourage us. To make our lives easier with all the support and laughter.
We both agree that we need God most of all.

We talk about what we love to do.
That everything starts slow.
But nothing is difficult if you love what you do.
Everything is a playful ground for experiments and learning.

People change.
Circumstances change.
But the people that God puts into our lives,
It has a story of its own.
It can change lives.
Always for the better.

July 19: Two Gifts for 2 Readers!

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Elisa Choi

*****************************Giveaway Closed*************************

I have to apologized today for not sharing any painting as I am very busy with my class and my wrists are hurting easily these days. Right now I have to somehow ignore the numbing while I type. I think I have to spent 2 days off the computer.

I joined this mail art exchange hosted by the lovely Kissinia Rom from Ireland. She sent me a package today containing a decorated envelope with 3 small envelopes inside. What I need to do is to decorate the 3 envelopes and perhaps put something inside and send one back to her (the one with the mailing address already). The other 2 envelopes I can send it to anyone.

So…. I decided that I want to send the 2 envelopes to 2 special readers! My birthday was last July 16 and this is a way for me to thank you my dear readers (PPF Artists and non PPF alike (lol)) for all the support and love that you have given to me. Are you guys excited already? Because I am! :]

What you will receive if you win:
1. I will email the 2 winners what you will like me to draw or paint for you. This can be for you or for someone special.
2. Along with that I will put something extra special which is a secret for now.

To take part simply do the ff:

1. Share with us the one great lesson or inspiration you have learned in life. Please leave a comment below. We love to learn from one another.
2. Like my Facebook Page Harmony Thoughts and leave some love! Any message is greatly appreciated.

Deadline: July 27, 2012

I will draw 2 winners via random.org and announce it on July 28, 2012. Two packages await you.

God bless everyone!

* * *
PS* The talented Kate Mericks is hosting a giveaway and it will end on July 20, 2012. One winner can choose any print from her Etsy Shop. So much generosity in the web. Come join now! :]

Paint Party Friday!

July 16: Renewed

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Elisa Choi

Today seems to feel like any ordinary day.
The bright sun. The hot humid weather. The tiring commute to class.
The interesting lessons and the challenging assignments.
The way back to home. The simple mundane things.

But today is another year added to your life.
Today is a blessing of a new hope.
Today when you wake up to the sound of your alarm.
Your heart pounding at 26. Or 62.

Your heart in a blissful surrender to what life has to offer.
Your heart in contentment to the few people who remembered this day.
But even if they didn’t it doesn’t mean they don’t care.
You know in your heart who matters in your life. They’re My gift to you.

You spend this day alone in solitude.
Within your heart.
And you don’t need to be perfect. Or to refine yourself to be better. Or to chase after the wind.
You are simply enough for Me.

You just need to always remember that.

Happy birthday to you, Dear Elisa.

Love Always,
God

Do what you love. Love what you do.

Category Archives: Photography from the Heart