Last night, I was too tired to even get online and just before I went to bed, I embarked on a journey that led me to an appreciation for a classic - "Mama Mia" by ABBA. A song that never really resonated with me, until I stumbled upon a unique rendition by Ripley Alexander, an Australian Idol contestant. His acoustic version, infused with a ballad-like quality, opened my eyes (and ears) to the depth of this seemingly upbeat tune.

Alexander's version stripped away the pop veneer, revealing a core of raw emotion and heartbreak. The lyrics, so often lost in the catchy melody, came to the forefront, painting a story of love lost and the pain that accompanies it. It was a revelation, and I found myself captivated by the beauty that lay within the heartache.
Inspired by this newfound perspective, I decided to create my own cover of "Mama Mia". Late into the night, when everyone in the neighborhood was asleep, I poured my heart into the song. The lyrics, once overlooked, echoed in my mind, their meaning amplified in the quiet darkness.

As my voice intertwined with the melody, I felt a connection to the song I had never experienced before. Each word, each note, held a piece of the story - a tale of love, loss, and longing. The song, once a pop anthem, had transformed into a poignant ballad in my mind.
Even now, hours later, the lyrics still reverberate in my thoughts, a haunting reminder last night. "Mama Mia", a song I once dismissed, has now become a cherished piece in my musical repertoire. It's astonishing how a different interpretation can change our perception of a song, revealing the hidden layers beneath the surface. In the end, it's not just about covering a song; it's about connecting with the music, understanding its essence, and expressing it in our own unique way. And that's the beauty of music - it's a universal language that speaks to our hearts, regardless of the genre or era.

LYRICS:

I've been cheated by you since I don't know when
And so I made up my mind, it must come to an end
Look at me now, will I ever learn
I don't know how, but I suddenly lose control
There's a fire within my soul

Just one look and I can hear a bell ring
One more look and I forget everything, whoa

Mamma Mia, here I go again
My, my, how can I resist you?
Mamma Mia, does it show again
My, my, just how much I've missed you?

Yeah, I've been brokenhearted
Blue since the day we parted
Why, why did I evеr let you go?
Mamma Mia, now I really know
My, my, I could nevеr let you go

DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement is intended. Music belongs to its rightful owner.

Thank you for watching, my friends!

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
February 23, 2024, 11:10 a.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

I have not been feeling well since yesterday, but let's talk about Las Vegas for now. Las Vegas, the city that sparkles brighter than a diamond, is a dream destination for many, but for locals and drivers, like my husband, who drives for Lyft, it's just another day in the office.

Yesterday and today, like most days, the traffic in Vegas was quite a sight! The Strip, with its dazzling lights and bustling crowd, was alive with energy. But let's be real: while it's a visual treat for tourists, it can be a bit of a hassle for our local drivers. My husband sent me a video of him driving around the strip instead of messaging or calling. It's pretty damn busy. He drives Lyft, by the way for those who are not aware.

There were a few events happening around the city today, which added to the usual traffic. Plus, there are some changes afoot on the city's roadways. According to some news reports, Las Vegas is trimming down the number of lanes for cars to make way for buses and bikes. This is a pretty cool move for the environment and public transit, but it does mean navigating through fewer lanes for our car drivers.

Despite the traffic, there's no denying the charm of Las Vegas. The bright lights, the iconic landmarks, and the unique vibe—it's a city like no other. Whether you're a visitor taking in the sights or a local weaving through the busy streets, Vegas never ceases to amaze. For our everyday heroes, dealing with traffic is just part of the daily grind. Hats off to them! Their determination and spirit are what keep the city moving, no matter how congested the roads get.

So, the next time you find yourself in a car, either behind the wheel or in the backseat, take a moment to appreciate the city's beauty amidst the hustle. Because, let's face it, there's no place quite like Las Vegas. There you have it! A little glimpse into the daily traffic hustle in Vegas. Despite the challenges, it's all part of the unique charm of this glittering city. I just thought I'd share.

