Mo Ghile Mear

A little update on my Arts.I've been blessed with the increase of commissioned artworks for the past few months.
Here is one of them.

I titled it Mo Ghile Mear meaning Gallant Darling in Irish. I was listening to Celtic Woman's version while painting and was totally inspired by the music, lyrics and free spirits of the rhythm which is what I wanted to portray in this particular piece. (The original version of the song seems to have different lyrics).

I am honoured to have been asked by a client who is currently staying in Ireland to paint this for her relative who just lost a sibling. I'm posting it later today to UK where they are residing.

Mo Ghile Mear
Acrylic on Canvas
by Angelina Bong

Here is my message to the receiver

Your brother was always cheerful 
and caring, like warm colours surrounding 
you. As he passed to another world, solemn 
colours emerged in blueish hues, realms of 
sadness and loss but still balmingly blue as his 
presence had always made things more 
beautiful. 

He is like a butterfly now, his spirit is free 
in a happier place. The truth is, he never really 
left, he is up there and around, watching over
you and everyone he loves. His little dots of love
 fly around as he leaves behind his legacy. His 
soul and spirit is very much alive, moving around 
like the wind blowing in the painting.


p/s: I recommend looking at this painting accompanied by 'Mo Ghile Mear' sung by Celtic Woman.Here's the youtube video of them live:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcCVjiKfDk8

There are so many Fibromites

Wow...Today I realise that there are so many of us Fibro people out there.

I shared my poem 'I wish to Help' published on Image Curve website with Fibromyalgia Awareness facebook page and they posted it on their website. The link is here:

http://fibrotoday.com/fibromyalgia-poem-i-wish-to-help/

Fibromyalgia Awareness FB page shared the link on their website and within 6 hours, there were 439 shares, 36 comments and 784 people who like it. It makes me cry to know that there are so many people going through Fibro pain and challenges, some on a mild level and some in chronic pain. I am not so alone after all.

I didn't think that so many people could relate to my poem but I was wrong. Since I was diagnosed in 2012, I was often hiding and only recently, I could openly share online that I am a Fibromyalgia patient. However, I am so much better now. Faith, poetry and arts kept me going through my toughest days. Poetry and arts give me a channel to express my pain and turned my pain into something good, at the same time sometimes distract me from pain and depression.

My dear Fibro friends,
If there is something that makes you happy, do it and you will find strength to go through your pain. When it is just too much, take a break and rest. I have to keep reminding myself that although guilt of time wasted drives me up the wall sometimes.

You can get through this.

Xoxo

A Letter to the Belgium Woman who wishes to die

Dear Laura,

I do not know you nor do I know how you look like but my heart breaks at your decision to end your life.

Depression is real but so is your life that is precious beyond words. God loves you so much to place you in this world. You are not an accident but a work of art, a masterpiece.

I cannot give you solutions to end your misery in this life but if you believe, there is beauty in pain. I see them in mine and they worth so much more than a life with no pain.

Here's a poem for you.

If I am a nightingale,

I will sing to the moon and back,

Like in a fairytale, melt the darkest shades

of bitterness

If I am a sunflower,

I will beam and hover over

your coldest nights, a beacon

in your fights

If I am a bee

I will sting you, a reminder

that you are never alone, I am

near you

If I am a marula tree,

I will let you hide under

my gigantic leaves, far

from warfare

If I am a float,

I will let you rest on me,

bobbing on the sea, wash your

tears away

If I am a fortress,

I will shield you from storms,

depression and distressing

fumes

If I am a needle,

I will weave and mend

your broken heart, my golden

pricks set you free

Alas, I am only

human, as real as you,

even if you do not hear or see

me, my heart is yours

My only wish, spring

will dance soon, sweeps

away winter, your woes

come to wither

My shoulders are small,

but ready for your tears,

my heartbeats hug

you in pain

Perhaps then

I can see a smile

Even if for a while

Not on your face

Within you.

We may never meet but if this poem can send a virtual hug, I hope you feel it. Know that you are not alone and death might not be the answer you seek.

You may ask why do I care?
Simply because Our Father cares. He cares as much for me as He does for you. Don't throw the greatest gift He has given to you, your life.

Be assured of my prayers for you.

Love,
Angelina.

NaPoWriMo Day 20. Shadow on Ripples

I went for a walk at the beach a couple of days back, doing sketching of poetry notes and scenery as well (yes, words and images). I've taken photos as well.

This morning, I thought I'll carve a poem based on the sketches that Ive done. Here's my poem.

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 20
Shadow on Ripples

The beach has comforted me, calmed me in many ways. If you're stressed, depressed or just sad, let the sea comfort you.

Have a blessed week ahead!

NaPoWriMo Day 18. Papa's Longing

I've just written this for a 'Man in Solidarity' Project based in South Africa, to be recited by the man giving a welcoming speech.

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong
NaPoWriMo Day 18
Papa's Longing

NaPoWriMo Day 15. At the Pew.

