Personal Ruminations About 2023

As the curtains opened on the stage of 2023 what followed was a symphony of challenges and triumphs, painting a portrait of resilience and gratitude. It commenced with a daunting hurdle as the first quarter found me hospitalized and in a wheelchair at the airport on my way back to Sweden upon returning from an unfinished visit to the Philippines. It was a time of uncertainty and vulnerability, where my world seemed to stand still.

As the warmth of summer graced the horizon, a newfound sense of liberation beckoned me towards the great outdoors. Embarking on a month-long camping expedition, nature grasped me in its gentle embrace, offering solace and rejuvenation.

Ah, the joys of summer. Let me weave a tale for you guys, of 5 glorious weeks spent immersed in the wonders of nature, and newfound friendships from several continents on a serene campsite in Trosa.

Then came the final stretch of the year, as winds of change propelled me towards a season of vibrant activity. From engaging in social activities to connecting with cherished friends, every moment was infused with a sense of joy and purpose. What truly illuminated this chapter was the remarkable improvement in my health. It was a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the blessings bestowed upon me.


Those five weeks in Trosa and a similar experience years back when I spent a month in another campsite in Peniche, Portugal reminded us that the treasures of life are not found in possessions, but in the moments we share with kindred spirits, our embrace of nature, and in the whispers of our own hearts. (Photo via Trosa)

There’s not a day I am not grateful to God for guiding me through these trials and showering me with His blessings. Each obstacle became an opportunity for growth, and every triumph a testament to the strength within. As the curtains closed on 2023, I am reminded that even in the darkest moments, faith and fortitude shines as a guiding light, illuminating the path ahead.

As our bodies basked in the joys of the outdoors, our minds thirsted for knowledge. With the campsite as our sanctuary, we immersed in a world of literary treasures which in turn inspire us to set pen to paper.

I found solace in the power of faith, grateful to the Divine for guiding me through the storms and reminding me of the resilience of the human spirit.
©moiragallaga

In the canvas that highlights my 2023 year,
A tale of trials and triumphs appear.
Through the first quarter, in a hospital’s care,
Bound to a wheelchair, an unexpected affair.
**
Yet amidst adversity, hope found its way,
As summer arrived, painting skies with golden rays.
A month of camping, a respite so sweet,
Nature’s embrace, a melody while in retreat.
**
September to December, a vibrant scene,
Engulfed in social activities, a life so keen.
With each passing day, strength began to grow,
Health blooming anew, like a river’s gentle flow.
**
Gratitude fills my heart for all I’ve received,
For the blessings bestowed, I truly believed.
In the hands of a higher power, I found solace,
Guiding me through challenges, a divine grace.
**
The chapters of 2023, a tale of strife,
Yet resilience and joy intertwined, giving life.
Through hurdles and triumphs, I’ve come to see,
The beauty of resilience and what it means to be free.
©moiragallaga

As the sun graced the Swedish skies, our adventure began with the lapping of waves against the dock. We embarked on a journey of discovery, learned the art of navigating the open waters, each of us taking turns at the helm of our boat. With the wind in our hair and the thrill of independence in our hearts, we explored coves and distant shores, the choppy waves guiding us towards boundless possibilities.

The allure of kayaking beckoned us to delve further into the depths of nature´s splendour. Awe-inspiring landscapes graced our path. Everyday we venture deeper into the embrace of nature as our souls became intertwined with the rhythm of the sea and an unbreakable bond with the water is forged.
Dipping in the water, seeking respite from the sun’s glare. Embracing the freedom of weightlessness and reveling in the joy of laughter and the beauty of silence shared.

Happy New Year 2024

As the final moments of 2023 unfold, let us not merely cling to hopes for a brighter future but actively sow the seeds of peace in the soil of our daily lives. May each root branching out with understanding and compassion, fostering a world where differences are bridged and kindness is the currency of connection. May the dawn of the new year bring not only the promise of joy, but a commitment to radiate light in the face of challenges. Here’s to a year where the pursuit of peace becomes our collective resolution, and the attainment of joy and light guide our shared journey.

May the New Year bring you and your family abundant joy, good health, and prosperity. May your bonds grow stronger, and your hearts be filled with peace, love and warmth. Happy New Year!

As we gather with loved ones embracing joy, let our minds also turn to those who have endured the ravages of war.

Reposting my take on New Year’s Resolutions

Let’s pause to reflect on the countless lives forever altered by the atrocities of conflict. We pray for the children who have known nothing but fear and loss, their innocent laughter silenced by the echoes of bombs and gunfire. We think of families torn apart, their homes reduced to rubble, and the pain that seeps through the cracks of broken hearts.
       ©moiragallaga

In twinkling lights and laughter’s cheer,
The final Christmas party draws near.
Friends and family gather, spirits bright,
To bid farewell to this wondrous night.
A year’s end celebration, filled with delight.
©moiragallaga

Happy New Year to you and yours, and may the echoes of goodwill resonate throughout the year.

– Moira G Gallaga

To My Friends

© Moira Garcia Gallaga

This is an ode

to all my friends

you know who you are…


To those of you

who shared the days

of dance and prance

when we were young, vibrant,

full of life’s energy,

laughing at some absurdity

behind innocence’s veil…


I thank you!


To those of you

who took the brunt

for my mistakes,

even protected me

with word and deed…


I thank you!


To those of you

who oil my mental faculties

with rational debates,

heated perhaps,

but never in hate…


I thank you.

True friend is someone who cares about you so much even at the risk of that friendship in order to tell you the truth that needs to be heard. ©moiragallaga


For those of you

who cooked a dish

or made some exotic meals

enticed my culinary senses,

in such an endearing, nurturing way,

I will always think of you

when I’m reminded of those delights…


I thank you!


To those of you

who stuck with me,

fellow-traveled up the hills

then down into valleys deep,

you taught me;

‘friends are our gurus in life”

and through your love I’ve learnt

that I am worthy to be a friend…


I thank you!

Ocean Dreams

© Moira Garcia Gallaga

Sand, soft beneath my feet

Shades of the living, blue-green ocean

Intense as the summer heat.


Seabirds soaring in the sky

Sun catching their wings in graceful flight

The ocean hears their cry.


Shells shimmer in the sand

Smooth as the ocean softly cleansed them

Gently soothing in my hand.

The undersea realm fascinates me no end, but night diving is purely on another higher level.

Sun sinking to the sea

Shades of scarlet painting sky and beach

Crimson ocean sings to me.


Sleep, soothing sound in ears

Driftwood floats the waters of my mind

Dream, the ocean always hears.

My Book ‘Life in 17 Syllables’ is now available on Amazon Kindle

© Moira G. Gallaga

For those interested, Life in 17 Syllables is now available on Amazon Kindle. It would be highly appreciated if you could kindly spread the word to your friends and vast network. My heart is full, obrigadissima!

Life in 17 Syllables
Registered Author/Writer

29 June 2021

First Impressions and Life’s Contradictions

©Moira G. Gallaga

From the President himself, “DO NOT BE A YES MAN.”

First impressions count, they say;

Yet do not judge a book by its cover.

Ah, life’s awash with contradiction.

What should one make of the situation?



Power and wealth are highly sought.


Easily making us in awe of authority,

Blinding us to their deficits in virtue and integrity.

Title confer status, but does not guarantee respect.


What should one make of this situation?

A world inhabited by paradoxes,

A life awash with contradiction,

Where truth is never easy to see.

“Beware of the half truth. You may have gotten hold of the wrong half.” – Unknown

One must gaze through masks and blinders,

Built by prejudice to obscure reality.

Our sight has need to pierce with impartiality,

To ease the path to seeing equitably.


One must listen with acute discernment,

For the winds carry whispering voices,

Loaded with roiling insecurity and hostility,

In order to hear the message in its purity


And what of our emotions and feelings?

Easily swayed by what people in power say,

Sights and sounds, distorted and deceptive,

A situation to which we are continually captive.

Unfortunately, they are either far outnumbered by those who aren’t or don’t merit attention from the powers that be who prefer more compliant allies.

We often are blinded by the trappings of humanity:

Titles, degrees, positions, hierarchies, and affiliations.

What are these if not mere accessories,

Which, regrettably, people worship unquestionably.


07 June 2021

Street Food on the River Bank

© Moira G. Gallaga

Oh! The aroma is ever tantalizing

the freshly baked cakes

at this street food corner

Feeling pity for those

Feeling nausea at the sight of such heavenly delight!

It is a crime to watch what we eat anywhere we go, as cuisine for our family is a cultural endeavour.©

Smiles are contagious here

The boy wipes the stool for me smiling each time

I sat on it looking at his mom when she looks back to me smiling

We never talked as we cannot understand each other!

Why should I bother when her cakes talk

On our behalf.

Exotic food/
arouses the tongue/
and pleases the empty belly.©

Attending a party tonight

On the other side of the river

A fancy restaurant, spreading its evening glitz

I will miss the freshly baked cakes, the aroma and

Yes! The smile!

04 June 2021

The Ship – A Villanelle

© Moira G. Gallaga

The ship sails soon
Either climb aboard or stay on land.
It is nine o’clock.  The ship sails at noon.

You may fear being a buffoon
If you sing and dance with the band
The ship sails soon.

It is scary to balance atop a shaky dune
But how it feels when you can stand
It is nine o’clock.  The ship sails at noon.

This Azure Window in Dwerka, Gozo was the setting for Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen’s wedding. It’s where we’re also introduced to Jorah. – Game of Thrones (Island of Gozo, Malta)

Should you ride in that balloon?
It is not even manned
The ship sails soon.

To truly live in the colors of June
Or only see in shades of bland
It is nine o’clock.  The ship sails at noon.

Will you stay in your cocoon?
Or live a life that’s big and grand?
The ship sails soon.
It is nine o’clock.  The ship sails at noon.

01 June 2021


Driving

©Moira G. Gallaga

It may at times seem like a task.
But there’s no way of avoiding it
Mundane routines get boring.
Caught in gridlock, the worst thing.

Once in a while an opportunity
To drive like there’s no tomorrow,
Accelerating rapidly,
To feel the rush of extreme velocity.

I consider scuba diving, skydiving, bungee jumping and ziplining as therapy. The tamest is going on a road trip to drive as fast as I can, clearing my mind and enjoying the sensation of the wind. A mild adrenaline rush, but nothing compared to other zen-like sports like the 4 above.

Doesn’t matter where I go.
It’s about the adrenal flow.
Driving at the edge of safety,
Risking with alacrity.

I find it quite soothing:
This driving that’s way too crazy.
With Arias blaring loudly,
My mind just swelling.

I revel in the pressure, the adrenaline … the feeling of being on the edge and the fast pace that characterizes life. ©

It’s great to hit the road,
When I’m in this manic mode.
‘Course, can’t do it whenever.
 Once in a while is better than never.

Holding Out for a Hero

©Moira G. Gallaga

Our Earth is a damsel in great distress,
enchained by shackles of iron-gray smog,
only tatters of her once-lovely dress
cover her body, surrounded by fog.

Since I stopped working full time, I tracked the changes in nature as avidly as I do with world news. (Atlas Mountains, Morocco. For this view, we hiked along the Atlas Mountain range, setting off from Setti Fatma in the Ourika Valley in Morocco. The massive mountain range stretches from Morocco through Algeria and Tunisia.)

Where are her knights, her saviors, to rescue
their maiden from the villains of this tale?
With time running out, how can they get through
the downpour of acid rain, faces pale

Whenever there tends to be an ecological imbalance, Mother Nature has ways of letting us know about it. (Porto Moniz, Portugal)

against the polluted sky? Bravery,
cunning, and dedication, refusal
to let their world lapse into slavery
at the hands of corporate ritual.

We’ve all experienced how scary it is when Mother earth is making herself felt. (Jardim Estrela, Lisbon)

The princess is choking in her tower,
she needs fresh, clean air to help her flower.

30 May 2021