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
February 11, 2024, 3:50 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

So, I've got to tell you about this super cool hike my husband and I went on in La Trinidad, Benguet a few weeks ago. You know, it's one of those experiences that just sticks with you. We were up in the mountains, surrounded by all this greenery—it was already pretty awesome. But then, out of nowhere, these thin clouds started to roll in. They were just hanging out, floating around, doing their cloud thing. It was like they were playing tag with the mountain peaks, and we had front-row seats to the action. And then, as if that wasn't cool enough, this fog started creeping in. It was like watching a slow-motion wave at a rock concert, but instead of people, it was this soft, fluffy fog. It would cover everything one minute, and the next, it would pull back, like it was teasing us.

The whole thing was just... wow! Standing there, watching this cloud-fog dance-off, it was like being in one of those nature documentaries. Except it was real, and it was happening right in front of us. We were just there, in the middle of it all, feeling super lucky. It was one of those moments that made you appreciate the world, you know? It was a reminder that there's so much cool stuff out there, just waiting to be discovered.

So yeah, that's our magical mountain adventure. It was a day filled with clouds, fog, and a whole lot of awe. And you know what? I can't wait to see what else nature has in store for us.

Thank you for watching! Enjoy your day, my friends!

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
December 8, 2023, 2:05 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

I have a couple of friends asking me about my Cresent Moon post and how it looks and feels to be out there. Well, maybe a video would answer that.

By the way, for those who haven't seen my moon post, it is located somewhere in La Trinidad, Benguet, and going up there is a bit challenging since you have to go through a dense mountain trek with slippery, mossy, and muddy parts. It is surrounded by untouched nature, with nature sounds in the background. But all these challenges are worth it once you get to the top, where the moon is located.

You can refer to my post on the link below for more details.
https://ecency.com/hive-155530/@bloghound/have-you-been-to-the-moon-our-challenging-trek-to-the-rocky-mountain-adventure-unlimited-searching-for-the-moon?referral=bloghound

Here's a short video of my husband goofing around chillin like a villain, enjoying his stay on the moon. Enjoy, my friends. Thank you for watching!

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
December 3, 2023, 2:05 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

Okay, this is kind of cheesy, so bear with it lol. So, my husband and I have been married for 12 years now, and we still find joy in the little things. He surprised us the other day and came to visit us all the way from Las Vegas. Yesterday, we decided to take a walk along the beach at noon. The sun was beating down on us, and the sand was hot, but that didn't stop us from taking off our shoes and feeling the sand between our toes. As we walked, we watched the waves crash onto the shore. It was mesmerizing, and we couldn't help but stop and watch for a while.

As we stood there, I couldn't help but think about how those waves were a lot like our marriage. Sometimes things are calm and smooth, and other times things get a little chaotic, but we always come back to each other. The sea breeze was refreshing, and we just enjoyed each other's company, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. It was just a simple moment, but it was perfect because we were together. And that's what our marriage is all about—being together through thick and thin.

Enjoy the waves, my friends!

Disclaimer: Background music belongs to its rightful owner. No copyright infringement is intended.

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
November 9, 2023, 9:40 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

As the month of November rolled in, I found myself standing in front of my mom's house, overlooking the vast expanse of the rice fields. It was the day I visited my mom (All Saints Day here in the Philippines). When the sun was about to set, I was ready to watch the sky with its enchanting colors. It was a scene that was so familiar yet so breathtakingly beautiful. The rice fields, stretching as far as the eye could see, were bathed in a warm, golden glow. You know, it's kind of funny, but sunsets to me never get old. I could stare at them all day and all night.

As the sun began its descent, the fields seemed to shimmer and dance, reflecting the hues of the setting sun. My heart smiled. And again. Over and over. The air was filled with a sense of tranquility, a quiet so profound that it seemed as if time had slowed down. The kaleidoscope of colors in the sky was a sight to behold. The sun was slowly sinking into the horizon, casting long shadows across the fields. The sky was ablaze with hues of orange, pink, and purple, each color blending seamlessly into the next. The sight of the sunset was like a master artist's canvas, a blend of colors so perfect that it left me in awe. The rustling of the wind through the rice stalks and the occasional sounds of the birds in the distance added to the symphony of sounds that accompanied the sunset. I swear, it was absolutely magical.

Watching the sunset over the farmland on that first November evening was a wonderful experience. It was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, the beauty of nature, and the joy of being home. As the last rays of the sun disappeared into the horizon, I was filled with a sense of peace and contentment, grateful for the opportunity to witness such a stunning spectacle. As I walked back towards mom's house, the afterglow of the sunset still lingering in the sky, I couldn't help but look forward to the next sunset, to the next symphony of colors that would paint the sky, and to the next chance to stand in awe of nature's beauty.

