from me to you #36

*Saying goodbye to 2017* 

Hi, guys! I’m sure this is gonna be my last post this year so I’ll take this chance to thank everyone who’s become a part of my 2017 here in the blogosphere! I admit this year has been wonderful since each and everyone of you has been there viewing, commenting, and interacting with me which meant a lot to me. I enjoyed my books this year and was happy to share them with you. Unfortunately I’m still finishing the book challenges I have but hey, I still have a couple of hours before the year ends. And speaking of the year ending, I want to greet everyone in advance a Happy Happy New Year! Cheers to more blogging years!!

Love, Dez ❤

Merry Christmas! 🎄

Hi, guys! Just want to greet you and your family a Merry Merry Christmas! 

God bless and I hope everyone's enjoying the holiday! 🎉🎁

Love, Dez ❤

Book: Making Faces by Amy Harmon

★★★★★/★★★★★

“Maybe everyone represents a piece of the puzzle. We all fit together to create this experience we call life. None of us can see the part we play or the way we see are just the tip of the iceberg. And maybe we just don't recognize the blessings that come as a result of terrible things.”

My first book of Amy Harmon surely left a mark on me. Making Faces is a beautifully written story of scarred people, both emotionally and physically, that will definitely melt your heart. It's such an emotional book with a brilliant storyline and characters you will surely love.

Making Faces tells the story of Fern Taylor, Ambrose Young and Bailey Sheen, three people who share their passion in wrestling. The lives of these three are connected in such a way they live to support, care and love each other. Fern is one of those characters you will immediately love. She's kind-hearted, loving and she cares so much for her cousin, Bailey, who has a muscular dystrophy. She doesn't see herself as pretty but plain and she has the biggest crush on the handsome Ambrose Young who doesn't see her. Ambrose is a wrestler in high school. It's his sport, the one thing he lives for. Same for Bailey who loves wrestling, but because of his disease he can't even lift his arm without Fern's help.

“I want to be a hero.” Bailey looked at Fern gravely, as if he was disclosing highly classified information. “I don't know what kind yet. Maybe like Hercules or Bruce Baumgartner. And if I can't be a hero like that, then maybe I could just save someone.”

My heart broke for Bailey everytime. He's a sweet guy, full of charms and his love for life made me want to hug him! He knew eventually he's going to die but that doesn't scare him, if anything it makes him want to live more, do more and enjoy everything to the fullest. He and Fern are so close they are practically brother and sister. He is also friends with Ambrose and the rest of the wrestling team since his father is their coach. He's watched every camp his father had with them and with it formed a dream of becoming a great wrestler like Ambrose.

As the story unfolds, we see how Ambrose decided to join the military together with his friends. Fern and Bailey continue to care for each other, left in their little town. Life continues until people in Fern's town receive a bad news. It's a tragedy that will stay in them for a long time.

I've cried a lot of times because of this book. It hurt and my heart ached for everyone. Honestly, I know what will happen next but it still broke my heart. It's deeply moving and it relays a beautiful message about beauty not only being physical. My first Amy Harmon book and I totally loved it!

“If God made all our faces, did he laugh when he made me?
Does he make the legs that cannot walk and eyes that cannot see?
Does he curl the hair upon my head 'til it rebels in wild defiance?
Does he close the ears of a deaf man to make him more reliant?
Is the way I look a coincidence or just a twist of fate?
If he made me this way, is it okay, to blame him for the things I hate?
For the flaws that seem to worsen every time I see a mirror,
For the ugliness I see in me, for the loathing and the fear.
Does he sculpt us for sure, for a reason I can't see?
If God makes all our faces, did he laugh when he made me?”

Overall, Making Faces is a highly recommended book! An emotional book with brilliant storyline and beautiful characters.

Hello, December! 🎄

Only few more days and it's already Christmas. 🎄🎄🎄 How fast the days are passing by! I'm so excited since my parents are coming home and it means we're spending the holidays together. :D

These past few months have been busy and I haven't had much time to update my blog so forgive me if it's been a while since I last posted a decent post. And I tell you, I miss blogging! I used to blog everyday but now it's a miracle if I get the chance to write a post once a week. I've been trying to manage my time but my work schedule tires me so much I only get to sleep when I get home. Anyway, it's Christmas break so I think I'll use this time to write and schedule posts as much as possible.

