A Mother's Rebirth: My Son Turns 17

Last March 18, my son turned 17, and as I celebrated his birthday, I realized that in many ways, I too was being reborn.

Every year when his birthday comes, I feel that motherhood brings a new version of myself into the world. Being a mum is not just about giving birth once; it is about continuously giving birth to new parts of yourself. Your patience, your love, your strength, and your understanding. With every year of his life, another part of me is born again.

I have been gifted with a truly wonderful son. At 17, he is such a head turner, a dashing Romeo in his own right. But beyond the charm and youthful confidence, what fills my heart with pride is the young man he is becoming. I see responsibility in him. I see maturity in the way he takes each step through his teenage life. Watching him grow into himself is one of the most beautiful journeys I have ever experienced.

As his mother, my deepest wish for him is simple yet profound: that he lives a life filled with contentment. I pray that his heart will always carry faith in God, and that this faith will guide him in every decision he makes. I hope he continues to nurture a pure heart,one that allows him to genuinely connect with people, and most importantly, remain connected with himself.

Raising him has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I am so grateful that I have had the privilege of guiding and nurturing such a wonderful young gentleman.

At times, it feels emotional to see how quickly he is growing up. The years pass faster than a mother's heart can prepare for. Yet no matter how tall he grows or how independent he becomes, he will always be my Jasiu, my Janek, my little boy and my heart.

Happy 17th birthday, my dear son. Your life is just beginning, and I will always be cheering for you every step of the way.

love,

Aixx

Embrace the Struggle

One of the most fascinating truths I’ve learned is that the struggle is good.

It’s easy to wish for ease, to hope things would just flow without friction. But growth doesn’t happen there. Strength, character, and clarity are forged in the middle of discomfort, doubt, and effort.

It has been a hard week for me. I’ve had to navigate my emotions in such a way that I could find the lighter side of things. May it be from personal to work-related struggles. But one thing that really motivated me to embrace the struggle this week is the art of reminding and practicing gratefulness.

During one of our office events, we had a short workshop on developing the skill of gratitude in training ourselves to look for three things to be grateful for within the first hour after waking up. It might sound simple, but it truly helps. This daily exercise has shifted my perspective, allowing me to focus on positivity and see the brighter side of things rather than the negatives.

And in that process, I’ve learned to also be grateful for the struggles themselves because they help me grow as a person and appreciate this wonderful life we live in even more.

At the same time, this week in the office, I was recognized as one of the key players at work. Despite the stress, workload, and all the challenges I’ve faced, my efforts were seen and appreciated. That kind of recognition, being valued for your hard work is something no amount of money can replace. It’s such a great boost of confidence and truly rewarding. Definitely a dopamine high! 💫

When life feels heavy, it’s not a sign you’re failing it’s a sign you’re growing. The struggle is not our enemy; it’s our teacher.

💛 Here’s to embracing both the good days and the hard ones because together, they make life beautifully whole.

Cheers,

xoAi

#EmbraceTheStruggle #Gratitude #GrowthMindset #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #PositiveVibes

Kapuśnioka Chronicles: A Cabbage Conundrum!

Our Village from the top of the hill

Did you know that in some parts of Poland, the word Kapuśnioki isn't just about delicious cabbage soup? 🥬🍲 Traditionally, Kapuśnioki refers to a beloved Polish soup made from fermented cabbage, like sauerkraut with pork ribs, and is known for its hearty, comforting flavor. Oh, this is one of my favorite Polish soup especially in the winter time. 😁

But here’s the twist: in some villages—like the one I’m currently living in—it’s also a playful nickname for the proud residents of villages where cabbage farming reigns supreme. 🥬✨ I don’t know if this humor is still widely popular, but my colleague shared it with me when she found out that I’m living in this small town, and in this small village.