I just thought I'd share with y'all. Thank you for watching, my friends. I hope you enjoy your sunsets too!

Disclaimer: The background music belongs to its rightful owner. No copyright infringement is intended.

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
November 3, 2023, 11:00 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

It's almost noon here, and I just finished doing some laundry. I am resting a bit before I prepare some lunch, and in a few hours, I am going to pick up my daughter from school. So maximizing my time, it's karaoke time! I was playing Spotify a little while ago, and one song caught my attention, and I thought I was going to do a cover.

This is a piece by Lionel Ritchie entitled "HELLO". It's one of those old-time favorites of mine; even when I was little, I thought the melody was so beautiful. There's something uniquely captivating about this song. It's not just a song for me; it's a timeless piece of art that resonates with my soul. The lyrics are beautifully crafted, rich with emotion, and intensely relatable. Each word tells a story of longing, love, and a desperate desire for connection.

Despite being released in the 80s, "Hello" has not lost its charm. Its classic sound and universal theme of love and longing make it as relevant today as it was then.

HELLO (Lyrics):

I've been alone with you inside my mind
And in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times
I sometimes see you pass outside my door
Hello, is it me you're looking for?
I can see it in your eyes, I can see it in your smile
You're all I've ever wanted and my arms are open wide
'Cause you know just what to say, and you know just what to do
And I want to tell you so much, I love you
I long to see the sunlight in your hair
And tell you time and time again how much I care
Sometimes I feel my heart will overflow
Hello, I've just got to let you know
'Cause I wonder where you are and I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart, for I haven't got a clue
But let me start by saying, I love you
Hello, is it me you're looking for?
'Cause I wonder where you are and I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart, for I haven't got a clue
But let me start by saying, I love you
I love you
I love you
Is it me you're looking for?
Hello, is it me you're looking for?
'Cause I wonder where you are and I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart, for I haven't got a clue
But let me start by saying, I love you
I love you
I love you
Hello, is it me you're looking for?
Is it me, is it me, is it me
Is it me you're looking for?
Is it me, is it me

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Lionel B. Jr. Richie
Hello lyrics © Brockman Music, Brenda Richie Publishing

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended. Music belongs to its rightful owner.

Thank you for watching, my friends. Have a fantastic day to you all.

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
October 26, 2023, 11:55 a.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

It's another busy day, and I thought I'd share a short video of me visiting my neighbor's vegetable garden. So, after I dropped off my daughter at school this morning, I wanted to stop at the farmer's market, or we call it the wet market here in the Philippines, but unfortunately, I didn't bring enough cash. When I got back home, I saw my neighbor in their yard watering their vegetables, and I was told that some were ready to harvest, like eggplant and bottle gourd, and I said, "cool, that was timely!" I bought eggplants by the way. My daughter loves deep fried eggplants, so...Here's one of the videos their bottle gourds looking sooo fresh! Enjoy, my friends!

Thank you for watching!

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
October 18, 2023, 2:40 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

The other day, I posted photos of my water begonia plant, but I did it in monochrome. Some friends messaged me and asked me how it looked in its real color. I was told that they haven't seen a plant like this before, but I am positive that they already have. It is pretty common here in the Philippines, and I see them everywhere here in my province.

You can check out the link to my post below for your reference.
[https://ecency.com/hive-153349/@bloghound/watermelon-begonia-flowers-in-black-and-white]

So here's a short video I took, and I hope you like it. I also added one of my favorite songs, "Angel Baby" by Troye Sivan, which I did a cover of in my past posts some months ago.

Thank you for watching. Have a colorful day, my friends!

Disclaimer: Background music belongs to the rightful owner. No copyright infringement is intended.

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
October 5, 2023, 1:20 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

I have posted a couple of landscape photos of Utah and Arizona, like the Bryce Canyon, Dead Horse Point, Salt Lake City Mountains, Snowbird Resort, River Rapids, and others, but I have not posted videos (I guess only one) yet. So here's one from Moab, Utah (l.ink below)

https://ecency.com/hive-153349/@bloghound/dead-horse-point-moab-utah

As born and raised in the tropics, this is paradise to me! Appreciate the beauty of this brown terrain and canyons with sandstone rock formation and amazing hiking trails. It's perfect if you have great background music, so I added one of the most played love songs on social media these days: "Until I Found You" by Stephen Sanchez.

Enjoy, my friends. Thank you for watching! Bed time for me.

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. Music belongs to the rightful owner.

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
September 28, 2023, 9:15 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

A day of rest is what all of us really need. Peace. quiet, but not quite here. The rain has been pouring since early afternoon. But yes, no drama. No unnecessary adulting. No unwelcome peopling, lol. I didn't take a nap though, but at least I didn't do heavy and challenging chores today, and I am going to take everything easy. So, what about karaoke in the rain? Here's a new cover from one of the Philippine classics, OPM (Original Pilipino Music), that has been most popular in the 90's, entitled "Sa Aking Puso" by Ariel Rivera. I am not sure if I already made a cover of this song in the past, but here it is anyway.... I am going to do an acoustic/unplugged with no mic today.

Lyrics

Uulit-ulitin ko sa 'yo
Ang nadarama ng aking puso
Ang damdamin ko'y para lang sa 'yo
Kahit kailanma'y hindi magbabago
Ikaw ang laging hanap-hanap sa gabi't araw
Ikaw ang nais kong sa tuwina ay natatanaw
Ikaw ang buhay at pag-ibig, wala na ngang iba
Sa 'king puso'y tunay kang nag-iisa
'Di ko nais na mawalay ka
Kahit sandali sa aking piling
Kahit buksan pa ang dibdib ko
Matatagpua'y larawan mo
Ikaw ang laging hanap-hanap sa gabi't araw
Ikaw ang nais kong sa tuwina ay natatanaw
Ikaw ang buhay at pag-ibig, wala na ngang iba
Sa 'king puso'y tunay kang nag-iisa
Kahit buksan pa ang dibdib ko
Matatagpua'y larawan mo
Ikaw ang laging hanap-hanap sa gabi't araw
Ikaw ang nais kong sa tuwina ay natatanaw
Ikaw ang buhay at pag-ibig, wala na ngang iba
Sa 'king puso'y tunay kang nag-iisa, nag-iisa
Ikaw ang laging hanap-hanap sa gabi't araw
Ikaw ang nais kong sa tuwina ay natatanaw
Ikaw ang buhay at pag-ibig, wala na ngang iba
Sa 'king puso'y tunay kang nag-iisa
Sa 'king puso'y tunay kang nag-iisa
Source: Musixmatch

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended. Music belongs to its rightful owner.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, my friends!

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
September 24, 2023, 8:15 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

Right after I dropped my daughter off at school, I immediately did some laundry and cooked lunch. And if I get tired from doing chores, I can't think straight. So you know the drill. It's karaoke time! I thought I would do a Miley Cyrus song this time because, why not? I just heard this online a little while ago and am not really familiar with the song yet, so bear with me again. It's also hard to sing out loud when you are just a few steps away from your neighbor hammering just outside your living room window lol. And oh, my audio is still husky, so... Anyway, the song is entitled "Angels Like You".

LYRICS

Mmm, mmm, mmm
Flowers in hand, waiting for me
Every word in poetry
Won't call me by name, only "baby"
The more that you give, the less that I need
Everyone says I look happy
When it feels right
I know that you're wrong for me
Gonna wish we never met on the day I leave
I brought you down to your knees
'Cause they say that misery loves company
It's not your fault I ruin everything
And it's not your fault I can't be what you need
Baby, angels like you can't fly down hell with me
I'm everything they said I would be
La-la-la
I'm everything they said I would be
I'll put you down slow, love you goodbye
Before you let go, just one more time
Take off your clothes, pretend that it's fine
A little more hurt won't kill you
Tonight, mother says, "You don't look happy"
Close your eyes
I know that you're wrong for me
Gonna wish we never met on the day I leave
I brought you down to your knees
'Cause they say that misery loves company
It's not your fault I ruin everything
And it's not your fault I can't be what you need
Baby, angels like you can't fly down hell with me
I'm everything they said I would be
I know that you're wrong for me
Gonna wish we never met on the day I leave
I brought you down to your knees
'Cause they say that misery loves company
It's not your fault I ruin everything (everything)
And it's not your fault I can't be what you need
Baby, angels like you can't fly down hell with me, oh
Angels like you can't fly down hell with me
Source: Musixmatch

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. Music belongs to the rightful owner.

