i saw a girl who looked a lot like anna on the bus this morning. now, remembering her doesn't stir up as much regret or pain, just nostalgia and a mellow sadness. but i realised one new thing--i was given a chance to speak to her one last time.. no matter that it was only a fleeting, pass-her-by moment as we each rushed to our respective classes that morning..

i wish i had a picture of her, smiling, to post, but i don't. if you'd asked me to describe how she looked, i doubt i'll be able to accurately. but if you'd asked me who she was, what sort of person she was, you won't be able to guess i was speaking of someone i knew 6yrs ago..

at least i had that last chance to speak to her, and i'll be eternally grateful for it.

a little overdue, but i have to say something abt Les Choristes.. heartwarming, inspirational, painfully beautiful voices, and simple, strong storytelling.

the film celebrates the power of understanding and compassion, of the genuine willingness to help and of having a heart that really cares, and how these qualities can breathe new life and inject some hope and beauty into an otherwise bleak and mundane existence.

it's also about making a difference in someone's life without expectations of glory or recognition..

and about the imprints of a fleeting acquaintance that last a lifetime.

this is what i want to do with and in my life (at least once)--travel and write. reading the article reminds me i need to make my dream of writing a reality.

likewise, the article brings home my view that it's the little things that count and mean the most in life--a friendly smile, little gestures of goodwill, the willingness to reach out and learn more about people..