As someone who lives in a small agricultural village with just over 3,000 people, I think it’s safe to say I’ve earned the title Kapuśnioka! How is that? *wink

Here, the land is so fertile that cabbage grows as if it’s on a mission. 🥬✨ But that’s not all. Our village thrives on agriculture, with fields of potatoes, carrots, and more—helping to supply goods to the entire country.

Living here means cabbage is practically now in my DNA. Need proof? I can spot a top-quality head of cabbage from a mile away! My credentials? A lifetime surrounded by cabbage plantations and neighbors who treat farming as an art form. 😄

Imagine a place where cabbage isn’t just a crop; it’s a way of life. Need a new outfit? How about a cabbage leaf cape! Feeling philosophical? Just gaze into the heart of a cabbage—it has layers, just like life.

So, here’s to the Kapuśnioki—the village heroes who make sure our pierogi, soups, and sauerkraut are always on point. And as for me? I’m your proud Kapuśnioka! Next time you enjoy a bite of fermented cabbage or a slurp of Kapuśnioki soup, remember the folks behind the farm fields, turning humble cabbage into a cultural icon.

Tag your favorite Kapuśnioka or Kapuśniok below! Let’s give them the recognition they deserve. 🥂✨

#KapuśniokaVibes #CabbageCulture #PolishHumor #LifeInTheVillage

Much love,

Ai

xo

10! A decade of living a Polish-ed life

Yesterday, I celebrated my 10 years living a Polish-ed life. Yes, a decade of experiences and mixed emotions. Living like the Poles but still feeling like a fool. :-P

The best way to celebrate it is to run in a 10K, but I end up having and sharing a cup of coffee over an exquisite cupcakes at my new found favourite cafeteria in the heart of Bytom, Poland, of course with the wonderful people in my life. 

Wooohooot!

10 years ago, I packed my life in a single suitcase. Left my country with a heavy heart, yet with no regrets. Leaving behind the people I grew up with. Being here, living like the Poles, adjusting to fit in to the culture not minding the harsh winter (for a tropical woman like me it is harsh and depressing. ), most of all trying to learn the complicated Polish language are just few things that I dared to face, yet really drew me near to myself...who I really am.  

In this part of the world, I've met wonderful true friends and gain respect in the end. I have learned to detoxify my life from abusive toxic friends. To be honest, I have love and hate relationship with Poland, not because of the weather, the language neither the people. But sometimes I feel like I am still stuck somewhere in between. Nonetheless, I love this country for it is a beautiful place, but what makes it more beautiful, its people - the Poles, who accepted me as I am and love me like I am their kind. 

In retrospect, I never knew what I want 10 years ago here. All I know of that time is to build my own family and live life how it should be. What it is now is just something I am happy to tap my shoulder and say, I survived! Having a great faith in my heart that everything will be all right with me in this country is indeed a bonus. 

Actually, I just turned a year older as well  and being here for 10 years, these all I can say: 

I may not be the same individual I was 10 years ago, a month ago or even a week ago. I am always constantly growing. My experiences don't stop here because life does not stop.  I have a constant hunger to learn, to improve, to live. Getting older everyday and where I live is both an opportunity and a priviledge to experience life's amazing goodness. 

Cheers for my 10 years anniversary here in Poland! 

With faith, let's count together for another more decade for me to live a Polish-ed life.

xxoo

Ai

Oh, so this language!

Sometimes dealing with real time world is quite easy than writing a blog  that wants proper attention and care. Sometimes ideas just don't get in tune with feelings and much more, we needed that much inspiration to keep the juicy side of the brain going.  I would choose the latter - inspiration. 

That doesn't mean I'm not inspired. I always get inspirations on things, people I came in contact with, with what's happening to the present world and most of all with what's within me. 

The past days were a bit of a struggle, fighting with cough and colds. Bugs caught up with us at home and makes me not to realized a lot thing planned.  Good, all is well now.  

Dzięki Bogu!

And then I realized, October is here.  

