Elizabeth E. Castillo's Blog

My feature interview in another international blog site: Gina McKnight: Elizabeth Castillo: From Rizal, Philippines, Elizabeth Castillo is an international poetess. Her first book of poetry,  Season of Emotions , was released in...

ShahSight: ‎Elizabeth Castillo: Shah Fazli ‎ Elizabeth Castillo , Thanks for coming to our show today, one more poetess from the Angels Cried Anthology and one more day of...

It used to be just a childhood dream from the past of seeing not just my byline in some magazines and newspapers but of gracing the front cover of a book - of my very own book! Yes, I was this once unassuming lass from way back who dreamed of becoming a writer and of ultimately publishing my own book that would be my gift to the world. I am currently a professional feature writer/blogger/poet/contributing editor/columnist and have experienced featuring my articles in both the local newspapers as news correspondent in the Philippines and in a corporate magazine as feature writer and also for 2 international magazines, Inner Child the Magazine and Winning Strategies Magazine. Poetry then was just one of my well-loved hobbies.I started posting my compositions on a social networking site's poetry groups and from there I started to contribute pieces to international anthologies by the year 2011.


I have been scribbling poetry since my elementary days up 'til now and how they have evolved through the years! I started composing love poems and now has gotten into deeper, more meaningful pieces ranging from feel-good poems, nature poems, love poems and even dark poetry as well as poetry-prose. Yes, as I also wanted to be a flexible writer and poet to make masterpieces that depict various feelings that come from the deepest core of the human heart. 
My Virtual Bookshelf of the International Anthologies I Was Featured In (not updated yet)
I have been featured in almost 20 plus international poetry/prose anthologies in the USA and UK and winning the  Best of 2012 Poems free book publication contest by Destiny to Write Publications, UK of Barry Mowles, paved the way for me to finally have my own book - "Seasons of Emotions". The book title was originally an idea of my significant other Bry which was "Emotions of Seasons" at the first stage but I changed into "Seasons of Emotions" - a collection of poetry depicting a roller coaster ride of various emotions just like the changing seasons.


Winning Strategies Magazine, an international magazine where I am one of the columnist also got to feature me in an interview after winning the international contest.

To make the book more personalized I asked the publisher if we could provide the cover design and so Bry also made 2 book cover samples at first and we agreed on the final cover which seems simple but mysterious with the quite "creepy" branches of the lone tree in what seems to be a deserted land. As the famous cliche, "Simplicity is beauty." We also got to learn that most people loved the final cover than the first book cover sample so a decision was made in favor of the second design.

First Book Cover Sample                                                            Final Book Cover                                                                 

I am now a Goodreads Author and it is also a helpful tool for me to promote my first book as I also have made also a Goodreads book page for "Seasons of Emotions".


My Goodreads Author Page




Seasons of Emotions Goodreads Book Page



"Seasons of Emotions" is first and foremost a book dedicated to my dearly departed Dad, the late Roberto N. Castillo who died just last year succumbing to liver cancer. I got my being poetic from my Dad and I have included 2 of his immortal love poems written for my Mom circa 1960s.

I have broken up my book into 12 Chapters where you can get to read and experience different reflections of the muse in different stages of her life depicting the changing seasons. Some of the most-loved pieces I created are included in this special book and so lovers of my poetry will find this a nice collection worth keeping and or be given as a gift to a loved-one. Another thing that makes this poetry book special is that part of the proceeds of my book sales will be donated to charities particularly in helping street children, sending a child to school through World Vision and helping cancer patients. This book is not just all about me but my gift to the world- the gift of words! Please help me with this noble cause by purchasing your copies of my book.

You can now purchase paperback copies of "Seasons of Emotions" online at http://www.lulu.com/shop/elizabeth-ca...

Seasons of Emotions Lulu Link

"Seasons of Emotions" can also be found at Goodreads : http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...

Visit me at my Facebook Fan Page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Snowys...

