Raoul’s 2 Cents
Window to the Soul
I got a lot of favorable comments from last week’s blog. You can read some of them here.
Have you ever made eye contact with someone across the room and realized you both were staring at each other? I have. Have you ever looked away from someone across the room, only to sneak a second look when you thought the coast was clear and found that that person did the same thing? I have. Have you ever looked away from someone across the room, only to sneak a second look when you thought the coast was clear and found that that person did the same thing and then you stumbled on your face because you weren’t looking where you should have in the first place? I have.
What is it about our distracting, unnerving “window to our soul?” Why do we connect as individuals in such a powerful way through our eyes? I confess, I see people’s souls all the time when I do my portraits — probably even more than an optometrist. While eye doctors examine the nerves, in my best days, I become sensitive to my subjects’ aura, their personality … their souls. As an artist, I need to do this in order to capture their essence in paper. Most of the time though, I tone it down a bit. Otherwise, the connection will be too intense for me to focus on the initial impression … the vibes, of that person.
I’ve seen deep sadness, innocence, evil, troubled marriages, deep insecurity, many nervousness, uncontrollable laughter, lots of self-consciousness in my “little caricature office.” There have been powerful bosses who could not stare into my eyes for fear that their sins would be revealed.
This phenomenon is hard to explain but, if you are interested, here’s a link to a recent BBC article about eye contact.
I remember a recent artist, Marina Abramovic, did a live performance at the New York Museum or Modern Art. All she did was sit on her chair and people lined up to sit in front of her. No words were exchanged. They just stared. Fascinating experiment.
Last Saturday, I did caricatures of some important people of the city of Duarte. It was fun and there was so much laughter. But one person stood out among the crowd. The minute she sat down to have her portrait done, her warm smile told me she knew me. It turned out that she had been a long time subscriber of this TGIF email and when she read that I was going to Duarte, she was determined to have her caricature done. We were immediate “old friends” and she opened up to me about very personal details of work and family. Alas, like everyone else, I only had 5 minutes to draw and chat.
Life’s like that. We only get to chat for 5 minutes. The conversations with people we’ve known through our triumphs and tribulation in life — they last but a few minutes in God’s time frame.
In your short time here on earth, how many “windows” have you opened? How many souls have you touched? Have you ever closed your window to the rest of the world? I have.
When I was in elementary school, I did not have any friends. I was alone. I was not happy. Then one day, I got into a fight with another loner. Both of us poured out years of frustration at each other. The next day, he invited me to play with him. He was the start of several windows being open to me. The thing about windows … when others allow you in, you have to allow them in too. Vulnerability is a scary but necessary line you have to cross in order to live life to the fullest.
Have you ever bared your soul and got hurt in the process? I have. Have you ever bared your soul and found your soulmate? What do you think?
When I look in Your Eyes
by Leslie Bricusse
from the movie Doctor Doolittle
When I look in your eyes, I see the wisdom of the world in your eyes
I see the sadness of a thousand goodbyes
When I look in your eyes
And it is no surprise, to see the softness of the moon in your eyes
The gentle sparkle of the stars in your eyes
When I look in your eyes
CHORUS:
In your eyes, I see the deepness of the sea
I see the deepness of the love
The love I feel you feel for me
Autumn comes, summer dies
I see the passing of the years in your eyes
And when we part there will be no tears no goodbyes
I’ll just look into your eyes
TGIF people!
“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2
Joke of the Week
Our Friday joke of the week is a group effort. Originally, it came from Raffy of Buena Park, CA but I needed to rewrite it and the I got editing help from Lois of Whittier, CA. So it took 3 people to shape this joke. I hope you like it.
Video of the Week
Scottish Mom Reads Wonky Donkey
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.
Watching this grandma is downright funny. She’s enjoying it more than her grand kid. Reminds me of the book Lois and I created — Tom the Mouse. Quite a few of our friends have said how much fun they had reading it to their kids. Someone from Hong Kong bought 12 copies to share with her friends.
Wait! You STILL haven’t purchased your copy?!?! What are you waiting for?
WATCH VIDEODon’s Puns
From Don’s collection of puns
Heavy Thought of the Week
Sent by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.
Parting Shots
Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA. who shared this
Several Americans have been seen sneaking into Canada.
Canada’s Prime Minister has made the decision to build a wall.
People from all over the world send him jokes and Raoul sends those jokes back with his original sketches. 
Heather
January 23, 2019 at 2:21 pm
It’s great to start my day by laughing and enjoying your articles.
Raoul
January 23, 2019 at 2:31 pm
Glad you enjoyed today’s edition. Did you click on the links: Claudine Longet’s rendition of “When I look in your eyes”, on the BBC article about staring and article on the Marina? Did you get the Bababa joke? I know it gets too complicated.
Tom
January 23, 2019 at 2:22 pm
You are like a fine bottle of wine, getting better with each issue.
Congratulations on the effect on us all getting us to
Find Joy in the lives and cultures of others. Eternity requires our thoughts and intentions, Thanks.
