ABC STARS Inspires

That would be Noel and his wife, Cesyl.  Technically, we are both Jameses. He is James the Great. And I am James the Less. We were both named after Saints. He asks the most peculiar things from me. And I always try to make it happen. Being my second critic, he wants me to do more. Because I think he knows I could. He has bragging rights to greet people: "Joyeux Noel!", French for Merry Christmas!

James Z. Carpio, writer My paternal grandparents' bungalow had an upright grand piano. My maternal grandparents' house had a regular piano. That piano on the picture is still alive and playing beautiful music until now. It is our piano at our manor. My late mother was a pianist and she taught my father how to play the piano. And, all 14 of us, she taught the basics of how to play piano music. I covered two piano books. I should have a substantial repertoire but there are only two pieces I can play now. Most of them escaped my memory. I like “La comparsa” and “Malagueña” by Ernesto Lecuona, pieces by Claude Debussy and Ira Gershwin.  Thanks to YouTube, I do not have to wait for my siblings to arrive and play those pieces.  I have them as background music while I write. My day is not complete without listening to piano music... My brother, Pons Carpio, playing a classic on piano.

A gift is free You can return it to the giver You can accept and open it If you do not like it, you can throw it away If you do like it, then you can use it If you do not need it, you can give it to someone else If you do need it, then you should like to take care of it So that it would last a lifetime  So that it would help you So that it would empower you My written work is my gift to you Sometimes, I write in crooked lines Why? Because God will make it straight for you I do not like to spoil the fun Life is full of fun, surprises, and excitement Life can be a spiral downward spin too But, it makes it all the more worth it You may wonder what I really meant in a few lines I like you to think for yourself, to navigate on your own You have your own life to live and a covenant with God Pray for enlightenment If you do not understand there are signs everywhere Be connected to the Unmoved and you will go far Be still, life is too precious to dwell on the past

'He is lost again. Can you call the Angel Surveillance Detection Command Center, please?' Larry, Agostino's guardian angel, escalated the situation. Peggy, who received the call replied, 'it is winter time, probably, he is not moving so you have a hard time looking for him.'  Larry, counted from 99 backwards to 1, then, he sent a message to Peggy. Sure thing, I will do that, and try one more time. Then, he spread his wings and flew just up to the right elevation and started searching for Agostino. He went to the pond that Agostino, frequently, would go to, he was not there, then, the angel went to the stream. He was not there neither. After about, give or take, two hours, he, finally, saw the lost sheep. He was not moving, as usual, then he smiled right back at Larry. 'I have been looking all over for you, oh, why do you do that Agostino?' Larry pleaded with frustration. 'Hmmmm......, just thinking and I have a bright idea now

Seeing my Godson... Running on the field of grass... Outdoor adventure!!! photo credit: Isaac D via photopin (license) License: (license)

Looking everywhere... For quaint eggs in lush garden. A new life reborn! photo credit: PersonalCreations.com Easter egg hidden in the grass next to some plants in a yard via photopin (license) License: (license)

Brandon received a call from Elizabeth, his cousin, he was still sleepy. It was Christmas Day. Liz told him that their Uncle Ron had a massive heart attack and died at 3:00 a.m. at the hospital. Brandon was somber. His Uncle died at the ripe age of 92 years old. He thought it was his time.

Chocolate Sundae. All the more reason to have... Inner child's delight. photo credit: Thomas Hawk Black and Tan Sundae, Fentons Ice Cream, Piedmont Ave via photopin (license) License: (license)

Many and many days ago, I asked my mother that I may know What the meaning of "family" is. She said, "It's easy to remember this--- "'F" is for 'Father' and 'A' is for 'and' 'M' is for 'Mother', whom God has planned To care for His little ones, Gentile or Jew; So 'I', 'L' and 'Y', are for 'I Love You!'" For God so loved the world He gave us His only begotten Son to save us. And Jesus, too, became a baby And was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Taught by Joseph the carpenter's ways, He grew in age, and wisdom and grace. For rich or poor or mighty or lowly, God made the family happy and holy. So, a family is father and mother Filled with love for one another And loving their children, twenty or three, As God loves teacher and you and me! December, 1994 photo credit: BROTHERLY. via photopin (license) Licens

Christmas is caroling all around. It is "no class"! And gifts abound! Christmas is a lot of fun! But is there Christmas for everyone? I asked my mother, and now I know How Christmas came, long, long ago. For God so loved the world, He gave us His only begotten Son to save us! One starry midnight when all stood still Jesus was born in a cave on a hill Because there was no room in the inn For Joseph and Mary and our Saviour from sin! God became man in a family. Like everyone. Like you. Like me. That's why families are holy Rich or poor, mighty or lowly. So Christmas is more, much more than fun It's God loving everyone! Loving every family! Loving teacher, and you and me! December 1994 ______________________ Signs of the times "Why did Mary and Joseph take the boy Jesus to Jerusalem with them?" asked the Sunday School teacher. "Because they couldn't get a baby-sitter?"

Where's my Roberto                        My brown-eyed "Bobbito" My round-eyed, bambino My six-month-old boy?       He's strapped to his high-chair       The stout little dear       Who let not a cry out       Nor whimpered nor squirmed       While Mommy kept working       The chores of the day. He's smiling his heart out And thrusting and kicking And cooing and shrieking His shouts of delight       He's such a cute sight       My brown-eyed Roberto       My round-eyed "Bobbito"       My Bobby, my boy! 5feb64

Photo by cc Ah breath of angel's scent          Ah bundled pinkish cloud Of pure abandonment.          Unblinking suns allowed A glimpse of ancient Peace!          Spoken, yet unspoken, In gurgling "ahs","oggees".          Ah love's fond living token Smiling out my sadness Banishing all badness Cooing out my madness Beaming brimming gladness!          Cradled in my arms          Is one of heaven's charms! The Rainbow, Oct.-Dec., 1969