The owl and the booboo went to sea

"Never close your lips to those whom you have opened your heart." - Charles Dickens

What is Charles the Dickens doing in this space when his Christmas Carol now belongs to Christmas just past? Ralph Fiennes plays Dickens in the film The Invisible Woman that tells about his affair with Claire Tomalin, the woman referred to in the title. I'm not gonna get that movie past me even if it doesn't reach local screens. Thank you, Torrentz, and thank you, Kimi, for knowing at one point when a new flick is "downloadable." Hurray for Net-savvy kids!

What the Dickens is the opening quote for? It's for the lil person who's not so little in her sage pronouncements and who I allowed into my heart when the announcement of her coming was made. What has happened since is I can't close my lips anymore -- I'm singing to her, scolding her, feeding her, sitting her on the toilet with instructions to "Hold Booboo!" or listening to her when I'm rendered speechless.

Here's to you, little owl!

The Butones wearing her owl cap one morning Photo by her Booboo

Happiness: Where children have an expertise in

Magic Moments
"It is the art of living, the purpose of our existence. Happiness is the true index of quality of life. Without happiness, life is dry and meaningless. With happiness, life immediately becomes fulfilling and wonderful. Happiness is an infectious feeling that immediately lifts the sagging spirits of people. Happy people keep themselves happy because they know the little ways to appreciate themselves and to see the humour and magic in each moment."--Image and quote from www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk

At about the time I received the quotation and image in my inbox with a message from a friend, I also found the latest photos of these dearly beloved girls who have taught me lots about how happiness doesn't just happen and that it shouldn't be deliriously or logically sought out and fought for. Happiness is a decision.

Thanks for the lessons, girls.

Quadruple cuddles

Tita Ida and niece Kai/Butones eyeball one another through Skype.

Wearing the Philippine colors, Butones goes through the Olympics elimination round for floor gymnastics category.

A purple dinosaur that serves as dream catcher of giggles and songs

 All photos, except for the red kite, by Kimi Fernandez