My Goodreads Author Page : http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

"For children are innocent and love justice, while most of us are wicked and naturally prefer mercy.”
― G.K. Chesterton

In a grim day of the 14th of December, 2012 just less than two weeks before Christmas, a mortifying tragedy struck Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, USA. All were in shock and deep sorrow learning of this terrible fate that fell on innocent children and martyr individuals.

With a collaboration spearheaded by Author Stephen L. Wilson, a global charity anthology was born out of the contributions of kind-hearted and talented authors and artists from around the globe.

In this global anthology, we bare our heartfelt sympathies by expressing our souls through literary works and art pieces hoping that in our own little ways, we could offer comfort if not ease the sorrow being experienced by the families that were left behind.

"Angels Cried" is a fund-raising anthology for the victims of the Connecticut tragedy with proceeds going to the Sandy Hook School Support, managed by United Way. We maybe comprised of various races from across the globe but we have one common voice - to help.

Me, as one of the authors in this collaboration together with my co-authors look forward to your support for this noble cause. You could purchase your e-copies of the anthology through the following :


Amazon:

www.amazon.com/Angels-Cried-ebook/dp/...

Barnes and Noble:

www.barnesandnoble.com/w/angels-cried...

Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

You can also find us at Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...

"For children are innocent and love justice, while most of us are wicked and naturally prefer mercy.” ― G.K. Chesterton 
In a grim day of the 14th of December, 2012 just less than two weeks before Christmas, a mortifying tragedy struck Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, USA. All were in shock and deep sorrow learning of this terrible fate that fell on innocent children and martyr individuals. 
With a collaboration spearheaded by Author Stephen L. Wilson, a global charity anthology was born out of the contributions of kind-hearted and talented authors and artists from around the globe. 
In this global anthology, we bare our heartfelt sympathies by expressing our souls through literary works and art pieces hoping that in our own little ways, we could offer comfort if not ease the sorrow being experienced by the families that were left behind. 
"Angels Cried" is a fund-raising anthology for the victims of the Connecticut tragedy with proceeds going to the Sandy Hook School Support, managed by United Way. We maybe comprised of various races from across the globe but we have one common voice - to help.
Me, as one of the authors in this collaboration together with my co-authors look forward to your support for this noble cause. You could purchase your e-copies of the anthology through the following :

Amazon:
www.amazon.com/Angels-Cried-ebook/dp/B00AT95EDK/
Barnes and Noble:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/angels-cried-stephen-l-wilson/1045497709
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/268589
You can also find us at Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17183181-angels-cried



***blog pic courtesy of  the cover for the anthology "Angels Cried", contributed by award-winning cover artist, Gretchen Steen

This is an updated entry which was posted last year. And since Halloween is coming, might as well write about some eerie stuffs though I know some don't dig them and just cringe at the mere thought. (some would even maybe try a self storage to hide themselves first) I composed this post just out of the blue after having a horror movies marathon yesterday. I have watched " Death of A Ghost Hunter", "The Legend Of Sorrow Creek" and "The Nun" and will continue to still see some more today.
Not a goth or something, I simply love frightening flicks and even adore the Master of Terror, Stephen King's masterpieces!  Got a cd of his classic "Salem's Lot" and a multitude of his bestselling books in my room cum mini library. I have read somewhere that some people who are crazy about horror flicks simply love scaring themselves and immersing themselves in another dimension with encounters of the third kind along with other spine-tingling adventures. I am also into paranormal phenomena maybe because I got this third eye that I don't wanna develop, though.  I'm too sensitive to feel things around me. 

Some here might know about the infamous "The Exorcist" starring Linda Blair, well youngsters may not have heard of it but I'm sure some of your parents have watched it too. ( it's not that I'm "old", though ) The film is quite a scare, really. I guess that one gave me the creeps and was all goose-bumpy!  When I was younger, my family and I used to watch Christopher Lee's vampire movies in Wednesday Shockers.

I also dig mysteries in the "Twilight Zone" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Are You Afraid of the Dark? " Some would find it weird but then each one of us is weird in some ways.

