I know, I have met you just a few days ago but already you have won a big place in my heart. I don’t know of enough words to describe the lovely and cheerful personality you have. You certainly are really sweet and lovely and amazing! I am really happy that I had found your lovely, warm place. You are a warrior, and a protector indeed.
So Will I. The song that changed my heart forever. That song was Heaven-sent that year when life threw a bomb my way.
It was then that I was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy. I nearly exploded! I could hardly believe it, but I had to face it. I hated it, but I had to befriend the journey it would take me through. I questioned it, but I found my answers through deep introspection. I cried buckets (no, rivers!), but I smiled victoriously too. I was saddled with emotions, but I was emancipated with surrender. Not the defeated kind, mind you. But the surrender that embraces strength. The total faith-in-God kind of surrender.
And as I continue this journey with love in my heart, I share this song with you. In hopes that you will find your miracle too! ❤️
Mmmmmmmm. Rich chocolate biscuits. Ahhhhhhhhhh. I just love!
When my
brother, Chef Carlo Batucan, flew home from Australia for a brief R&R
break, he brought me some yummy goodies. Well, he always does. That’s
automatic. Major thoughtfulness? That’s his department. He consistently spoils our family and
lavishes us with all the love, love, love. He is simply the most amazing
brother who ever walked the face of the earth!
Anyway,
back to my story …..
He asked me to taste two brands of rich chocolate biscuits: Arnott’s and Milka. Actually, I’ve already tasted a lot of their products in the past. In fact, I’ve tasted so many other delectable brands all over the world as well. It’s just that this time, we wanted to play a “Which Tastes Better Game” (The Battle of the Biscuits) with our family. Part of our fun bonding and chilling when we enjoyed our sumptuous dinner and dessert date.
Both
Arnott’s and Milka made me smile that night. And yet, the winner for me was
Arnott’s. That was
the major player that evening. And NOT to my surprise, my mom and sister took a
liking to that brand too. Result? Three happy, gorgeous smiles ….. from my mom,
my sister, and me. The Arnott’s brand promise of “There is no substitute” was
delivered excellently …. and swiftly …. to our happy, satisfied tummies. You got
the picture. The yummy pack was literally wiped out. It made a perfect pairing with our cappuccino,
macchiato, and café au lait. We needed no coffee sommelier to arrive at that
decision.
By the
time I got home, I worked on a project and wanted a quick bite of yumminess
before I went to bed. Mind you, that isn’t my nightly drill, though. (Am I
sounding guilty already? Haha!) I do attempt to avoid extra sugars on a normal
day.
I checked
my huge loot bag of goodies …. and the only brand left was the less popular
player that evening, Milka. Duh. That’s okay. Totally cool, I thought to
myself. Rich chocolate biscuit …. still it is.
To my
amazement, the more I bit into the Milka goodness, the more I rolled and
swirled the chocolate flavor in my mouth, the yummier it actually tasted. Really! The flavors, which had
earlier hidden that evening in the presence of “competition”, now grabbed my
attention. Being the “sole performer” for me at home, Milka definitely took
centerstage. With a thunderous applause from my happy tummy and grateful heart.
Yes, I savor rich chocolate biscuits with a lot of heart too. Especially when
my brother spoils me with them.
It dawned
upon me then that in life, options are powerful gifts indeed. They allow
us flexibility, freedom of choice, and multiple roads for greater possibilities.
However,
a deeper realization that evening was that in life,when you are focused
on what you presently have, it becomes an even more potent gift. Being in
the moment crystallizes your current situation and blessings. It deepens your respect
for and understanding of what lies before your very eyes. It increases your love
and appreciation for what you hold in your hands.
This
reminds me of my personal mantra for happiness:
Stay grateful for WHAT you have and WHO you have in life. All of
them. Celebrate them!
The next
day, I called my brother before he flew back to Australia. I thanked him for our
awesome bonding, all the yummy treats, and most importantly, the delicious
insights I gained from our “Which Tastes Better Game” (The Battle of the
Biscuits).
He asked me if I wanted a truckload of Milka when he visited me again. Trust me, he’s capable of that. I sheepishly said. “Aww thanks, but you don’t have to …..” He smiled and said, “I know, but I really want to…..” So, I candidly blurted out, “Well, let’s give the other rich chocolate biscuits a chance….there are millions out there. Let’s test the other brands too.”
And so, the battle goes on! And I ain’t complaining! Haha! ❤️
3 Cheers for coffee, rich chocolate biscuits, and happy tummies! ☕️☕️☕️
IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVE 