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!

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

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.

The Other World

© Moira G. Gallaga

The fingers breaking the waves and then the ears,

immersed in silence.

The simultaneous sinking and floating, oblivion,

the other world.

The wonderfully deadly feeling of pressure on the ribcage,

bringing to life my small and simple mortality-

the adaptation of the body.

All divers are created equal(ized) – it’s just that some of us handle the pressure better.

spinning slowly through the dark abyss,

spiraling upwards with the power of risky physics.

Movements both of grace and power- more than I could articulate on dry land.

The other world.

Where I dare become all of the things that juxtapose ‘self’, where I understand my

smallness

and carefully observe my own

dexterity,

as though through a camera lens.

All becomes clear. Like clean water.

One of the things I learned from scuba diving. Enjoy every descent …that’s what it’s all about. (Praia dos Pescadores, Algarve)

25 May 2021

Her Dreams of Travel Surpasses Everyone

© Moira G. Gallaga

Her dreams of travel surpassed our own

Talking of adventures in the north, as kids

Laughing and boasting and drinking until day

And bringing her to her knees in laughter

It was Verona she longed for

My birthday lunch, camping at the Sahara Desert

In the darkest nights she drove, breaking the speed limit

Longing for the wind in her hair

Down to the harbour, where the boats would leave

And she watched them fade away in tears

Waiting for another place

North African meal for my birthday lunch

She would walk for miles down the highway

With a flashlight and a backpack

Looking for the little boy she called her man

Who’d promised her everything

Her spirit skimming along the shadows and the tarmac roads

Imperator Furiosa leading the way to freedom © (Quad Biking in Morocco)

And dreaming in her bed she’d see great pyramids

Under an endless red-orange evening sky

European towers and the river on a cool night

Desert villages filled with spices

Waking up with the window wide and a beating heart.

My travel spoon collection representing all the travels I made. This is not complete, as I only started when I was in college and there are countries without travel spoons as part of their souvenir items. ©

24 April 2021