And I hope everyone's enjoying their December so far. I'm signing off again but I'll be back soon with new blog posts!

🎄🎄🎄

November 2017 Music Videos

 Personal - The Vamps
 

 Bedroom Door - Liam Payne (Nov 6)

  Perfect - Ed Sheeran (Nov 9)

 Paris in the Rain - Lauv (Nov 16)

Fake Happy - Paramore (Nov 17)

 Let Me Go - Hailee Steinfelt, Alesso ft. Florida Georgia Line, watt (Nov 17)

Beautiful Trauma - P!nk (Nov 21)

One Last Song- Sam Smith (Nov 29)

21 ❤️ #4th My All

you were a good friend before you were a good lover
we were two different people but now we’re one
you used to tell me tales now you tell me the future
I used to reach for the stars but now I’ve found my treasure

you were once a what if but now you are mine
we were great together now I have a Valentine
you’re my star, you’re my hero, you’re my downfall
you’re everything I’ve ever wanted, you’re my all

Perfect by Ed Sheeran ♫♪

I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess
I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it,
Darling, you look perfect tonight

Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own

We are still kids but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When I saw you in that dress
Looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this
Darling, you look perfect tonight

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight 

 - AZLyrics

Book: Depression & Other Magic Tricks by Sabrina Benaim

*Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.*

i shake cinnamon into my coffee,
…& i don’t think of you.
i write your name over and over
…until it no longer has meaning.
i fold my memories of you, craft
…them paper wings,
in hopes they might one day drift
…into amnesia,
& you might leave me,
…without a trace.

Before this book, I have never heard of Sabrina Benaim but now, after finishing this one beautiful book, I want to know more about her and her works. Depression and Other Magic Tricks was a very raw and relatable poetry collection! If you know me, you already know how much I love poetries and this one is something I’m glad I got to read. It explores themes related to mental health, family and relationships among others.

Some of the entries really tugged my emotions and I liked how the words spoke to me. I now know that the author does perform slam poetry that’s why this book has a different sound to it and a different writing style. Overall, this book is recommendable and if you love a book with depredsion/anxiety as a main topic, this one’s for you.

21 ❤️ #3rd

The most beautiful feeling in the world is to have someone who has seen your worst side and stayed.

 -untamed-feelings

October Music Videos 2017

Not My Ex - Jessie J (Oct 12)

Penthouse Floor - John Legend ft. Chance the Rapper (Oct 12)

Whatever It Takes - Imagine Dragons (Oct 12)

Ready to Change - Kodaline (Oct 13)

Sway - Danielle Bradbery (Oct 15)

Poem: This Feeling

I hate this felling

When I have tears in my eyes but smile on my face

I hate this feeling

When I want to touch you but you're so far away

Book: Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker

★★★¹⁄_2/★★★★★

“The truth is, nothing really matters unless we decide it matters.”

*Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.*

I was happy when I received an ARC of this book and hearing a lot of mixed reviews made me want to read it right away! It was my first book of Wendy Walker and I was told that it's good but not as good as her other books. 

To summarize, the book is about two teenagers, Emma and Cass Tanner, who went missing one night and after three years, Cass just suddenly showed up, ready to tell their story.

“I think there are two types of people. Ones who have a scream inside them and ones who don’t.”

To be honest, I was so intrigued with the story that the pages just flew by in a couple of days. I like how complex the characters are especially Cass that I wanted to figure her out myself, dig into her mind and all! The pacing made it more exciting, with the flashbacks and how Cass tells the stories. I didn't connect with Abby that much but she's a strong character. Along with Cass and her family's story, we were also shown Abby's past by giving us bits and pieces about her own family. This way we can see how she can relate with them. I hated the Martins and Witt is a sweetheart!


It always excites me when I read psychological thrillers because they promise a lot of things and thankfully Emma in the Night didn't disappoint. Though I can say that there were times that I wanted to just skip some pages just to get to the ending and finally know what exactly happened! But overall, it was a thrilling experience and I loved the ending!


