Sympathy or Empathy?

   To sympathize is to feel another persons pain while empathy on the other hand is to understand one's pain. Two different words with almost the same meaning.Though, what should one feel towards the Trojan war? Sympathy or empathy?
  I personally feel empathy for them.For both sides actually. Both sides had something to fight for and that something is precious to them. The fall of Troy brought grief to many yet on the other hand we could see the Greeks suffering too yet they made a way and stood back on their feet. While the Trojan's had a lot of time to catch up. And why wouldn't I say sympathy? Because such strong emotion is not needed to be poured down. Both had something in common and that's anger and revenge. Something that makes me not want to sympathized them but we're all humans and commit mistakes. But even so there's nothing a calm and clean conversation can't do.
  Losing something can make anyone do reckless things that some day they'd regret. Some people would take this very serious and take revenge. Revenge can't always be the answer to every problem, some people just have to take it in positively and let go of the things that they know would bring them somewhere far away from happiness.

To Win is to Lose

   Life will always be there to give you those circumstances in life that just makes you wanna give up everything. And in every man's success there's always that hidden failure in it. Some may know and some may not. Others don't take it as a failure and just ignore it. 
  Like Aeneas, we all now that he had won almost every battle he had fought and in the end claimed his prize. With pride and satisfaction that he had reached the destined place for him and his comrades. This really sums up the whole theme of Aeneas' travel. Though behind his great success comes a tragic consequence. He saw it coming. He knew that someday his most cherished wife shall be parted from him and forever be gone in the pits of loneliness. Aeneas also lost the trust of Dido who died in a suicide and cursed Aeneas. These were one of the terrible incidents that had happened throughout Aeneas' journey and he stood remarkable.
   Even though Aeneas has underwent through a lot of misfortune there were also some instances that gave him strength. Like the death of his father. This obstacles in his life didn't just gave him stress it gave him something to fight for. And because of this he gained his prize.

Decisions to Make, Concenquences to Take

     Life truly is full of its ups and downs. When one makes a certain decision it could be for the good or for the worse. There are several things to consider for one decision to be made. There are also these hindrances that everyone comes across with. And one of these are love and responsibility. It has always been and always will be. 
    One of the characters mentioned in Illiad and Aeneid were Aeneas and his wife Creusa and Hector and his wife Andromache . These characters were one of the highlights of the said novels. They were also the one who had to deal with such consequences. It was either one persons life or a million deaths.
   Aeneas was a brave man of Troy. He was tough and a very responsible guy that many knew. Though in his journey he had to choose. To lose his most beloved wife or to continue what has been destined for him. Being an understandable wife Creusa was left aside and let Aeneas continue his journey.  On the other hand Hector was about to go in a battle which meant life or death. This made Andromache pretty worried making her plead. She begged for him to not continue this but Hector had a responsibility to do. This responsibility was something that a man should make up. He must man up himself and set aside what's becoming an obstruction to him. And so he did.
   Responsibility takes a lot of effort, time and patience. Let's not forget that sometimes sacrificing something or someone is also essential for one thing to be done. The truth hurts but we just have to stay strong and just accept what destiny and fate has brought us.

Guitar!

On December 19, 2012 at around 11 pm in the evening where in America it is 7 am Louise; my friend, asked for my help through skype. Troubled on how she could reach the other frets with her pinkie.

"Good Morning. Watcha’ doin’?" I asked.

"Good Evening...trying to learn on how to

play this guitar of mine." Louise replied.

"Want me to teach you?" I suggested.

"YES PLEASE!” Louise exclaimed.

" So... What part is hard for you?" I

asked.

“My pinkie’s too short to reach this part of the fret board.." Louise growled.

“You should stretch your fingers by pushing it against the guitars’ neck.” Said I.

“Okay. Thanks. I gotta go. Mum’s calling me to help in cooking.” Louise said. Changing her tone 

from cheery to gloomy.

Surreptitious Meanings

The ever so famous Mona Lisa has once again intrigued our minds. Everyone questioned - "Who is Mona Lisa?". What makes her so unique? So precious? and so expensive? What secret does it try to hide? All of these are now answered and compiled and is to be remembered. But what are those?

The smile. One of the most peculiar one's they've encountered. Saying that it showed six different emotions. The face itself, that somewhat reflects the image of the painter himself. Other researches have also mentioned that Mona Lisa and Leonardo had a special rapport. After several years; close to present, researchers have concluded that Mona Lisa had an ailment that made her smile seemed to look different. Her right side of the body was somewhat paralyzed.While with the paintings worth? It is no doubt worth tons of money. After getting stolen and all the other things that happened to it. It is a very lucky painting, since till this very day it is still in one piece.

Mona Lisa. Known to be one of the best paintings to be created by mankind. Not only because it is created by a known artist but also because it tells different stories. Stories that we could relate to our past.

Young Vincent and I

How would it feel to be toured or just to end the day with a historical person that you admire? If not admire, someone who you think you should know more?

Flashing back to the past, in the 19th century is where I met a young Vincent Willem Van Gogh. A thirteen year old lad in the town of Zundert in Netherlands is currently playing with paints on the sidewalk. Curious. I watched him until he felt paranoid and turned his back to me. Questioning glares were thrown back to me. He looked at me in a distinctive way.

"Have I done something to catch your attention? Or is it just that you think that I'm a queer boy or sort of bizarre kid?" A cold tone was what I heard from him.

"No not at all." I gave him a friendly smile. "In fact I find your work somewhat ravishing. Unique."

   He finally met my eyes and his eyes somewhat brightened. 

"What lives in art and is eternally living, is first of all the painter, and then the painting." Surprised I am. A 13 year-old lad speaking such ingenious quotes as if I were like talking to an elderly.

  He left me speechless for words. I then shifted my daze to his work which seemed like a doodle and not an actual work.

"It's nice." Was all I could think of saying to him. It's someone's point-of-view overlooking at the city at night and seeing the bright stars and the moon in a cool and breezy looking night.

"Starry, Starry Night" I murmured.

"That's a nice title. I could use that." Vincent stood beside me. "Say. Would you want a tour?" The young lad that seemed to be older than me because of his actions suggested he'd tour me around.

We started walking. 

"Where's your place?" I curiously asked.

"Our house is at Main Street, Markt 29." Not being familiar with Netherlands (especially in the 19th century) i just nodded.

We reached our destination. I stumbled upon two buildings.

"This is our house over here." He walks to were the door is.

"What about that tall red building over there? Is it another house of yours?" I persistently asked.

"Van Gogh's church." He blankly said.

"Vincent, brought a friend?" A somewhat older looking Vincent stood in front of us.

"Theo, this is..."

"Kim" I smiled. "Nice meeting you."

"And she's no friend. I just met her a while ago at Breda." Breda? Perhaps it's the place where I saw him.

"But my dear brother, it is unusual for you to be talking to strangers. Is it not." His brother Theo seems to be nice.

Vincent pauses. It made him think of what his brother just said.

"I guess...you're right."

We head to his room where paintings are placed everywhere. I noticed that most of them expressed too much emotion. Such opaque colours were used.

"Sad." Vincent started. "All my paintings depicts my feelings. When I feel such pain throbbing my heart I always pick a brush and just paint my heart out."

The day ended with Vincent and I talking about his paintings. One-by-one. I didn't got bored since art is art and I love art. What bothered me was the way he makes his paintings. Full of agonizing stories. It seems like he has made a future for himself since he tends to isolate his self from the others unconsciously. What if I was his friend? What would happen to the so called Aloof and Queer child of the Van Gogh family. 

What I've noticed. Most of us; yes including me, artists find it hard to express ourselves through words. Instead we take a pencil or a brush and start making something. I guess, I just feel like I can explain things more through what my mind sees. There's just something words can't completely adhere. Just like what Einstein said - "Imagination is more important than Knowledge."

