If you have a beloved BFF | A Heartfelt Request

This is a request for help. Go straight here if you trust me enough. 🙂

https://www.gofundme.com/2e464xuk

You can also email me at chiquipineda1@gmail.com if you want to give directly and I’ll make 100% sure she gets the full love gift from you.

IF you need more info, read on. Thank you so much and I really appreciate your being here. CP

This is my BFF, Myrna. We’ve been friends since our university years in Diliman. She’s one of the kindest, strongest and smartest people I know and she’s taught me things from the finer points of Economics 101(there are none) to the proper ways of shaving one’s legs. (Use the right cream. Yes, conditioner works.) We’ve had some of the best creative experiences like being in a school organization choir that has won awards for 3 consecutive years and some dumb ones, too, like jumping out of a second story window into a swimming pool just because.

We’ve both chosen the migrant mama mode of life and we’ve seen each other’s ups and downs through the years – from hairdos to heartaches! In motherhood: Between us, we’ve got 7 kids! So do the Math of diapers changes, sleepless nights, modes of discipline and countless educational options. In marriage. Susmariosep! Let’s not be coy na, amiga. You know you’re Real BFFs with someone when you can call them in the middle of the day or night with a question/dump-on/teary-snotty talks on that one!

Last time we were together, I had the best time with her! Oona and I stayed for a weekend with her amazing family in Phoenix, Arizona which is where she lives now. I took their family photos which was such a joy. Here are some of them

Then she brought us to Sedona which is simply gorgeous and then taught me and my daughter Oona how to crochet along the way.

The reason I’m telling you about her today is this: Myrna has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. It is in its early stages, thank goodness! Yet it is still a serious blow. This on top of her husband, Marco, recently going through a serious biking accident. It was so bad that even the local news covered it. Marco had to be hospitalized for a few weeks and couldn’t move for a while. You know what that means, right? Myrna had to take care of things by herself for a while and then…the diagnosis. Hay, naku talaga! Buhay!

It’s a painful thing for my BFF and those who are closest and dearest to her. I was in Manila with my family last August when I found out about her diagnosis. I did the ugly cry on my sister’s shoulder and we prayed over it. I may not know the amount of pain she’s going through but since she’s my BFF, I have an idea of what it’s like and it’s a heavy, heavy burden to carry.

Myrna still keeps busy with her work, amidst the many doctors appointments and tests. Apart from managing the home, she teaches preschool kids and helps run a home for seniors with her family. The thing with family expenses, they never stop coming even when you want them to stop for a bit.

In spite of all this, Myrna still continues to offer me help during my low days. Offers to help me! Can you believe the kindness of this woman? I’d probably be in a cave somewhere if I got sick and you’d find me yelling “Go away!” at anyone who attempted to come close, much less offer to help anybody. Ok, maybe yell at everyone but my doctors and nurses. And my kids…Oh, God forbid.

What’s I’m saying is this: I am blown away by her never-ending generosity and love. And strength. Now that’s a strong woman who offers to help at a time that she needs it the most.

Now it’s time to give back. She will get through this, by God’s grace, she will get through this and come out shiny and new. Thank you for your prayers.

For now she needs financial help. I’m asking my friends and family, my loves. Let’s help Myrna. In whatever amount feels right in your heart, whether it be $5…$10 or $50…. or $1000000000 if you’re so inclined 🙂 (No pressure, Myrna said. A little positive pressure, Me said.) Let’s donate to Myrna’s healing funds. Yes, I’m choosing to call it that instead of the C-word. Thank you to Myrna’s co-worker, an administrator at TotSpot Preschool, for setting up the gofundme site.

https://www.gofundme.com/2e464xuk

Or PayPal chiquipineda1@gmail.com if you want to give directly. I’ll make 100% sure she gets the full amount. That’s my promise.

I don’t know a lot but this I know in my heart: She’s one of the best human beings I will ever have the joy, pleasure and blessing to call Best Friend. Thanks for choosing to help my BFF.

Myrna V, we all love you so very much! Praying for your full recovery very soon.

Thanks so much, friends and family, and I pray for you and your family everyday!

May we be healthy and happy and for BFFs all over the world who love and help each other, God bless you all!

Maraming salamat po!

Sincerely,

Chiqui

Flashback Friday_a very special love; from a very special time not too long ago

By Chiqui Pineda Comments

For you.

I really should make more home movies. And homemade songs! My 100 imperfect songs project needs resuscitation, among other things. Note to self: Do it. Already already!

I recorded this song I used for this quick slideshow right there on our dining table. On an old laptop, while the little guy sat on my lap one weekend. Then I plugged in photos from the same computer, just your everyday, ordinary images of what was going on during that time…when the kids were still kids. And cute. And willing to be photographed a lot. :p Sigh. I miss those days.

Gretchen Rubin said this on parenting: The days are long but the years are short. After doing this Mom-thing for 15-going-on-forever and ever (because, you know, once a mom…) I know exactly what she’s saying.

Cherishing the Moments, here and now and ever more,

Happy Autumn Solstice 2015!

By Chiqui Pineda Comments

Our family’s last hurrah for the summer at Brooks Farms in St. Andrews. Props to Baba J. for this photo.

