Don’t Do That

“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are.” Markus Zusak I feel like it’s been forever since I tried writing my thoughts down. For the past several years, I’ve been very open about my feelings. I have no qualms in showing my vulnerability to others. I…

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{Brave}

“The only way to being at peace with yourself is to be accepting and loving of who you are.” Let me share you a story. Before I started blogging fourteen years ago, I was in a woman’s group and from there I became aware of this thing called blogging. And I told myself, Charina…you can…

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Seeing in Black & White

“I think it’s because it was an emotional story, and emotions come through much stronger in black and white. Color is distracting in a way, it pleases the eye but it doesn’t necessarily reach the heart.” Kim Hunter I’ve been actively uploading my photos in my Instagram account for the last two weeks. I am…

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Embracing Negative

I’ve seen it all and read it all. This thing about positivity. Positive thoughts. Positive feelings. Positive influence. Positive vibes. Positive crowd. You get my point? I have nothing against someone who sees and feels nothing but positivity. In fact, I have so much respect for those people. But you know… Negative feelings matter too….

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{Stillness}

I’m sitting here in our living room by myself. No noise but the occasional sound coming from our wind chime hanging in our front porch. Windows open wide letting the cool breeze in. Peace. Calm. Quiet. I wonder why some thrive on too much noise. Noise from the tv screens. Noise from others talking. Noise…

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Spring of Hope

It’s been a while. So what should I write when the whole world is hurting. When isolating ourselves, social distancing, working from home for most and classes being held online becomes the norm. I am currently on administrative leave from work and I’m not really sure for how long. My daughter celebrated her eighteenth birthday…

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Things I Learned Before Fifty

Next month, yours truly, will be celebrating the big 5-0! Actually, no big celebration is in the works as I don’t like partying or socializing much. Every year, I write myself a birthday letter but this year, I don’t feel like doing it. Instead, I am going to share the things I’ve learned in no…

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What’s Your Blueprint?

It’s been a quiet few days, (or was it weeks?) here at Charina.Writes. Actually, I have about three drafts written in my “Charina Writes” folder in my notes application. But quite frankly, it sounded desperate. You know, like I wrote it just for the sake of being intentional. So I am here to admit, that…

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Who Am I?

This is who I am. ⁣⁣I can be open and yet guarded.⁣⁣Can be silly but shy.⁣⁣Is playful and yet serious most times.⁣⁣I’m very much into alone times.⁣⁣Quiet moments.⁣⁣Genuine people.⁣⁣Blue skies.⁣⁣Finding the perfect dandelions.⁣⁣Crying over a movie.⁣⁣Road trips.⁣⁣Family.⁣⁣Have I mentioned alone times?

Messy Grace

Blue skies. Snow covered trees. Empty benches. Sunrises. Sunsets. These are a few of my favorite things. I was going to complain about a few things today, but then, I was reminded that most of the things that I want to complain about…a lot of people would loved to have.. But before you judge me…

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