Maybe I'll try and get a copy of Wendy Walker's other book and see if I'll like it just the same.

Triple Birthday Celebration 🎂🎂🎂

***

 ***

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!!!

(Dez, Kia, Larra)

I wish for more birthdays to come, good health, more blessings and happiness in everything we do :D

Cheers! 🍻🎉

September 2017 Music Videos

Staying Up - Matoma & The Vamps (Sept 8)

The Last of The Real Ones - Fall Out Boy (Sept 13)

Let You Go - Machine Gun Kelly (Sept 13)

Cut To The Feeling - Carly Rae Jepsen (Sept 14)

Too Good at Goodbye - Sam Smith (Sept 18)

Find You - Nick Jonas (Sept 19)

Too Much To Ask - Niall Horan (Sept 21)

How Do You Feel - The Maine (Sept 22)

Hello Summer - Danielle Bradberry (Sept 22)

Stargazing - Kygo ft. Justin Jesso (Sept 26)

25 ❤

Hey, guys! So, it’s my birthday today and I just want to express how grateful I am to everyone who has been there for me and for all the blessings I’ve received up until now. Can you believe I’m quarter of a decade old now? Wow, that’s old! And I’m really happy to have had 24 years of good and fruitful life. I just wish that my 25th year would be as amazing and blessed as my previous years.

I celebrated with my sisters and had a really fun day! 

Poem: 2am

Looking up the stars, I’m missing you more
The cold air of the night makes it worse
I miss your hand on mine, your arms around me
I miss the feel of your body, your kiss mostly

The moon’s shining but my heart is crying
Every moment without you is the worst
I long to hug you, I long to be with you
I long for the day you’ll come back, I really do

One Love - Mariana's Trench ♫♪

I wake up tonight, feeling paper thin and I'm paper white
You say, "Just come back to bed"
Voice sounds strange, but I soon forget
And your sad blue eyes, like mine
Full of pity now, but I don't know why
The light dims without regret
'Til now you're nothing more than a silhouette
But just hold quick, you're fading right
In a cold trick of the light
I'm just so sick, I thought you might be here
But you di-disappear

Now I wake up and I forget that you were gone
A phantom limb is all that I am hanging on
So don't stop, no stopping it yet
What if the one true love's the only one that you get?
And you've been wishing but you don't know how to stay
And I've been broken but I'm better every day
So don't stop, no stoppin' it yet
What if the one true love's the only one that you get?

One love (one love), one love you get
One love (one love), one love you get
One love (one love), one love you get
One love (one love), one love you get

Lost and gone so fast
You get me every time
But I live with that
I might do this to myself
Only made it worse but I just can't help
You know I get so attached
Listen everyday 'til the dark is back
Now I pine for phantom pain
It's the only time that I see your face
So just hold quick you're fading right
In a cold trick of the light
I'm just so sick, I thought you might be here
But you di-disappear

Now I wake up and I forget that you were gone
A phantom limb is all that I am hanging on
So don't stop, no stopping yet
What if the one true love's the only one that you get?
And you've been wishing but you don't know how to stay
And I've been broken but I'm better every day
So don't stop, no stoppin' it yet
What if the one true love's the only one that you get?

One love, one love, one love you get
One love, one love, one love you get
One love, one love, one love you get
One love, one love, one love you get

What if you still feel me too, still?
What if there was still a way of taking care of this?
What if I wake up tonight and you are real?
What if we could find a way to try to heal?
What if there's no stoppin' us yet?
What if the one true love's the only one that you get?
What if there was still a reason not to go?
What if there was still a little bit of hope?

So don't stop, no stoppin it yet
What if the one true love's the only one that you get? (Love you get)

One love, one love you get
One love, one love you get
One love, (one love) one love you get (One love)
One love, (one love) one love you get
One love, one love you get
One love, one love you get
One love, (One love) one love you get (one love)
One love, (one love) one love you get

-AZ Lyrics

Book: Tone Deaf by Olivia Rivers

★★★/★★★★★

“She’s probably wondering what just happened, but I’m too rattled to stop and explain things: The more I get to know her, the more I like her. And the more I like her, the more I want her to like me.”  

