I am one of probably thousands of parents who are enjoying the latest Harry Potter book, The Half Blood Prince with their children.  We took turns reading, and discussing various aspects of the book.  The story continues to spin its magic.

 I particularly liked great quotes which came out of J.K. Rowling’s masterful pen.  First is the quote of Albus Dumbledore - ‘ naturally, I make mistakes, like the next man.  IN fact, being, forgive me - rather clever than most men, my mistakes tend to be corresponding huger.’  This is an insight.  The more intelligent and deep a person is, the less mistakes he will make, but some of his mistakes can actually also be more bizarre and stupid than dumb people can ever make.  To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, which is also one of my favorite quotes expressing the same thing, ‘ the most exquisite folly is made of wisdom spun too fine.”

The other gem was discussed by the teacher during apparition class.  This is what he announced.

/* This is a speech delivered by Franklin Knight Lane in June 14, 1914. 90 years after, it is still relevant and hopefully continues to give us inspiration and meaning. It shows that while we have different roles and aspirations, we all contribute to the community we are living today. I am also enclosing this as a sample of past eloquence which we should all continue to read and be inspired. */

This morning, as I passed in on the Land Office, the Flag dropped me a most cordial Read the rest of this entry »

Last week, some of my colleagues in the company and I visited a children center and try to bring some christmas cheers as well as donations. This particular center takes care of children from 8 to 18 years of age. The center is called TSF Child Center, TSF standing for Terre Sans Frontiere, which is French for World Without Boundaries. It is almost wholly sponsored by the foundation in France, and thus the name.

This center currently is equipped to handle about 50 children, and is run by a retired volunteer from the French Armed Forces, whose name was Gerard Read the rest of this entry »

This gift of story came from Robert:

Some years ago, a large American shoe manufacturer sent two of its sales reps to different parts of the Australian outback. The company hoped that it would drum up some business among the Aborigines. It was a risky venture, but the firm realized how many new customers could be gained if the venture was successful.

After each rep had spent a few weeks in the outback, the shoe company received two faxes: “There is no hope for new business here,” reported one rep. “The Aborigines don’t even wear shoes! It’s not part of their culture. Couldn’t we have researched this earlier Read the rest of this entry »

This one comes from Cliff.

A pencilmaker told the pencils 5 important lessons:

1st: everything you do will always leave a mark

2nd: you can always correct the mistakes you make

3rd: what is important is what is inside you

4th: in life you will undergo painful sharpenings w/c will make you a better pencil

and the most important is.. 5th: to be the best pencil you can be, you must allow yourself to be held & guided by the hand that holds you!

Here’s one from Glendz on How to Stay Young:

1. Throw out nonessential numbers.

This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning.

Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. ”

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often … long and loud. Laugh until Read the rest of this entry »

I got this quote submitted by Chichi … It is a great quote from Theodore Roosevelt about the critic — we always know how things can be done better, but it is the doing, not the criticizing that get the medals.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. -Theodore Roosevelt

As I keep telling the people, ” There never was a status of honor erected for the person for what he said he will do, or intended to do.”

Here’s the second Gift of Story. This is from Emmylou, which she says comes from a a story from Steve Goodier’s popular book ” A Life that Makes a Difference.”

“How do you account for your remarkable accomplishment in life?” Queen Victoria of England asked Helen Keller. “How do you explain the fact that even though you were both blind and deaf, you were able to accomplish so much?”

Ms. Keller’s answer is a tribute to her dedicated teacher. “If it had not been for Anne Sullivan, the name of Helen Keller Read the rest of this entry »

During my birthday last week, I asked my colleagues that instead of giving me presents, they give me the gift of story…. something that is touching, and give us life’s lessons can be as valuable as any physical present, I said. Or any quotes, or life’s lessons that they have to share.

Many of my friends responded, and I am going to slowly post them.

In fact, I am creating a new category, the Gift of Story to put them. I hope even if it is not my birthday, if you have nice stories to share, send it to me!

Here is one that came from Charis Bacolod.

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed Read the rest of this entry »