Originally posted on BUTTERFLY IN THE SPRING:
We take the boat ride to Sabtang Island. The boat swings left to right towards the end of our half hour trip but Kuya Art says these are baby waves. The people of Batanes are used to Big Mama waves. Boat Ride to Sabtang Island We arrive at…
Author: Karen E. Young
Sharing the journey of fumbling my way to pleasing Jesus as His follower, as a wife, mother, businesswoman/ entrepreneur, cook/baker, employer, writer, occasional singer, lifelong learner, and aspiring dancer.
“I Killed Jesus”
“I Killed Jesus by Christina Mead While I read the story of Christ’s passion and death in the gospel of Matthew, I was looking for myself in the story. Which character am I? What is God trying to teach me? Well…. I think that I am every character in the story of the passion and…
On Gardens and Good Friday
Gardens are one of the most refreshing places to visit with God’s unrivaled living art and science in the form of flowers in nature…specially during Hanami (Cherry Blossom) season! From one spot alone at Ueno Park on a timely Hanami Season visit:In capturing the scene of this grand symphony of beauty, there is only one…
Hanami 2018 Tokyo and Osaka
Hanami is the long-held Japanese tradition of celebrating the arrival of Cherry Blossoms and with it, spring, while appreciating the temporal, transient nature of flowers. This week, I was blessed to be in Japan for the fleeting 2018 season. Ueno Park in Tokyo was all set for Hanami even early in the morning, with the path…
Mundane Is Sacred
Torii, the traditional Japanese gate usually found at entrances of Shinto shrines, marks the transition from the mundane to sacred. In contrast, for the follower of Jesus Christ, even the mundane can be sacred. Steven Curtis Chapman put into song 1 Cor 10:31 (whatever you do, do it for the glory of God) and Rom…
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in 4 1/2 Hours
If you want a taste of Philippine history, culture, architecture, art craftsmanship, music, food where sun, sea, and mountains meet, you must visit Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, an outdoor Philippine heritage museum. Its name translates to “The Philippine Houses of Acuzar” developed by architect and “construction magnate,” Jose “Jerry” Acuzar. It is a collection…
The Girl With A Pearl Earring
At Racuj a Payaman when the clouds covered the sun, the wind was so strong, it almost seemed like you could remain standing if you just leaned on it. After taking souvenir photos as we froze on the mountain, two other groups of local tourists arrived. One lady seemed to be looking for someone as…
The Lost Coat
I was looking for a coat to pack when Manang casually told me that I left my Yeti coat abroad. It came in handy for the negative 2 degree Celsius winter weather in Canada when I visited the young’uns but I am sure I didn’t leave it abroad. Except how come it’s not here? I…
Cool Jewel: Kuh Ledesma
The first time I saw Kuh Ledesma sing “Ako Ay Pilipino,” her commanding presence and rich silky voice declaring pride in being a Filipino etched a vision of a regal, dignified, strong Filipina worth looking up to. Over three decades hence, Maria Socorro Ledesma, as fit and fabulous as ever, continues to grow in grace and beauty…
Stuffed Pasta Shells, Chocolate Chip Cookie Bake and Music Day
When these lovely kids’ lovely mom had to take care of business, I had the joy of cooking with J, KS, and KT. On our menu: Stuffed Pasta Shells and Chocolate Chip Cookies. For the stuffed pasta shells, you can substitute with canneloni or any pasta that can be filled. Sauce Ingredients: ¼ c. olive…
BUTTERFLY IN THE SPRING 