Okay, so I'll be totally honest with this one because Tone Deaf by Olivia Rivers is one of those books I really wanted to love because it has music, romance, interesting plot line but sadly the characters were a bit disappointing. I was all excited when I picked this up thinking it'll be a great one but it somehow failed to impress me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it but there were things that I found lacking and the romance felt rushed which sucked! 

The book tells the story of Ali who at a young age lost her hearing due to a brain tumor. It took away Ali's chance of being a great musician and around the same time, she also lost her mother, leaving her to her abusive father. Now seventeen, Ali wants to escape the hands of her father so when an opportunity presents itself, who is she not to grab it? Then there's Jace Beckett, lead singer of Tone Deaf. Jace has his own issues but when Ali suddenly comes into his life, or band, he realizes that some pain are worth feeling.

“You're the best kind of pain I've ever felt. I've always avoided pain but as much as you hurt, I don't want to leave you.”

 I expected so much from this book and I won't say it didn't live up but the characters irked me a bit especially Jace! Yes, he has his issues but it didn't grant him a pass to be a class A jerk. I initially didn't like him and all through out the book he kept annoying me. He's arrogant and I hated that he can switch character in an instant like one second he's this cold person and the next he's all sweet and what-not. Maybe it was my first impression of him when he first met Ali. But despite Jace, I liked his band mates! Killer is probably my most favorite just because he's hilarious and Arrow, well, he's also my favorite! Ali is a so-so. I liked her at times but sometimes I didn't understand her actions.

The romance between Ali and Jace was sweet. Another insta-love but it was okay, I think, when you meet a rock star and he kinda saved you from a hell-hole that is your life. I loved the music and though I was expecting more of concert scenes and music writing session, I guess what the book had was enough. The ending was fine but it felt rushed! Like I was around 95% but it felt like there were a lot more that could've happened.

Overall, the book was good and I liked that Ali is different from the typical YA characters. It has complex characters and a promising story line but if you don't like insta-love and cheesy romance, well, this has both.

Poem: I Love You Most

21 ❤️ #1st

J ❤ D

Book: Leave This Song Behind by John Meyer, Stephanie Meyer, Adam Halwitz, Cindy Spertner

★★¹⁄₂/★★★★★ 

"Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful."

*Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.*

Another poetry book I finished last week this time a collection of entries submitted by teenagers to Teen Ink. Some of the best were chosen and put together to create this book.

I admit that I found this one different from the other poetry books I've read but this is as lovely just the same. Sometimes I forgot that teenagers actually wrote these poems and while I liked some, the others just didn't make sense to me which I think was okay. It's divided into sections, each with style and impact of its own. 

I can't say that I loved this one since there where times when I skipped pages especially when I can't connect with the words. Don't get me wrong, there are some which I really liked but I think the book as a whole isn't just for me.

August 2017 Music Videos

Instructions - Jax Jones ft. Demi Lovato (Aug 2)

Rainbow - Kesha (Aug 11)

Versace on the Floor - Bruno Mars (Aug 13)

Human Diary - Danielle Bradbery (Aug 11)

Book: Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

★★★/★★★★★

He leans close and whispers into my ear, “You belong here with me.”
And for that moment, I believe that I do.

Alex, Approximately has been on my TBR for months now and I was only able to get around it a couple of weeks ago. It's my first Jenn Bennett book, a lighthearted contemporary with fun characters and classic movie references which are also cute! It's a good book but not good enough for me to give it a higher rating than 3 stars.

The book tells the story of Bailey Rydell who goes to live with her dad at the beginning of summer in California after things got bad with her mom and her mom's new husband. Living with her dad is actually what Bailey really wanted for she gets along better with her dad. And besides, she's excited to be in the same city as Alex, an online friend who is also a classic movie fanatic and who constantly tells her to come and visit. Now, being in the same city as Alex, all Bailey has to do is find him, and maybe stalk him a little, before she decides if she actually wants to meet him in person because what if he's not what he tells her online or what if she's a bad guy or something. Enters Porter Roth, the hot quiz-obsessed/weather geek security guard at the museum Bailey is having her summer job at. Bailey and Porter can't stand each other at first but as they spend time together at the museum, they realize that spending time with each other is not as bad as they thought it would be. Distracted by Porter, Bailey almost forgets about her other plan for the summer until her other plan finds her instead.

