We are all storytellers. We create stories even when the only audience we have is ourselves.
That thought entered my mind while I was walking down a tree-lined street along Makati. Hmmm, I wondered. Isn’t it interesting that we are quick to form stories in our head when we see an image or a situation that catches our attention?
A lady sniffing at the back of a chapel. I didn’t know what to do when she started crying. Is she heartbroken? Is she in trouble? Are they tears of joy because she overcame a tremendous obstacle? Should I offer her a tissue? She might think I’m nosy. Maybe she’s going through a tough time at work, her boss was mad at her and things spun out of control. Okay the stories in my head were going out of control and so I prayed for her instead.
A bus driver oblivious to the honking of cars behind him as he waits for passengers by a “No Loading” sign. I see this once too often. Most of the time they look like they don’t have a care in the world. Was this guy raised well? Did he have a happy childhood? Is he in dire straits that he needs to collect passengers illegally? Is he partially deaf? The honking continues and cars with red-faced cursing drivers pile up behind his giant bus.
A guy walking briskly with a bunch of flowers in his arms. Oooh is he on his way to court his lady love? Is this a peace offering because he’s late for their date? No better yet maybe he’s doing a Sleepless in Seattle/Love Affair thing — “I’ll meet you on top of so-and-so building at this time… and I’ll be the one with the bouquet of mums.” Awwww. Or what about he just realized that he does love this girl, but she’s at the airport already, waiting for her flight to the States, sad because she loves him back but wasn’t sure he felt the same way, so she’ll just marry the man her parents set up for her.
Or maybe I just have an overactive imagination and I like amusing myself. Just goes to show I’m never bored when I’m on my own, haha. C’mon admit it, you weave stories too, don’t you? 😉
What’s her story?
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
jey
March 17, 2006 at 7:54 pm (18 years ago)i’d call them creative exercises.=)
come to think of it, there are reasons behind my every post although lately they’ve been so vague and just, well, stories i weaved.
and yeap, i am enjoying these exercises.
iska
March 17, 2006 at 9:06 pm (18 years ago)That lady in the picture just had a falling out with her hubby and for the last time visited the church where they got married wondering what went wrong…
paz
March 17, 2006 at 10:26 pm (18 years ago)mine’s simple :
she’s checking out the church for her upcoming wedding – envisioning the wedding of her dreams. ideas flowing for flowers in pedestals lining the aisle and garlands hanging from the pews – other than being in love, she can’t wait getting married in this beautiful church!
ces
March 17, 2006 at 11:23 pm (18 years ago)trying her best to be poised..everybody’s looking! [like..4..5.. of them!du’uh!]
hey toni! are you trying to psyche us? trying to get to know us better, huh! lol! well, i can be very self-conscious[tama ba spelling ko?lol!] most often than not..now that’s a give-away…
bh
March 18, 2006 at 2:11 am (18 years ago)One hundred years later:
…Maruja…?
bh
March 18, 2006 at 2:13 am (18 years ago)an architecture student on a solitary field trip.
the man in the foreground is going to extend his right leg and trip her…
bh
March 18, 2006 at 2:15 am (18 years ago)where did she say the dang bathroom was?
bh
March 18, 2006 at 2:17 am (18 years ago)wait a minute…
that’s my girlfriend
Paparazzi
March 18, 2006 at 11:28 am (18 years ago)Is that you, Toni?
That voluptuous lady just finished her prayer to our Lord making a firm resolve that this Lent onwards she will be strictly following the Lenten Diet–
o Eat her words
o Swallow her pride
o Digest Jesus Christ’s teachings, and for dessert
o Have a daily prayer.
Or maybe, she must have reflected on this—that Lent reminds her that her life is only LENT to her and that there is a dire need for her to change for the better by repenting and believing in the Gospel!
Toni
March 18, 2006 at 1:57 pm (18 years ago)jey: Creative stimulation, that’s what they are! We all need to exercise our right brains more often!
iska : That’s a very interesting story. Like a romantic movie gone awry.
paz : I can tell you’re a true romantic. 😉
ces : It’s a little fun game to play!
bh : Interesting plots you’ve got there! I like the solitary student one.
Paparazzi : Oh no, that’s not me, Tito P. *s* Thanks for that reflective story!
barbara
March 18, 2006 at 3:01 pm (18 years ago)hey toni – which church is this?
Pao
March 18, 2006 at 4:51 pm (18 years ago)hi toni! nice article. got me thinking huh! gutom na yung girl kaya palabas na ng church. 😆
Daphne
March 19, 2006 at 11:12 am (18 years ago)Nice way to amuse yourself … letting your creativity flow.
Girl in picture just wanted to have some ‘quiet’ time and found the perfect sanctuary in the confines of the Church. Silently she walks out to face harsh realities yet again. Feeling more at peace with herself after she uttered her prayers, knowing that no matter what her troubles in life are, she won’t go wrong with God on her side.
Phew that was a long one, coming from a heretic like myself hahaha 😉
bh
March 19, 2006 at 1:43 pm (18 years ago)no,really…
that’s my girlfriend
sha
March 20, 2006 at 7:10 am (18 years ago)girl: since when they have that new saint over there? must be ages i have not visited .
Toni
March 20, 2006 at 8:22 am (18 years ago)barbara: This is the Notre Dame Cathedral in Vietnam!
daphne: It’s always good to let those creative juices flow y’know! 😉
bh: Hehehe talaga?
sha: Nice! Thanks for sharing!
jing
March 20, 2006 at 8:58 pm (18 years ago)the lady thinks: 40 na ako… I will never walk this WAY ever, so i better do it now!!!