Will I ever get a nice experience this month? I don't know. All is up to me.  I know, there's a lot of things I have to deal with starting this month. I have to keep myself amused with time and so not to get bored and in autumn depressing mood. I love Autumn because of its mosaic colours of leaves, but I don't like it's eerie glow. Skies are often grey, foggy, rainy and crisp cold air begins to unravel.  

My plan..........

Time to scrub things of my feet once again. Open my notes and  books on Polish language and begin to master this complicated language...and dreaming that I get to speak like a pro in no time. That won't happen if I seek perfection at once. So, I'm taking my slow yet focus. For sure I get to speak like real Polish in time.  

I'm holding a Polish citizenship since 3 years ago but I don't speak the language and that's disguting, isn't it? Don't blame me. Blame the Polish, why they like to complications. (smile, if your Polish) Inside of me, I'm still very Filipino. for I never renounced  my citizenship. That makes me a Fil-Pol. Or FOO-LISH!

If you ask me, what I gained with having two citizenship. Well, to be honest. Nothing that special. Just that I never have to renew my papers every now. Then, at the Polish offices with also complicated rulings (for actually they have different rulings). They're giving us a headache before and glad I'm over it now. I should have blog about it then..the complications of processing and my battles of how they changed my names here. That reminds me, to investigate it once again soon for I would have to deal with it again later on in a more complicated way. I hate dealing with paper works but for the sake of legal matters, we have to. 

One time caught my attention to really really speak Polish is when we were having our afternoon walk with my son...

Son: Mom, you really have to speak Polish.

Me: Why?

Son: because sometimes there are words in Polish I don't know in English. 

Me: Like what?

Son: Piaskownica

Me: What is it?

Son: Sandpit

Me: So, you know what it is in English. 

Son: No! not all the time. 

Me: hahahah !  silly boy.

Then, that got me thinking that my son is right. Not all words is familiar for him in English,  for some things are more expose or that seen in Polish culture only. Familiarization  in English is limited to the extent when it comes to dealing with only with Polish friends most of the time. Some not the same in English. Not only that innocent conversation with my son awakens me, dealing with the daily routine of my daughter in school especially that she's now in first grade. That entails me to help her with assignments which is all in Polish and that really frustrates me. I can't help her in that area. And I get so emotionally dealing in that category, for I'm always want to be involve and hands - on in everything for my children. So, that's the big mess on my side. However, there's nothing I can do. I'm not Polish and I never speak the language. I have to wait and do something.

That's my struggle here - the language. Honestly, there are really moments that I wanted to just disappear and you know live somewhere else more familiar to me.  Then, I always know how to reconcile with my disappointments. I know how to console & understand myself without anybody telling me, that giving up isn't part of my system. Saying NO at once to something means being coward and failure. Naaah! that isn't me. I'm a superwoman in the making.........

Makes me think of buying this book to enlighten me more....or to give me some familiar hint of gusto.

source here

What do you think? Dump? sometimes I feel like one, seriously.

And, realized I should STOP relying on Google translator, because I always end up uttering these words............

source here

From now on, I have to rely solely on my guts to learn and speak Polish with my heart.  A friend always reminds me that to fully embrace the language, you need to put your heart into it. Just like how I put a lot of feelings into my baking, cooking and pieces of arts. Alright, I'll take that advice and hopefully I get to see my real heart into this language very soon.  

Oh, so this language! 

and so help me God!

*pulls hair and rolling eyes. 

If you ever have any suggestions for me to learn the language easily...comment below. I want to know your side and if you have struggle with any other languages.

Where Am I?

Am I still here? 

or 

Are you still there?

Been awhile not blogging. Life is extremely busy with the real world. There is more things to think about and should be given prior attention than here in the bloggging world. Yet, I still do visits most of the blogs I like to read and that inspires me whenever I get the chance. Just that, lately I need to make a whole new twist to my life. Live in the moment and enjoy every chances. 