He holds his hand up, and I slap it, but instead of it being a simple high five, he laces his fingers between mine, squeezing. It’s probably only for a second, but it feels longer. When he releases my hand, I’m a ball of chaos: fingers tingling from where his just were, mind trying to make sense of it. Is he just being friendly, or is this maybe some sort of surfer handshake?

Honestly, I didn't like Bailey in the first few chapters. I don't know *shrugs* but I didn't connect with her right away and found her a bit frustrating and pretentious. She keeps telling us that she's an evader, that she's a pro when evading situations she doesn't like or not prepared for, but I didn't buy that at all. Also, she's clueless! For someone who is supposed to be a great detective, she fails to figure out one of the important things for her. Because I knew who Porter was the moment he was introduced. I mean, sure, at first Bailey wouldn't know it but come on! Even her dad figures it out eventually.

The characters are fine, but like I said, it took me a while to finally warm up with Bailey. Porter is adorable but I didn't like that he was an ass to Bailey in the beginning for no reason at all and then next thing we knew he and Bailey were all lovey-dovey with each other and that's not okay! I understand that this books is mainly about the romance between them (and believe me it's cute) but I would prefer it if the author explored other things too like Davy's character or Bailey's family issue. Despite that, I did love Porter's mom and Bailey's dad because they're both super cool.

I didn't have any problem with the writing style and actually loved the film references at the beginning of every chapter. I haven't seen some of the films mentioned but I still think it's cute. Overall, this book is good with swoon-worthy romance. A bit predictable but I get why many loved it. I guess the romance between Bailey and Porter is just too cute to resist.

July 2017 Music Videos

 Glorious - Macklemore ft. Skylar Grey (Jul 6)

 Praying - Kesha (Jul 6)

 

 New Rules - Dua Lipa (Jul 7)

Rain - The Script (July 14)

Goodbye - Echosmith (Jul 14)

Lonely Call - RaeLynn (Jul 14)

Sorry Not Sorry - Demi Lovato (Jul 19)


Why - Sabrina Carpenter (Jul 19)

Shut up and Kiss me - Marianas Trench (Jul 20)
 

 Back to You - Louis Tomlinson (Jul 21)

Boys - Charli XCX (Jul 26)

Learn to Let Go - Kesha (27)


Another Love Song - Ne-Yo (Jul 28)

Poem: Maybe pt. 2

Maybe I'm just excited
Maybe it's only temporary
But these feelings seems true
And he makes me really happy

Maybe it will last
Maybe he will stay
But who knows what will happen
And I'll pray anyway

Maybe this is it
Maybe this is real
But is he feeling the same?
Or am I only dreaming?

Book: Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

★★★★/★★★★★

“Is this how it goes? You fall in love, and nothing seems truly scary anymore, and life is one big possibility?”

Always and Forever, Lara Jean was a big surprise when Jenny Han first announced that To All the Boys I've Loved Before (review here) will have a third book. Everyone was excited, so was I! The first two books were lovely and swoon-worthy but I think my favorite is Always and Forever, Lara Jean.

The conclusion to Lara Jean and Peter's story is inside Always and Forever, Lara Jean which I think is so cute and just perfect. I can't say I was a big fan of Peter Kavinsky in P.S. I Still Love You (review here), or To All The Boys I've Loved Before for that matter, but in this book, he's just so adorable and he's such a sweetheart! 

“Peter will love Lara Jean with all his heart, always”

 Lara Jean is enjoying her last year in high school; she's in love with her boyfriend Peter, her dad is going remarried and Margot will be home just in time for the wedding which excites them all. Everything is going right and she's having the best time of her life when suddenly her plans change when her College acceptance letter arrives. It makes Lara Jean think of a new plan which might affect her relationship with Peter. 

I love how the book focuses on Lara Jean and some of the changes in her life. Her father re-marrying Ms. Rothschild is a big change for them and I love how it makes not only her but Kitty and Margot as well to grow and accept the new addition to their family. Graduating high school and going to College is another big thing for Lara Jean and when her plan to go to the same university with Peter has changed, she has to think of a way how to compromise. Of course she wants to stay in a relationship with Peter and she's going to do everything just to keep it. 

