In the past months, I guess, blogging has taken its toll on me. I could not believe that my last entry was last July 9! There were so many factors why I haven't blogged much for more than 2 months.
First, was my job. It was not new to me, but there were more changes and improvements that needed to be implemented this time. Plus I was under pressure to perform better now that I am into my 4th batch of trainees.
Second, I was hooked to photography. I am a self-confessed Flickr addict! I cannot live the day without browsing through the streams of my friends, and administering and moderating groups. My weekends are usually for shoots and photowalks and out of town shoots.
Third, I was also busy with some photography-related activities/ events like joining for the first time, a Flickr photo exhibit in TriNoMa, and joining Pinoy Biyahero of Philippines Group also in Flickr.
And many other more reasons I have already forgotten!
Recently, something motivated me to go back to blogging...and why not? It is my first love! It was actually an e-mail from someone who can relate to my earlier post on Maryhurst garden in Baguio City. I was ecstatic not only because of the fact that I am on page 2 of Google when you search "Maryhurst" (Yes I tried it after reading her email, LOLs!), that I am read, but more importantly because of the fact that we share the same "passion" for Maryhurst.
Let me quote in full her e-mail:
Hello there! I was just trying to browse on the web for some stuffs while waiting for students who'd consult me on their academic load this semester when I chanced on your site regarding the maryhurst garden. I have heard so much of the famous "rose garden." I have been teaching the Maryhurst seminarians for the last 12 yrs, and I may say, every visit to the seminary is always a new experience. But I envy you because like a few, you have been a part of that garden and had appreciated it more than I did in memory.To you, Ms. Melany Natividad, thank you also for giving me that motivation again. It is now very rare for an unpopular blogger like me to be read, and it brings so much honor to be read even by just one person like you--and I guess, we have the same Alma Mater too, madam!
Maryhurst has changed-the structure, the environment, the people, and perhaps the spirit. One of my college professors told me that when he was still a seminarian back then, Maryhurst was rustic and old and nostalgic. Now, the building looked more of a hotel. It maybe because of that tragic fire that ravaged it and its accessibility to the public. Most of my colleagues in the department where I belong had been Maryhurst seminarians. They can only feed me so much of first-hand info regarding that garden. Even the Panagbennga festival here which is held every February is no match for the late Bro. Armand's rose garden. Indeed, nothing can compare to a past that has not been forgotten. In philosophy, we say that at times, it's always good to forget so that we can remember.
I thank you for your article. It really moved me-the times that I have taken so many things for granted opened a few avenues in my journey. Most good things in life come a long time, and yet, they're still worth waiting for. The Maryhurst garden is no longer that majestic perhaps, but, it still is full of trees, and ferns, a few flowers and a lot of memories.