There comes a point during my absence that I wanted to disappear in the blogging scene and delete everything in here....However, I learnt to reconcile with myself.  Said, this is still my ground to express whatever things I have in mind and like doing for the past years...and the years to come.  Today I'm enjoying such euphoria that is hard to explain. This is more favorably giving me joy, peace and tranquility.  My vitamin of my everydays.

Am I in love? 

I'm always in love with everything..with life and with every single thing that I'm experiencing. The whole network of bloggers for instance guided me and giving me so much inspiration when it comes to living life. It associated me to a whole new level of living and being more passionate with what your and I am doing.  

Am I sick?

Nope! sickness is far from my vocabulary right now. Been on a second surgery last July which prompt me to do proper caring and resting. That explains as well my absence here. Then, we're all very glad that I get over with it and my doctor told me that I'm now a 'zdrowia kobieta' - healthy woman. 

What's new?

Currently working still on that small projects I've mentioned here. Hopefully, I could get my hands again working on them and at least accomplished one set of them.  Just that, time is always running and mostly spends with my children.  I can't hardly breathe sometimes...that sometimes I really needed a full week break just being me...and me alone  ( i know somebody will react to this). *wink!

Then, insanely trying to master the the Polish language. This would make me insane.  

*pulls hair! 

unfortunately by the category of learning languages and based from a study lately, Polish language still emerged as number 1 complicated and very hard to learn language in the world. Why you Polish likes to complicate things? Like when you try to learn the basic Polish ABC's you will encounter already hard letters to pronounce and read with. And in this portion of their alphabet... I J K - when read in Polish and if a Filipino (especially ones speaking my local language which is Cebuano) heard it, it will sound pretty silly.  Don't ask me anyways.  LOL! I guess you get what I mean.

What's new? 

Nothing new. Been just so tough months for me.  Always out of home and enjoy summer as much as we could.  Now that it's officially Autumn, time to scrub a little cobwebs into this blogsite and then create something new or that writing something interesting.  I promised myself not to indulge into a lot of personal things into my blog. I'll leave it in private and as much as possible do blog only with the things that makes me busy like my arts - sewing, DIY's, knitting, crochetting, photography, baking and cooking...and other form of media.

I believe, there's absolutely a special place for all things personal.

To this day, I'll try my best to blog as much as I could and post my projects in here at least once a week and be more active in writing and blogging. Oh wow! how I miss being in here and how I miss writing with free flowing thoughts in mind.

Be happy always!

Here are few pictures during our summer...enjoy!

lake in Vistula

visited the museum of lace at Koniakow, Poland - my bucket list is to visit this small town here to actually see how this lace making became a culture and tradition in this area of Poland. I met the old lady who actually into this lace making for longer time now.

and this is one of her works on display....

some other designs..the other one is an eagle which symbolizes Poland.

lace headpieces, usually wear in a traditional Polish wedding. I fell in love with this pieces..got me thinking why I didn't think of a Polish wedding..hahah!

a bodice piece that a Polish woman wear as part of their traditional dress. Really piece of art right? the embroidery thing is such a tedious job. It takes me too much time looking at this so I better snap a pic to enjoy this at home anytime.

you can enjoy a boat ride around the lake and go for some fishing..this is just located near the our apartament we've rented. However, we didn't try renting for not quite amusing for us. I just enjoyed the colors of the plastic boats.

somewhere in another very small town in the mountain.

an old library and a city hall of the town Wisła or Vistula

piece of handmade toys put in exposition at the museum

some headpiece women wear before to tuck in their bun. How clever isn't it? 

The President's palace ring on top of the mountain

A colorful peasant chicken at the Leśny Park in Ustron

A bison, that is snobbish and smelly.  Sorry dude but I like you actually.

Taking picture of an old satchel bag at an old traditional house somewhere in Ustron, Poland.

an entrance to the public WC of the town..makes me giddy for it's flowery and greenish entrance. Though, we have to pay 1.50zl just to use their WC.worth it anyways.

Our everyday afternoon walk in a nearby park with a tennis court on the side and many lovers to my amusement.