All the characters have grown so much in me and I still love how heartwarming the story is. Lara Jean getting even closer with her family, her relationship with Chris (yes, her bestfriend, Chris!) and Peter, how she makes big decisions for herself and how much she's matured in this book. And the romance, of course I'm going to talk about the romance! Lara Jean and Peter are just sooo cute I want to keep them to myself! Peter Kavinsky actually made me fall in love with him!

“Being vulnerable, letting people in, getting hurt... it's all part of being in love.” 

Overall I adored this book! And if only it's not the last book! My advice, if you want a cute and lovely read, try To All the Boys I've Loved Before series if you haven't already. It wouldn't disappoint.

21 ❤

Don’t just give your heart to any guy, give it to someone who reaches for your hand during a prolonged moment of silence, just to remind you they’re still by your side. Give your heart to a man who pulls you close after a fight instead of pushing you away. Give it to a man who doesn’t make you doubt yourself or causes you to feel guilty for something you didn’t do. Give your heart to someone who’ll comfort you throughout periods of insecurity, when you’re feeling inadequate or lost. Someone who continuously reminds you of your worth.

Give your heart to a guy who would never cause you to feel inferior in your relationship, because he’ll do everything his power to make you feel the opposite. Give it to a man who shows genuine interest in your passions and supports you in every aspect of your life. Someone who will go the extra mile to make you smile.

Give your heart to a guy who will make you a priority instead of a second option.

A guy will follow you anywhere in the world merely because a life without you is unimaginable. 

Give your heart to a person who asks if something is wrong, instead of keeping silent for the sake of not starting an argument. Give it to the guy who takes responsibility for his actions and apologizes when he’s done something wrong. Someone who doesn’t allow an argument to overshadow your relationship or keeps score. Give it to the man who shows up at your doorstep to apologize simply because the thought of you being upset hurts him. Give your heart to a person who finds time to text you when he’s out with his friends rather than waiting until the end of the evening. Give it to someone who won’t take your feelings for granted and reminds you how he feels each day.

Give your heart to a man who will safeguard it with his life, because he knows the true value it holds. Don’t just give your heart to anyone. Find someone spectacular and never let go.

(c) Preach It

Book: Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately by Alicia Cook

★★★/★★★★★

Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately is another poetry book I was excited to get my hands on. It talks about grief, loss, love and such which will surely hit you at some point. The book is divided into two sides, Side A and Side B, and each side has track list like a cassette tape. 

Side A has full length poems, some I related with and some I totally loved! The song associated at the end of each poem also added some impact which I also liked. Side B has black out version of some poems from Side A which I think are my favorites.

Track Twenty Five
I am never going to be the girl with the perfectly
straightened hair or creased clothing. Even at my
most put together, I’ll look a bit   d i s h e v e l e d.
My socks will never match, but no one will notice
that except for my lover and airport security. At
the most inopportune times, I’ll have a run in my
stocking or a runny nose.
I’ll combine foods even a pregnant woman
wouldn’t crave. On way more than one occasion,
my friends have said out loud, I would not want to
spend one minute in your head.
I was always aware of what I encompassed. I have
never tried to conform because I did not feel the
pressure to do so (thanks, Mom!). Yes, this self-
assurance led to my grade school years being a
living hell, but even then I recognized that time
of my life as temporary .
I do not fear, nor am I ashamed of, myself.
As long as I am happy, it is my God-given right
to be odd. To be my true self.

Currently Listening To:
Taylor Swift, “Mean”

Track Sixty Three

Poem:Prove Me Wrong

I’ll give you my heart, not in half
Because I want you to have all of me
My smile, my pain, my whole being
If you take it, you take everything

I’ll give you my word, that sweet “yes”
But promise you’d never break my heart
My mood swings, my hobbies, my past
Accept them and I promise we’ll last

Just prove me wrong, that you’re not like the others
That you won’t hurt me too
Then my heart, my words, my all
My everything will be yours

Book: The Night Stalker (Detective Erika Foster #2) by Robert Bryndza

★★★★/★★★★★

“My point is that bad people are everywhere. The world is filled with good, but it’s equally overwhelmed with bad. People who commit horror and evil. You have to concentrate on what you can do, what you can influence. The ones who you can hunt down.”