I've made it to half of the month!

Today's poem is based on an observation.

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 15
At the Pew

NaPoWriMo Day 14. What is Art?

What is ART?

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo 14
What is Art?

NaPoWriMo Day 13: The Four Seasons of Faces

Here's one to celebrate the four seasons!

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 13
The Four Seasons of Faces

NaPoWriMo Day 12. Rays of Mercy

Everywhere in the Catholic Church today celebrates the Feast of Divine Mercy. There is no limit to God's mercy.

Here's a poem inspired by God's Divine Mercy.

A drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong 2014
NaPoWriMo Day 12
Rays of Mercy
Divine Mercy

NaPoWriMo Day 9. Invisible Hand

The first line was buzzing in my head when I woke up. Here's my tribute to the Invisible Hand.

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong
NaPoWriMo Day 9
Invisible Hand

The Resurrection

It's technically still Easter Week.

Here's a drawing I did of the Resurrection!

Black and White Illustration, pen on paper.

The Resurrection
Black and White Illustration
by Angelina Bong 2015
Pen on Paper

Enjoy your Easter Week!

NaPoWriMo Day 5. At the Tomb

Happy and Blessed Easter to all who are celebrating!
Here's a poem in reflection of Easter!

A Drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo 2015 Day 5
At the Tomb 

NaPoWriMo Day 4. The Risen.

I just attended Easter Vigil Mass and thought i'll post a little poem inspired by tonight's celebration.

A Drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong.
NaPoWriMo Day 4 2015.
The Risen.

Happy Easter everyone!


Cheers :)

NaPoWriMo Day 3. The Wood.

It's Day 3.
It's also Good Friday, the last few hours before in some countries.
Here's my poem for Day 3 entitled

THE WOOD

A Drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 3
The Wood

NaPoWriMo Day 2...My Birthday Poetic Reflections

2 April 2015.

It's my birthday and Holy Thursday. I woke up to spend some quiet time and here's a little poem from my poetic reflections.

Birthday Poetic Reflection
A Drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong
NaPoWriMo Day 2

I have only one wish for my birthday...that everyone who drops by here may offer a whisper of prayer to the heavens for me. Prayer works wonders and it's great to know someone out there prays for you! Thanking you in advance.

xoxo, Angelina.

On Eagle's Wings

On Eagle's Wings by Angelina Bong

I rarely post my artworks on my blog but thought I will try it today. Here are the details for the above art piece.

On Eagle's Wings

Mixed Media on Canvas (Acrylic and Hand-stitched beadwork with lace)

40 X 30 CM 

RM800

International Delivery Available
Top left: actual art piece
Top right to bottom left: zoomed in images of the artwork

I will donate ALL PROCEEDS to a missionary group in funding the missionaries for their outreach programs in feeding the poorest of the poor, helping the marginalized, building homes, training new missionaries and so forth. If you are interested, please leave a comment or look for me in twitter by the name of swakgel and tweet to me! Feel free to share this post as well.

HELP ME IN BLESSING OTHERS!

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU.

LOOK UP

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

I could feel the waters rushing through my tyres. The rain balls thumped hard onto my window screen, and splashed out like waterfalls gushing down into the tar roads as I drove under the heavy downpour. My astigmatism which has possibly worsened was not helping either. What if flood occurred and I got stranded in the middle of the roads? I was staying on the outskirts of the city and I was trying to get home after watching The Hobbits.

“You are not Alone.” I recalled the words given to Gandalf the Grey when he was on the brink of death. Lady Galadriel came and freed him. I reminded myself I was not alone either. God was with me. The angels were with me. They would keep me safe. True enough, the rain stopped halfway to my home and I was able to open the gate without being soaked wet.

http://i.imgur.com/Epstpoo.jpg

Galadriel was later surrounded by the dark and they tortured her courage by telling her she was the only little light in the darkness. However, she was not alone. Her compatriots came to the rescue. Many times, we think we are alone with evils, disasters and nasty people attacking us. That is not true. We forget that there are angels around us, sent by God to guard and protect us. We need only believe. The world is not only a physical one but a spiritual battle that we could not see with our normal eyes.

http://puddlesgathering.com/blog/ani-th_the_battle_of_the_five_armies.gif

The dragon with all its pride and confidence wanted to crush Barn and his son. His son was terrified. Who would not be with the dragon behind you, ready to pounce and burn you up? Barn was calm. He assured his son to look at him. The dragon was defeated. Likewise, when we feel that we are going to vanish and hope is nowhere to be found, LOOK AT OUR FATHER. Look at HIM that IS ALL POSSIBLE and not at ourselves who are merely humans. LOOK UP to God, our Father and we will not grow weary. HE is able to do immeasurably more than we can possibly imagine.

http://www.kabobfest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/black_man_praying.jpg

Bilbo, small and weak without a warrior’s training was the most courageous of them all. He put love and honour above greed and gold. Thorin was blinded by GREED. So blinded that he forgot his true purpose, he almost could not wake up but a dear kin awakened him to his senses. Let us not be crushed by the power of Greed, Pride and Lust. We are born for a greater purpose than to be swallowed up by worldly desires.

https://wallwidehd.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-The-Hobbit-The-Battle-of-the-Five-Armies-Wallpaper-364x227.jpg

Let us learn from this movie. Let the past year be a lesson from our downfalls and let our successes be an encouragement to go on, pursue our passion, fuel our adventures, fulfil our mission and spread a little light and love everywhere we go.