10 Silhouettes of Violations

     We have our own dark secrets. And some of these are the violations we have committed. Admit it or not we all have done something unnecessary to society. At some times these traits of ours depict something in us that sometimes even we; ourselves, can't explain. 

    Silhouettes. It is defined as 'shadowed contour' or just simply as a shadow. A shadow appears when there is light and grows as the light moves in a different angle. The shadow is that gloomy feeling that anyone can feel. The light is that confident and zeal part of someone. But in every success tells a different story.

    The Valley of Violation. Filled with violations that I have committed. A summarization of what I believe I have done in the past 15 years of my entire existence. Many would question this violations. Especially the last part;because even I - myself, am not sure of it but I feel it.

    Cheating. First part of the valley. This is where mortals feel a 100% guilt in themselves. Cheating is a usual trait in every student. Guarded by the so called 'Judiciousness'.  Covered with dark clothes (still signifying the shadow) and eyes that seemed to follow you wherever you go, even without them moving it. They stand on top of the what seems to be a broken stone bridge. Two of them at the two ends guarding anyone who wishes to escape while the other is on top - making the overview. Anyone who passes the boundaries shall feel that burnt in their eyes even if there is really no fire is set to it.

   Tardiness. Moves and reacts slowly. I feel such tardiness in the way I think. And I believe that it is something not worth having. This part of the valley is guarded by a tall bulky man with horns as long as a bulls'. A friend of the Minotaur's. The mortals are to 'run' endlessly in the steep stairs. If one were to stop he'd feel the horns attack him at the back.

   Clutter. To be placed in one of the hollow holes. Filled with all the mess that you made ever since you lived. And is to be cleaned by that same person. There are no guards since it is too deep that only wall climbing creatures can come out.

   Carelessness. They are to walk endlessly on the string like path. They must not be 'careless for they might fall and repeat. None has so far succeeded. No guards are assigned, since it is not needed.

  Offensive Words. Speaking or telling things direct or indirectly offensive. With closed mouths they are to be trapped in the skulls. With small space they are sure to feel that 'I-don't-want' feeling. Hands are tied together to make sure that none shall hurt each other verbally nor physically.

   Lost of Confidence. No such punishment is placed since it is not their fault for being pushed down but for not trying, they are to stand individually at each post in the valley for everyone to see them.

   Slight Lose of Hope. The ground is shaking like there's a earthquake with a magnitude of 10. If one loses hope in living their feet are forced to walk off and let themselves fall in a what feels like eternity but is really just a split second then they will quickly go back.

   The eight path is Sadness. It has three barriers namely:

• Seclusion - when one has felt too much miserableness they seclude themselves from everyone. Not wanting to make 'contact'.
• Apathetic - losing of interest on anything or even anyone. And slowly has the feeling of dying since they have that thought that their lifeless.
• Neglect - losses all the caring towards others; even oneself. 

   Forlorn. Sad, miserable, dejected, despondent, unhappy, hopeless, desperate. All those combined.
   Lastly is the Minor Sanity. Trapped in a dark empty room. Away from anything and anyone. Sadness overfills the mortal that makes one want to feel insane. Feels all that miserable thing and wanting to hurt oneself and shall not hesitate to if he sees any sharp object. Though having a minor sanity, one still has that hesitation in suiciding since he is still in the right thinking.

   10 violations that I myself have experienced. And from one to be free of all of these struggles is to find that light that will and can guide us to a straighter, much brighter path.

   
    

Imagination - Our Limitation

Dear Nikk,

     Days have passed and it becomes more vague whenever I don't think of you. It's as if - my life was incomplete; like what others say. The rain might pass but it won't erase my memories of you. The sun may shine but I'm sure your smiles shine brighter. I love you for who you are and there's nothing more to it. Whatever promises you make I'll believe because for us nothing's impossible. If you wanted to give me the stars, you'll light up some paper lamps for me. If you wanted to give me nature you'll make a garden for me. There's always possibilities to all of your promises and wishes for me. Though my only wish right now is that you promise me that'll you'll never ever leave my side and I'll never leave yours. Everyday and every night we'll both be looking at the great big sky and I pray that someday I'll be waking up with you in your arms and grow old with you. We might have misunderstandings but you'll always be there by my side. 