Raoul
January 23, 2019 at 2:33 pm
Encouraging as always Tom.
Always nice to know someone appreciates the effort I put on these emails every week. These past weeks have taken quite a chunk of me. As I mentioned in my article, being vulnerable does a number on you. There have been some nasty feedback and they set me back in more ways than I want. But I want people to know THIS is what I believe, THIS is how God is treating me, and THIS is how He blesses me. Even when I am too tired I do this because of my “mission” — to spread the joy that is in me.
Thanks again.
Blessings to you and your family through our lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
TGIF.
Sheryl
January 23, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Hi Raoul,
I appreciate this post so much – you made me teary eyed in the beginning,
made me laugh so hard being a Filipino and warmed my heart about spending
time with family. I love love love your posts!
In such a busy fast-paced world we live in, it’s nice to take a step back and be reminded of what’s
important in life.
I love that you include a Bible verse too!
My hope is to one day get a caricature done by you too! I would frame it
for sure!!! 😀
Have a blessed weekend!
Sheryl
Raoul
January 23, 2019 at 2:34 pm
Hi Sheryl,
What a lovely letter. Maybe YOU should start your own blog. You seem to have a sensitive soul.
Indeed, carve out more time for the people you love. I have to remind myself to do the same because of the lure of Netflix and other stupid distractions. That’s why I reserve the weekends for my family. I avoid my computer if I can help it.
I will try to remember and announce my next “performance.” I will expect you.
Blessings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
TGIF!
Chuck
January 23, 2019 at 2:24 pm
Good Stuff,
Here is my Filipino story of the day for you. Linda Belle and I were enjoying a great dinner in Rancho Mirage at Kobe’s Japanese Restaurant. The Japanese waitress was really sparkling and lively. Her name tag said her name was Florida. I told her, “I bet you your sisters name is Georgia?”
Her response was, “I know huh…” Then I asked her, “You must be Filipina?” She laughed and said Yes. I told her I knew because that was the same way many of my dear Filipino friends respond. We all had a good laugh over uncovering the inscrutable Identity of our waitress!
I shared that story with another young waiter – 1/2 Filipino in Azusa, The City BBQ Grill – great place and worth the drive; and he roared. He said, “I know Huh!”
Salamat,
(:>}) – Brother Chuck
Chuck
January 23, 2019 at 2:35 pm
That’s funny. Filipinos are taking over the service world. You will know them by their smiles.
I will post this on the website soon. Thanks, Chuckee Cheeze!
TGIF!
Choy
January 23, 2019 at 2:24 pm
Hi Raoul,
I heard the joke about “baba” many years back but it was a different version. It came from an officemate who, after observing what was exchanged in the elevator exactly the way you described it, put the joke this way.
Can you make a conversation between two people from just one syllable being repeated?
When i heard the answer I couldn’t help but double with laughter.
The sheep convention though at the end in yours is entirely original.
I enjoyed this issue. Thanks.
Best regards.
Raffy
January 23, 2019 at 2:26 pm
Did you see your joke which I posted today?
Hope you liked it.
Raoul
********************
I didn’t like it….
I Loved it!
Beautifully crafted – Raoul.
You really are the master.
Hats off to you my friend.
All my best,
Raoul
January 23, 2019 at 2:36 pm
Thanks!
To be honest, I heard that joke before but I didn’t know how to explain this to our English only readers. But when I got your email I knew I had to use it. But I knew I needed help from my editor, Lois who was only too happy to help.
Thanks again! Be sure to pass that around and let your friends know YOU were the source of this amazing joke.
TGIF!
Teri
January 23, 2019 at 2:27 pm
I just ordered my books – thanks for the reminder – maybe I can have you autograph them? Thanks for making me smile 😊-
Raoul
January 23, 2019 at 2:38 pm
Thanks for purchasing the book. I hope it brings you good memories.
I can certainly sign the book for you. If you can come to one of my meetings. Lois, the author, can sign it too.
Enjoy your weekend.
Janet
January 23, 2019 at 2:28 pm
Hi Raoul,
That Raoul joke was so funny, I t was difficult to stop laughing. In fact,
I’m smiling even while I’m writing this. And then you finished the laugh
show with the Prime Minister of Canada building a wall! Hilarious. Thanks
for a welcome respite.
Love, Janet
Lois
January 23, 2019 at 2:28 pm
I loved your column today – very insightful! You really preach a good sermon that doesn’t sound like a sermon but just good sense. I also enjoyed the video. I’m guessing that’s an old tale that’s been around for a long time and then someone made it into a children’s book.
Dot
January 23, 2019 at 2:29 pm
Hahahaha. I love the Filipino language joke! So true!
And I just came from Dubai, too. Was pleasantly surprised to find out so many Filipinos work, live and visit there!
Thank you for sharing!
Raoul
January 23, 2019 at 2:36 pm
So glad it made your day Dot. Please pass it around to all your friends. Make their day too.
It’s interesting how God planted so many Filipinos all over the world.
Enjoy your weekend.