Me and son, enjoying touching the real fawn. They're really pretty  in person and I didn't know they're that friendly. We can feed them as well. And the silly me wearing a wrong shoes in the forest.

one of our evening walks when the that full moon begins to appear, then makes me think of people I love but they are far from me.

this goat i love to take home...oh wait, is this a goat? LOL

and eating my hearts out with this Polish food...my first meal on that 1st day.

that the Presidents Palace

houses and apartaments for rent in the area.

the vistula river

The Niagra fall version in Wisła

the centrum

quiet place inside the compound of the Palace of the President

 joining people, that's what that chair all about. I just love taking picture of this chair...and if you know. You'll understand why.

More pictures next time..

The 37 degrees celsius weather ...

I don't exactly know what to blog today for I'm feeling a little melodramatic today. All I know is that today is one of the hottest summer we are experiencing here now in Poland.  Temperature reaches to 37 degrees Celcius to 39C. Whew! That's quite too much sun and heat for Polish standard.  No wonder most locals here trying to find the chilliest place to stay or that dress light as much as they can...some almost naked just to keep up with the heat.  I for one is into the groove to fight the summer heat. Not naked though! bleeeh!

Still my birthday month. I had the simplest birthday this year as I always wanted that way. Last year, celebrating it somewhere while vacationing with family and friends...so for 5 consecutive years, I celebrated with mostly close friends throwing a party for me of which is so flattering because mostly I do make surprises to friends and family for their special day.

Few more weeks from now would be September and that makes me excited, which means as well summer would be over and that we have to endure the long cold months again. My amore always reminds me to enjoy the summer and that we should not complain about the weather for surely this kind of warmness will surely be missed in the coming months.  That is true.

This months makes me busy a bit in preparation for the school opening. My little girl would be entering proper school - 1st grade.. Can you imagine that? The first time I blogged about her here when she was still inside of me and now she's 6 years old happy little girl. She is excited to explore her new world in school but at the same time she is a bit nervous.  I know such excitements.

This is Izabela at 6.....

such an innocent face and getting smarter everyday.

she likes to wear high heeled shoes . What would it be in 10 years. yay!

She's blowing love to everyone...

and she likes to always have that long hair with a bangs and refused to cut it.

Wherever you are in this world, enjoy your weather and every moment of it. 

Always remember, when all else fails, occasionally go back to basics .  Build your foundation. practice your skill and build your craft.  And today is just one of my many boring , monotonous summer days. Yet, I realized I forgot to remind myself about going back to the basics when things aren't the way I want it. For I easily get frustrated, impatient when a certain project I'm working on fails in some ways. I easily get discouraged lately when I see that with all the things I'm planning and preparing is far from finishing and perfection.  For sometimes, I expect too much and that I don't have the confidence of.

Will I blame the 37 degrees celsius weather again for feeling this way?

Nahhhh!

Cheers!

Bytom Flea/Antique Fair - Bytomski Jarmark Staroci

Day after my birthday, I went with a good friend to this place in Szombierki district in Bytom, Poland, particularly in ul. A.F. Modzewskiego 3 for there's once a month flea/antique market fair there. They named this here : Bytomski Jarmark Staroci" means Bytom's Antique Fair. This is such a fascinating place for me and for those are collecting old antique./vintage things and collectors of different things like coins, money, paintings, canisters, tea pots, tea sets, jewelries, silver wares, furnitures and or anything old, name it you can see it all there. 

sellers usually come by cars.

sometimes old parts of things u have in the house u can find it in such flea markets

such old sewing machine reminds me of my grand mother who used as such.

old phones always interesting to my eyes.

old medals..we purchased one for a friend who wants one.

This phone works fine with me.

and this man cursed me for I took picture of him without asking, But I'm used to that kind of people here for some aren't really accommodating. If you understand what he wrote there on his instrument that he needs something like money to buy medicine. Some of them just pretending actually. so, I do understand why he cursed me after for I didn't give him anything. Sorry dude! such a lame marketing doesn't work for me and especially if you utter the word "kurwa" pisses me off completely.

