Away From Home

24/01/2024

Swimming time. 🏊

24/01/2024

30/12/2023

THE UNSPOKEN WORDS OF A TIRED BREADWINNER

I know you're worried, but please, don't think of me too much.

It's my decision to work far away from home to give you the things I am not able to provide when I am there. I worry about us constantly, that is why I chose this life. It might not be enough sometimes, but at least your way of living is a lot better.

I love you, that's why from time to time, we have to part ways. For now, this is the only way I can provide for us. Give me time as I learn other things, for the vast ocean is also a teacher as it speaks of wisdom through crests and troughs.

It might be too hard to cope up especially during times when you require someone beside you. But I hope you understand that it's for us, and for the bright future we've been longing for years. So please. Please. Be patient.

Hopefully, there comes a time when I'll be able to save enough. Or find a better opportunity, so that we can be together everyday. But right now, please, understand that I owe this job a lot, for it sustains us more than I can ever hope for. The sea has been good to us. And my life away from you, as tough as it might seem, has taught me so much more than I could ever hope for.

So please.

Please.

Help me stay strong by having faith in me.

Help me stay brave by simply trusting me.

Help me stay calm and love me gently.

I don't want to sound frustrated. And sorry if it's hard to let this out in person. I'm just worried that if I had these moments spilled in front of you, we might burst into tears.

So as you read this, imagine that I spoke of these with strength and assurance.

I know. I know. You'll say it's okay to let loose sometimes.

But please let us make this easier.

For our dreams.

See you soon.
-Art and Words by Duncan

21/12/2023

❤️

TO THE ONES WHO'LL SPEND CHRISTMAS AWAY FROM HOME

I hope you're okay this coming Holidays.

I pray you don't succumb to the gloom brought by the cold and utter loneliness.

It's been a while now since you last saw them, the very reason while you're away, but I hope you don't lose the strength to continue.

It might seem sad, but I believe all your sacrifice won't be in vain. You're away for a reason - a noble reason. And I hope seeing the smile on the faces of those whom you love will be enough to bring back the warmth that you so desire.

There will come a day when you'll no longer have to be away. When the dreams you're working for will bloom and bear the sweet fruit of success.

Now, just take a deep breathe.

You've come a long way. For sure, all the sleepless nights will be rewarded. Now? Find enough reasons for you to continue.

Hang on tight, buddy. Okay?

Merry Christmas. May all the desires of your heart come true.

-duncan

Illustration by

26/11/2023

Happy lunch time everyone

12/10/2023

Today, I will remind you that you are worthy, you are someone's happiness, you are important, you are lovable and you are wonderful.

Don't ever let failure dictates who you are. Always remember, for every rock that made you fall, turn them into stair and use as your stepping stone.

—Markx

03/10/2023

It's October again and I am getting older but I still don't know how to console myself whenever I feel like I don't belong here. Sometimes I am loved, but most of the times I feel too small. Too quiet. Too emotional. Too irrelevant. That even if I try to reach someone's face by my calloused hands, I can never touch the depths of their existence because I am not alive. I feel like I am outside of this world watching everyone keeping it up. They are growing better and here I am still trying to understand how to breathe without breaking. To talk as if I was not naturally boring. To function as if I am not more wounds than skin. I am trying so hard to fit at everyone's ribcage. But as the day goes by, I am getting more and more convinced that everyone is just becoming a part of me, but I was never part of them.

–Ella Marie
Photo: Geloy Concepcion

just in case you need this https://www.facebook.com/rhymethywound/posts/607328760937810

29/09/2023

Jom Makan! 🤗

29/09/2023

There are places where we are being valued because we are useful, and there are also some places where we are being valued— just because. No specific reasons, but because it's you.

As I grow older, I realized that being useful is far different from being valuable. So, if you feel useless, it doesn't mean you're not valuable. I swear, been there. People will value you because they wanted to.

So, I hope that you will find a place, where value is just a word— and not a measurement of respect and care.

—Markx
Artwork by Felicia Chiao

28/09/2023

I hope that you always see your light even when no one else does. That you always find the will to get up and look for the pieces of yourself that you lost along the way, unafraid to pick up the shards even though the sharp edges can cut your hands. I hope that you always see a thousand constellations in a starless night-time sky, painting the clouds yourself and putting the moon where you want it to be.

I really hope with all my heart that you never get tired of loving yourself, even on the days when love doesn’t seem to want to rain on you.

—Jun Mark Patilan
Artwork: snatti89 (IG)

// get my self-published books here: https://shope.ee/1VWUpcWJTm

27/09/2023

It's not always easy, and it's not every day that I get to forget about the things that haunt me. But when everything's so heavy, sometimes, I take a step back to see the bigger picture, celebrate other's wins, and then I keep on walking, hoping that one day, my turn will finally come and I won't be alone in celebrating.

I find it comforting to realize how something as simple as taking a short pause can calm the raging storms inside my head. How taking a step back and just putting less focus on myself and my frustrations can allow me to see the bigger picture of how there's still so much in life to celebrate.

I've discovered that listening to someone talk about something they're so passionate about can put a smile on my face, too. That sitting somewhere random and listening to the sound of the rain can make the world somewhat lighter. I've learned that it doesn't always have to be good things happening to me to find joy. That it can also be when I get to see others receive their good news.

It's not always easy, and it's not every day that I get to forget about the things that haunt me. But when everything's so heavy, sometimes, I take a step back to see the bigger picture, celebrate other's wins, and then I keep on walking, hoping that one day, my turn will finally come and I won't be alone in celebrating.

—Jun Mark Patilan
Artwork: ArtStation|Fuya (Pinterest)

// get my self-published books here: https://shope.ee/1VWUpcWJTm