Several months ago I picked up and enjoyed The Girl in the Ice, the first book in the Detective Erika Foster series by Robert Bryndza, and now I just finished the second book The Night Stalker which I can say I liked better. We see more inside of Erika's character and I know she's not perfect, she has her flaws and all, but don't we all have some? She may act all though in front of her colleagues but deep inside she's also scarred. And that's what makes her an interesting protagonist.

With a suspenseful start, The Night stalker was able to keep me glued to the pages while Detective Erika Foster tries to catch yet another serial killer. It starts off with Erika and her team investigating the murder of Dr. Munro, which at first they suspected has something to do with gay bashing because of the gay magazines they found on the scene but when they found another body, killed in the same manner as Dr. Munro, they start to think otherwise. And if there's one thing Erika is sure, it is that there's another serial killer in town and she's going to get him. Or her.

The twists and turn of events made the book more thrilling and I liked playing the game of guessing who the killer is or who will be the next victim every time I read something like this! I always try to guess or find clues but in this one I failed to. I was actually quite impressed with the flow of the story and how Bryndza put depth into every character in the book. The respect and loyalty between Erika and his colleague were something I also liked. I especially adored Peterson and Moss! And Isaac! We see more of Erika and Isaac's friendship in the book and I liked it because we see a different side of Erika whenever she's with Isaac.

Isaac put his hand on hers. 
“You can’t save the world, Erika.”
“But I could do a better job trying,” she said, wiping away a tear.

That said, The Night Stalker is a great sequel to The Girl In The Ice and Bryndza did a good job in this one. More compelling plot line, well-developed characters and an intriguing character for a killer!

Movie: Spider-Man: Homecoming 2017

★★★★/★★★★★

Main characters:

Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man

Michael Keaton as Adrian Toomes

Jon Favreau as Harold "Happy" Hogan

Zendaya as Michelle "MJ" Jones

Marisa Tomei as May Parker

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man

Director: Jon Watts

With his first appearance in the movie Captain America: Civil War last year, Spider-Mar surely excited everyone for his new solo movie Spider-Man: Homecoming which is one of the most anticipated movies this year. I've seen the movie with my sisters and a friend the other day and we really enjoyed it!

Tom Holland plays the new Spider-Man and seeing him on the big screen is refreshing. Spider-Man is much younger in the movie and trying to prove he can be an Avenger too, he does what Tony Stark always does and what Tony Stark shouldn't do, always looking for trouble. Lol. Honestly, I was waiting for more action but what I got were more laughter and entertaining scenes. Tom Holland played his role very well and I think he was born to be Spider-Man! 

*****

If you haven't watched Spider-Man: Homecoming, watch it now, you guys!

Yana's 21st Birthday!

[H] [A] [P] [P] [Y] 
[B] [I] [R] [T] [H] [D] [A] [Y]
 Had a simple celebration for Yana's 21st birthday! My sisters and I prepared dinner and of course, there was a DIY photobooth which we really enjoyed! :D

 

*****

 Wishing you all the best Yan, good health, more birthdays to come and of course good luck on your career, whatever you decided to take. :)

Book: Her by Pierre Alex Jeanty

★★★★★/★★★★★

She hesitates
when it comes to opening up
because she has fallen in love
too quickly before and none of those
she fell for opened their arms to catch her.

Can you blame her for making sure that
your hands are big enough
to hold her heart,
your intentions are true enough
for your arms to open,
and you’re strong enough to catch her.

Another poetry collection that I totally loved! I related to almost everything inside this book and every piece spoke to me. It's empowering and all the feelings were real that I was touched though sometimes it hurt.

She is independent, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t like having someone she can depend on.

It's really a lovely book with beautifully written and inspiring words. If you find yourself looking for a great poetry collection, I highly recommend you pick this one up!

You deserve
to be with
someone
who searches
for the beautiful
things in you