Tea set, old cheese board and others are nice collector items.

old handmade paintings like this is quite nice to display somewhere in the house.

Cross stitched and framed items are among interesting for me too and if your into handmade things like me.

old phones are so fascinating to me..much more if its colours are red or green. Then in the next block I really did find some green and red ones but aren't too old.

If you don't know, I like time/clocks and hand clock like that sort. I'm trying to collect..i don't know why but maybe because I value time so much. I almost purchase one of it there but way too much of my budget.

mountains of crocheted items.

My friend Loe is eyeing onto this old calendars because of the wonderful pictures, for she's into photography as well.

i like the set of wall plate decor. Oh, why I didn't mind that yellow tea cup.

AND! for my flea/antique finds?

here goes..........

Old wall plates for display.

Winter scene. at the back it says : Winter in Franken

Another wall plate in AUTUMN scene in Franken / Franconia, Germany. An city somehwere in Bavaria.

What I love about this scene is the pastel colours used. Just wonderful winter scene for me.  Happy and full of tranquility. Now, I miss winter. yey!

Made in ITALY particularly in Rome. So that makes me more like this plates.

Old crocheted table napkins.

 and....

Old Russian alarm clock (in which they told me made of a poisonous heavy metal in case you want to eat it. hahaha! and an old metal/lead carved cat. 

Way too hot yesterday for such a trip and walking for some hours, may not be ideal but hey! we enjoyed our flea market trip and much more what we've got.

Tips If you want to go to such places:

1. Plan your trip. Know the area ahead, where to park and if there's a free parking or if you need to pay some hours for just parking. In that place, there are few free parking spaces but better park where you you pay minimal amount like 5złoty for your whole day there for your car is safe.

2. Make a budget and stick to it. Before going know your budget. How much cash/money you would like to bring. And mind you, no credit / debit card allowed there. So, bringing in cash and in loose coins are advisable.

3. Haggle if you can. Yes! this is one expertise I've got now after few trips and travels in such places. I know how and when to haggle for the best price. Of course, within your budget.

4. Bring water and other healthy snacks. When you don't know how many hours you will spend so better bring some snacks with you especially water for it tends to be so hot and thirsty for you really get to walk from block to blocks. Though, you can buy some foods in the area but some are way too pricey.

5. Wear comfortable clothes. That I can't understand where some people going there are like going to a runway show..wearing so high heeled shoes. Hey, you aren't going to a ramp. Your going to walk in a  not so pleasant surroudings, roads and dirts. So better wear comfortable shoes like flat ones, rubber shoes, knickers and or slippers. Clothing are another story. Wear where you feel it is easy for you to maneuver things for you get to swim in a variety of people in all full odors and ages. So light clothing on summer days and another comfortable ones on cold months are great. Wearing bags not so attractive for pickpocketers is also advisable and as always be cautious of you surroundings.

6.  Take your time. For you to get what you wanted plan of course ahead what you want to see there and want to collect and take your time in selecting for there's not only one seller might be selling the things you wanted, usually they are lot of them from professional ones to just low leveled ones.

7. Bring your camera. It is always fascinating to take candid pictures of things you see and of different people you met along the way. But of course, ask first if they want pictures to be taken for mostly doesn't like you to take pictures of them.

8. Go there early.  Usually such fair starts around 7:00 am so going there early is great for you tend to find good parking space and you can plan what block to start walking. Though, we noticed that going to such place in the midday is also great for some prices are lowered down when the fair is about to end.

I think those are few tips and advises from me, if you wanted to go such flea markets and most of all enjoy your trip with your friends who are into the same passion of yours. For I'm telling you it is really hard to go with someone who aren't into such likings/passion like yours. You will end up pressured, in a hurry to select, tired and not enjoying your flea market date.