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| LETTERS TO KARA |
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Who is Kara?
Kara is my journal of 14 years, named after the heroine of Scott O' Dell's book, the Island of the Blue Dolphins. In 1998, parts of my journal were published in my first book, Kara: Letters and Stories. Four years ago, Kara, which also means face in Filipino was published online here.The journal, like my life, is undergoing change. This is only a continuum. |
| Just Yesterday |
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| Long Long Ago |
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| Inspiration |
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| Desperation |
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| Kindred Spirits |
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| Gratitude |
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Text and photos by Shelley Jo Rojas Saracin, unless otherwise specified.
The reader may lift poems, essays, or quotes (in part on whole) from this journal for personal use,
provided that he or she give due credit to the author whenever and wherever said text may be used. |
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| 24 November 2006 |
| Meditations Fresh from a Run |
Dear Kara,
I just came from an exhilirating run. No, not the type that I usually prepare for, complete with a towel, running pants, a sweatshirt, and running shoes, but the type that just comes out of nowhere, while you are traipsing down the Ayala avenue on your way to work, and although you care not if you're going to be late, you decide to make a run, feeling your cushy Adidas beneath your feet, lugging along your work-tote through underground walkways, and speeding along past the rest of the Makati working class in your seriously black workpants! That's the kind of run I just came from!
I arrived in the office, red, sweaty, and perspiring, but I felt G-O-O-D! Really good! There is such a thrill in running, and frankly, for most "girls", the thrill begins to wane at the onset of puberty. At that age, we "ladies" tend to forget that our leg muscles enjoy the flexing and pumping of blood that comes from a good, breathtaking run. Thankfully, I regained my "thrill" just over a year ago, when I was re-introduced to the the exhilirating, re-energizing world of running.
No, I'm not a professional runner. Neither am I svelte, sleek, and muscularly athletic. I am big-boned and curvy, but my muscles are slightly defined due to some time spent in the gym, and I am fairly fit, but NOT an Olypic runner. I say this lest you think that running is only for those who are physically conditioned to run. All men (and women) are built to run.
Our bodies are built to walk and to run, and I believe that over the course of a few thousands of years, because of the onset of grandiose transporation modes, man has become alien to walking and running, settling instead on the cheap energetic rush that gyms and organized sports allow us. How sad.
That is why I am happy to note that I just came from a run. The thrill of wind going through my lungs (never mnd the fact that Makati is not necessarily a clean-air space), the sight of wide open running space, and the rush of blood going through my entire body just brings me back to what my 25-year-old mind would say is the most primary of instincts: freedom.
If ever you get to experience the feeling that i'm feeling just about now, do drop me a note. I would be happy to compare notes with a fellow compulsive-runner. ;)Labels: fitness, me, musings, running |
posted by shing @ 9:24 AM  |
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| 21 November 2006 |
| Rompopo |
 Dear Kara,
Last night, I made rompopo. What made me finally try the recipe? I do not know. Maybe it's the onset of the Christmas season, maybe it's just a bit of sentimentality on my side.
Fact is, I wanted to make it, and to finally, after more than a year, try the drink that was so famed by someone so dear.
And make it I did.
I arrived home alone, and decided that it was the best time to try a new recipe.
It was simple and easy, actually. Just some beating of eggs, pouring of milk, some cinnamon and a lot of excited re-checking of the recipe. When I believed that my drink was made, I tried it while it was warm and fresh from the stovetop. The drink was smooth, creamy, and sweet, with a little kick that somehow reminded me of bailey's Irish cream, only sweeter and creamier...and oh-so-cinnamon spicy. I reallly liked it! Minutes later, when the whole family arrived, they were delighted to find a pitcher of what seemed like warm milk on the table. I warned them the drink was for tomorrow, then allowed the drink to completely cool in the ref, on its own.
Today, I found myself laughing at my mom, who, in her curiosity, sent me a text message saying, "I drank a glass of your alcoholic drink (rompopo); now I feel dizzy." I called her and laughed, saying that it was her DLDL (dalok-dalok, an Ilonggo term which means "biting off more than she can chew") that caused her that dizzyness. I also told her the recipe was reminiscent of a friend. I TOLD them not to touch the drink until tonight! :) But all is well. I look forward to tasting cold rompopo tonight, and well, I think it may well be on its way to becoming the family's favorite drink this side of the world.
Cheers!Labels: recipes |
| posted by shing @ 1:44 PM |
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