A Blessed and Happy New Year to you all!

A Night's Wish

Sweet lullabies stroll pass by,
Soul unaffected wide awake,
In batik dress the body twitches,
A thousand questions jump in,
Who is the true self in making?

Glimpses of past soar through,
Hurdles of future latch and grow,
Broken dreams in a glass box,
Shining like a diamond patchwork,
What remains of the desires now?

Mountains of checklist to cross,
The fingers freeze to inch forward,
Mind plunges in abyss of nowhere,
Insomnia beckons and say hello,
Why does slumber not take over?

Brain refuses to unwind and rest,
Chills down the spine and wreck,
Restless nerves prick and shame,
A mosquito buzzes and tortures,
When will the spirit release itself?

Towers of nagging ideas pitch in,
Procrastination flags and waves,
Nightmares built into reality bites,
Madness leaves a stroke of genius,
Where is the promise of comfort?

Massage knots away from muscles,
Blood flows and breathing resumes,
Tensions swing by in new heights,
Feet curl in rhythm and toe wriggles,
How will the labour cease in peace?

Loud snores from the other bed,
An excuse not to hit the pillows,
Yet the heart begs sleep to visit
Take flight into realms of angels
Into God's hands the soul enters

Breakaway

Sitting under the towering bamboo trees, I look out to the ripples on the lake. The wind is blowing gently and a few birds pass by. No one else is in sight except for a few construction men hammering away on the roofs at least a kilometre away from me. 

There are pieces of rubbish laying nearby my feet including a pink soiled slipper, possibly left behind by a child of about ten years old. It does not bother me one bit. Why? Because I need to get away.

Away from the noises and naggings, stacks of chores and obligations, clutters of ideas in my mind, the feeling of being stuck and nowhere else to go, decisions to be made and etc. So I need just a little time alone to breathe and be in touch with divinity, with God.

God, what do you want me to do now? I remembered the lake behind my house and grabbing my sketchbook and a pen, I walked out into the hot sun and just kept walking. Motorcycles buzzed by. The thought of snatch thieves did not scare me at all. So what if I lose my phone? I kept walking. Lord, I need to be alone with you! You better clear off everyone else from the lake. 

God heard me. When I reached the lake, it was empty. I have never seen the lake so peaceful without a single soul around. 

And so..I found a little corner facing the lake with bamboo trees bending down on both sides to create a little arch as a shade to shield me from the scorching sun. I sat down. My heart cried. What's next Lord? Why is it so tough to follow you? As the wind blew stronger, my heart calmed but not for long. What if a pervert was lurking around and decide to pounce on me? Rape? Shucks..right there and then I was reminded to not be afraid. God watches over me.

The lake near my house..my breakaway

I sit there and just stare at the waters moving in rhythm towards me. All fears have left. God is with me. I still do not find my answers yet but a sense of peace tells me that everything will be all right. All will be made clear. There is a hand holding me through the fog. I may not be able to see the road in front of me but someone up there can and He's going to guide me through. Failures will not break me. It just simply means God has a better plan. 

I see something moving through the clear waters. It's a snake! I do not budge. I hear a vehicle moving close. Looking behind, I see a white van approaching my direction driven by a middle aged man who looks like a mechanic. I think it's a sign I should leave. I get up and go home.

I thank God for the little breakaway! It's not like I've experienced anything phenomenal or recharged completely from a spiritual retreat. A breath of fresh air from my suffocating situation is all I wanted and God blessed me with it.

I feel ideas pouring into my soul now. Definitely a new story brewing..time to get to work! You should totally try a breakaway too even if it means just taking a walk down the block from your stuffy office or a 5 mins break from your pile of dishes!

In the Hands of PEACE

In the Hands of PEACE by Angelina Bong

The thunder bellows,

Clouds toss and turn,

Roll in dark shades,

Lightning dashes down,

Striking forests of old

The earth shatters,

Uproot ancient trees,

Shakes all caverns,

Endless tremor shouts,

Cries of hell fill the air

The waves roar,

Rise in fiery fumes,

Forge ahead in rage,

Devour all in sight,

Tsunami is no match

War from both ends,

Kill and Slaughter,

Turmoil in action,

Anxieties nag on,

Fears break loose

A kingly whisper

Says Be Not Afraid

Embrace and hold

Blind but calm

PEACE is here

Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Peace no matter sunshine or rain, no matter facing raging storms or fiery turmoils.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.