“Whether I sink, whether I swim

It makes no difference when

I’m beautifully in over my head.” ~ Bethel Music

My sister, Joey. She gave this song to me. During one of our road-trips back home in the Philippines last summer.

I’m nuts for it. I’ve been listening non-stop. Then I thought to myself, it’s so beautiful, why not learn how to play it. So I did. First on the piano.

Then realized it sounded better on the guitar, you know, to sing-along to. So I did.

Then I realized I could mix the two together. So I did.

What about some harmony? Some second…third, fourth, fifth voices. I did that, too.

Before I knew it, I had a fully arranged song right here on my Garage Band. 🙂 Happiness.

Back to Joey’s gift. Yes. She gave me a gift. Now I give it to you. In the form of something I created with joy and fun and love. Oh, yes, lots of that one. Because I LOVE singing. Oooh, yes I do. And I’ve let my million and one excuses (all fear-based, of course) stop me from sharing this love for too long.

And since it’s a brand new season – Hello, Autumn! – I present to you…

THE 100 IM.PERFECT.SONGS 2.0.

I am head-over-heels in love…with the melody, the message, the gift of this song.

Now it’s yours. Take it…in all its perfectly imperfect form! 🙂

May we be all be beautifully in over our heads for stuff we love.

Let me know in the love notes section what latest songs have made you feel that “in love” feeling all over again, will you?

For now and always.

Courage in Creativity,

In Over My Head (Crash Over Me | Full Lyrics), Bethel Music

I have come to this place in my life
I’m full but I’ve not satisfied
This longing to have more of You
I can feel it my heart is convinced
I’m thirsty my soul can’t be quenched
You already know this but still
Come and do whatever You want to

I’m standing knee deep but I’m out where never been
I feel You coming and I hear Your voice on the wind

Would you come and tear down the boxes that I have tried to put You in
Let love come teach me who You are again
Take me back to the place where my heart was only about You
And all I wanted was just to be with You
Come and do whatever You want to

Further and further my heart moves away from the shore
Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am Yours
Further and further my heart moves away from the shore
Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am Yours
[x2]

Then You crash over me and I’ve lost control but I’m free
I’m going under, I’m in over my head
And You crash over me, I’m where You want me to be
I’m going under, I’m in over my head
Whether I sink, whether I swim
It makes no difference when I’m beautifully in over my head
Whether I sink, whether I swim
It makes no difference when I’m beautifully in over my head
I’m Beautifully in over my head
I’m Beautifully in over my head

Chiquiness Gift Box, a TCPS giveaway

By Chiqui Pineda Comments

Sunday’s Chika*Blessings from TCPS.

Pick one! Or all 3 is even better

1) Comment, share photo on your feed, and Tag me!
2) Subscribe to my newsletter, scroll down below for the subscription form.
3) Listen for the “magic word” on www.pinoyradio.com Sundays at 5PM/EST – ChikaBless with Chiquiness and PM to me.

I’ll pick a qualified winner on May 1, Friday! Go go go get this goody gift box filled with creative love and light! Goodluck!

This box includes:

* 2 Chiqui beanies – one adult, one kiddie – handmade by me!
* My Special Valentine Duets from Ms. Edith Joaquin and Ms. Carla Giopaolo
* A CD copy of my 2nd Album Whatever It Takes
* Original Zendoodle artwork and card with a very special message from me
* A Polka Dotty Notebook (for all your creative compositions!)
* 1 Philippine-made shell bangle in my favorite teal color

and

* My favorite dark chocolate “Hottie” for my hotties from Zezubean.

GAME NA.

Dear Special Needs Moms, A Special Edition of TCPS – Episode #22

By Chiqui Pineda Comments

In celebration of all the tireless (but very tired!) Special Needs Moms all over the world who are patiently and lovingly caring for their special children, we shine a bright light on special needs families.

Mahirap man ang maging SN Mom, mayroon din siyang mabuting naidulot sa aming pamilya: We become more patient, hopeful, mas malapit sa Diyos at kapwa tao because we realize we need help and we are not alone in this. We struggle daily, yes, but we know we are never alone. It is not something to be ashamed of! Hindi siya dapat ikahiya. There is hope for development with the proper support. Have faith!” – Maria

This episode features myGloryBox.com‘s Charina Giron with son Miguel (Migo); and Maria Baron with son LJ for a very intimate conversation from diagnosis to a lifetime of care.

Spare a thought, prayer and love to hard up Special Needs moms.” – Charina

Click HERE to listen to other TCPS Episodes.

What part of the show connected with you? What touched you the most? Please let me know in the comment below.

If you liked this episode of TCPS, please share this post with your friends and families. Thank you!

Samahan niyo po kami sa TCPS tuwing Linggo, alas 5:00PM / EST on www.pinoyradio.com. This Sunday is the 22nd Edition of The Chiqui Pineda Show featuring two amazing moms of ASD Autistic Spectrum Disorder kids, Charina and Maria.

Replays Wednesday. 7:00PM/EST. Podcast compilations are HERE.

Courage in Creativity and Special Caring,

Join us on www.pinoyradio.com every Sunday, 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time.