Saturday, March 25, 2017

A Sunny Day In Sesame Street

Saturday Stories
March 25, 2017


When you get to Sesame Street, you'll see Bird Bird's yard on your right. This is the one with the large gate so nobody can see the teleport elephant Mr. Snuffleupagus.

As you go further, you'll pass the brownstone apartment of Gordon and Susan. On the steps you'll see where Oscar The Grouch lives.

Stroll up and you'll arrive at Mr. Hooper's store. He's nice, but you should always say his name right. Next door is Bob's fix-it shop.

I now think of a stroll down Sesame Street, like in any other road, as a metaphor.

A person sets a goal of going to Mr. Hooper's. But, when he's still in front of Oscar's can, he feels bad about himself because he's not where he wants to be.

But where he is at any moment is alright. Every place he has been is a part of his journey, and his entire life is one big magical mystery tour. He only needs to chill and enjoy the ride.

~ The Huggybear Diaries, March 24, 2017

Photo courtesy of Muppet.wikia.com
  

Saturday, March 18, 2017

The Many Miracles In My Life

Saturday Stories
March 18, 2017


I once found a book...or rather, it found me...It is a collection of inspirational writings compiled by Norman Vincent Peale. I still remember the title: Treasury of Courage and Confidence.

One of the precious gems I got is this life-changing anonymous quote: "Don't pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks..."

There are times, in the past, when I felt like I'm being stretched thin because of the many expectations from other people. I've learned early in life to be independent and to assume responsibility for my actions.

In other words, I never hide behind excuses and blame if my decisions did not turn out the way I thought it would.

I have also come to the realization that my life is, first and foremost, my own, and my responsibility to myself, to my own personal sense of identity, is no less important that my role as I interact with my fellow actors in the stage play of life.

I learned that I cannot give what I don't have, so if I want to express love...and trust and respect and forgiveness...I have to find it within myself first. And I have, all of them and more, and that is one of the greatest miracles in my life.

I had found myself in many crossroads, facing the choice of heading towards hope for my fellowmen, or surrendering to the temptation of losing my faith in humanity. I have always chosen the road to redemption, "the one less travelled by," in the immortal words of Robert Frost, "and that has made all the difference..."

~ The Huggybear Diaries, March 5, 2017

Photo courtesy of LifeOptimizer.org

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

My Favorite Songs From Astrud Gilberto

Wednesday Songs
March 15, 2017


A Certain Sadness


Mas Que Nada


Girl From Ipanema 


Photo courtesy of ProStudioMasters.com

My Favorite Songs From Dionne Warwick

Wednesdays Songs
March 15, 2017

I'll Never Love This Way Again


It's You


What The World Needs Now Is Love


That's What Friends Are For
with Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and Elton John 


Friends In Love
with Johnny Mathis


Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org

Saturday, March 11, 2017

My Heart and Soul

Saturday Stories
March 11, 2017


I have the deepest and the most profound reverence for other people's faith, even if I cannot call myself a religious person.

My idea of God is pure, unconditional Love. In the highest sense, Love created all of us and the entire universe. Love binds us to our Source and to each other.

Our true nature, above any creed, is Love.

~ The Huggybear Diaries, March 7, 2017

Photo courtesy of ChristChurchColumbia.org

Wednesday, March 08, 2017

My Favorite Songs From Andrea Bocelli

Wednesday Songs
March 8, 2017

Amazing Grace


La Vie En Rose


Con Te Partiro


The Lord's Prayer


The Prayer
with Celine Dion



Photo courtesy of AndreaBocelli.com

Saturday, March 04, 2017

How Movies Can Change A Life

Saturday Stories
March 4, 2017
How Movies Can Change A Life
By Jonathan Aquino

There are so many movies that shaped my life and made me the kind of person I am, and for them, and for so many other things, I feel grateful.

But if there are two movies I would want everybody to watch, it would be Peaceful Warrior, with Nick Nolte, based on the memoir by Dan Millman; and The Shift: From Ambition To Meaning, with Wayne Dyer, who had transformed my life in so many ways.

~ February 27, 2017, Facebook Letter To Tony Robbins

The Peaceful Warrior
Trailer


The Shift
Trailer


The Peaceful Warrior
Full Movie


The Shift
Full Movie



Photo courtesy of LightWorkersWorld.com

Wednesday, March 01, 2017

My Favorite Songs From Dr. Hook

Wednesday Songs 
March 1, 2017

Sharing The Night Together


All the Time In The World


When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman


Sexy Eyes


Photo courtesy of Design-is-fine.org