I hope I didn't scare anyone out there. Alright friends, I need to get a short nap before picking up my daughter at school in a few. Enjoy the rest of the day!

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
September 13, 2023, 12:55 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

This weekend was not so good for me and my daughter. We have been sick with the flu and mostly in bed all day, and I have not been doing great. This rain is giving us so much anxiety, and I am over it. I am just stopping by to say hello.

Two days ago, I recorded a song cover by David Slater entitled "Exchange of Hearts". It is one of those old classic love songs that I love listening to. I don't know why, but I love listening to and singing heartbreaking songs. Anyway, here it is. The audio is not that clear, so just bear with it.

Lyrics

One-sided love broke the see-saw down
I got to get rough when I hear the grudge
And you went your way and I went wild
And girl, you'd understand if your heart was mine
If we had an exchange of hearts
Then you'd know why I fell apart
You'd feel the pain when the mem'ries start
If we had an exchange of hearts
I'd never wished a lonely heart on you
It's not your fault, I chose to play the fool
One day may come when you'll be in my shoes
Then your heart will break and you'll feel just like I do
If we had an exchange of hearts
Then you'd know why I fell apart
You'd feel the pain when the mem'ries start
If we had an exchange of hearts
When time turns the tables and soon I'll be able
To find a new romance
And then you'll remember my love warm and tender
Too late for a second chance
If we had an exchange of hearts
Then you'd know why I fell apart
You'd feel the pain when the mem'ries start
If we had an exchange of hearts
If we had an exchange of hearts
Source: LyricFind

Have a wicked new week, my friends. I am going back to bed and resting a bit more. I'll get back at ya later. Thank you for watching.

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended. Music belongs to the rightful owner.

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
September 4, 2023, 9:30 a.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

The typhoon left, but the rain got stronger. I just got back home from dropping off my daughter at school, and I am literally soaking wet. Our front yard is a little flooded, and I can't do anything about it. I had no chance to walk around and take some photos, so...

Meanwhile, my husband is out driving around the strip, and he sent me a video of the newest tourist attraction in Vegas as he passed by. I posted one about two weeks ago, and if you haven't seen that, here is another one. This is the MSG Sphere, with the largest LED lights in the world.

Check out the video to appreciate it. The full moon just landed on earth! Enjoy!

(Video and photo credit goes to my husband, who took them.)

Stay safe, my friends. Drive safe when you're out!

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
August 31, 2023, 9:50 a.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me UNLESS stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)

Apparently, it's Thursday. I've been so crazy busy that I had literally no idea what day it was. This is not a new thing, yet it still surprises me every time. Time flies when you are busy—like busier than busy. This week was the start of my daughter's school year, and my to-do list was getting longer, and I love that, but sometimes, what our mind is saying is against our body's capabilities. We can only do so much in a day. Are you all making it through the week, okay? Tell me something good.

Anyway, before getting back to my routine, I've got to take some time to chill, and of course, my favorite pastime is karaoke. I just stumbled across this song online, and it's one of those that never gets old. Please bear with me, this was just an abrupt recording. Here's Peter Cetera's "AFTER ALL".

*Lyrics:

Well, here we are again
I guess it must be fate
We've tried it on our own
But deep inside we've known
We'd be back to set things straight
I still remember when your kiss was so brand new
Every memory repeats
Every step I take retreats
Every journey always brings me back to you
After all the stops and starts
We keep comin' back to these two hearts
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall
After all that we've been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it's meant to be, forever you and me, after all
When love is truly right
(This time it's truly right)
It lives from year to year
It changes as it goes
Oh, and on the way it grows
But it never disappears
After all the stops and starts
We keep comin' back to these two hearts
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall
After all that we've been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it's meant to be, forever you and me, after all
Always just beyond my touch
You know I needed you so much
After all, what else is livin' for?
After all the stops and starts
We keep comin' back to these two hearts
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall
After all that we've been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it's meant to be, forever you and me, after all
(Source: LyricFind)*

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. Music belongs to the rightful owner.

Until next, my friends!

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
August 24, 2023, 5:40 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)