But what I would really want is for you to come real. Flesh. Not just a figment of my imagination. To be able to feel such warmness in those wide arms of yours and to be able to hear your voice, that would surely complete the day. Your glimmering eyes that makes me stare and your glistening smile that lights up my world. 

Because all I ever wanted was a lad like you. Someone who'd stand out not because of he's flawless looks nor his outstanding skills but because he has a pure heart that'll be able to melt mine. A heart so pure, so kind and so fragile yet sympathetic. A lad who knows how to treat a lass fairly and pleasantly.

There's nothing more to say nor to tell. We are quite aware of who we are and what we're capable of. We trust and love each other and that's all there's to it.

Lovingly yours,

Kim <3

*if only you were real

My Teacher, My Hero

    All throughout our years, we've encountered several people. One of these persons are our teachers. They've been with us every year and every year new sets of teachers are being shown to us. But for me they're not just teachers because within that one year I have felt what this one teacher really means to me. It's  something that I've never felt from any teacher before, because since kinder I've been treated differently but last year was something different.

  Ma'am Elain for me is an adviser, a friend, a second mum and a comforter. To be honest on the first day of stepping into that second floor, which was the second years place made me think. How's our adviser going to be? Since, like last year I didn't really feel the student-adviser bond that much since our adviser's always too busy. I thought that this year I would like to impress our adviser but of course in a good way. I wanted to do such an act because I love the sight of teachers having their trust on me. For me, knowing that a certain teacher has given their faith and already has good expectations on you makes me really happy. But of course with all the impressing and all. I don't really intend to be like a teachers pet because I wouldn't really like to be called sip-sip or anything, though I know those kind of situations or thoughts from other students can't be help.

   Like how I would usually act, I take on responsibilities none of my classmates might take. That's how I normally perform in class. Like this third year, especially in subjects I could easily understand like English. My classmates keep on raising their hands whenever they feel like it but whenever a question pops out and only a few knows like one or two students I never hesitate to raise my hand and answer. So in that year I was like the assistant of the vice president, if  I were to rank myself; even though I'm only an auditor and I don't do much (because i don't really know how an auditor works).

   The first semester was fine and I had fun but then on the second semester; which was also at the end of fourth grading, something changed in the room. That change made me break into tears, some might say it was because I was caught doing this but it wasn't, there was a deeper meaning to it. Ma'am talked to the class about it, I just cried (just thinking of it now still makes me want to cry) there and didn't really say anything. I wouldn't say I was in the good side or bad side but all I can say is that it's life and life's full of circumstances and stuff.

   During those times, even though ma'am didn't actually spoke to me directly I knew that she was concern. Though it's not only because of that incident why I chose her. There are many times that I get along with her and I saw a bond and not just a mere teacher-student. Everything that happened last year was like a kaleidoscopic burst of emotions but in total it was fine. At least that year I have met a teacher that treated me differently and kept the class together.

  If I were to choose another teacher to place here I would but love to but we we're only allowed to place one. Though I'd like to thank all of my teachers for being here for us throughout the year and the pasts years. And to all of our advisers who had patience in guiding us.

To Be or Not To Be?

                                >disclaimer<

To be or not to be? That is the question

Whether your heart is troubled

Or full of ecstasy I'll never know

But I presume it's also full of sorrows

I believe so

To be or not to be? That is the question

It's the thought that confuses the mind

It's the doubt that you feel

That labyrinth in your head

That conscience telling you things you should or shouldn't 

To be or not be? A question getting too cliche

Are you really you or are you not?

Do you detest or praise thyself?

Whatever it is in your mind

Never forget to choose whats right.