The Japanese horror flick, "The Ring", I don't find that frightening though, just surprising when Sadaku suddenly appears from inside the well or right through the television. I'd rather find it amusing. When you get to see our some of our local Pinoy horror films, they are not that scary too and some you would find somewhat funny. (in the tradition of Scary Movies)  I'm not much into zombie thingys, less on vampires now but I prefer those based on true stories like "Grave Encounters" which makes it even scarier for the scenes are based on actual videos of a documentary done inside a haunted hospital in the USA. I also had a chance to also watch this Korean psycho-thriller film, "The Sisters" which I really don't find scary at all.

So folks, which horror flick gave you the creeps and kept you at the edge of your seat?

Happy Ghost Hunting! 

Creepily yours,

Morticia Addams in behalf of my hubby Gomez Addams 

**blog pics courtesy of my Prince Bry's mystic photo art blending

The God-given talents one has are not merely for his own disposal and enjoyment. These are placed on your custody for a definite and meaningful purpose which maybe beyond what you see with your naked eyes and can comprehend. They were given not only for your own selfish motives and mundane desires but to share and spread the message across that the world can be united  by showing our compassion as well offering our amiable efforts to help our unfortunate brethren. The world today is plagued with numerous global concerns heeding our immediate attention. Famine in less than blessed countries, drought and lack of food supply rendering children to get sick with lingering illnesses and much worst scenario is dying helplessly all rooted in one common denominator- poverty.
I believe engaging one's self in charities need not be necessarily confined just within one's own country for we all are connected - black, white, yellow or brown as the case maybe- we are One. We are each other's responsibilities similar to the infamous saying "You are your brother's keeper." And I believe too that this is one of my callings from above - to share the talents I am gifted with not just for gaining fame or getting a lot of bucks, even getting fast payday loan being published as a writer/poet. I have been lucky to get myself involved in some international poetry anthologies with fellow foreign poets from all over, the books having been published on Amazon, Blurb, Lulu and Booktrix. 3 global charities to date, the first one being the prestigious "Live Life: The Day Dreamer's Journal:(http://www.amazon.com/Live-Life-The-Daydreamers-Journal/dp/0615605907/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1335368497&sr=8-3  for the benefit of the American Cancer Research and was a "World Record Holder For Most Artists Contributing To The Cover Of An Anthology" and the most recent was a tribute to 9/11, "World Trade 9/11 Tribute" released on Lulu with all proceeds from the book sales going to a chosen charity for the families of the horrifying terrorist attack of 2011.
The Song of Sahel Anthology (Poetry, Art, Music Photography) spearheaded by the award-winning social entrepreneur, an environmental campaigner and a singer/songwriter, Dr.Niamh Clune, the author of the Skyla McFee series: "Orange Petals in a Storm", and "Exaltation of a Rose" as well as author of "The Coming of the Feminine Christ" and "Every Child is Entitled to Innocence",  is yet another global charity project I am very much honored to be a part of together with fellow talented and wonderful  writers and artists from around the globe. To be launched on September 15th, the proceeds of this charity project will go to SOS Sahel, an NGO in the Sahel region of Africa which helps African children in the said area. Click on the link to know more about the anthology and meet the contributing authors, artists and photographers who chose to make a difference in this world by collaborating their talents, time, hearts and efforts to make this good endeavor into fruition! http://ontheplumtree.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/song-of-sahel-anthology-coming-to-amazon-on-15th-sep/ **enclosed picture (anthology cover Source : http://ontheplumtree.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/song-of-sahel-anthology-coming-to-amazon-on-15th-sep/ )
This anthology is close to my heart for the fact that I am a witness of the plight of some street children in my country, the Philippines- lack of  proper meals and a decent home to sleep in. I am quite excited about the event like what the others feel too I know and exalted at the same time that I have become part of this global project and that in my own little way, I can somehow make a difference in the world together with my fellow artists! In the future, when my dream of getting my own books published, I will still engage myself in these good endeavors for my less fortunate brethren for I believe it's one way of showing God my appreciation for the gifts He has given me.

"If you can't change the direction of the wind, adjust your sail." And so goes one quote. I overheard over the radio this morning from the preacher in blue jeans, Bo Sanchez about adjusting one's sails if the winds are going in the opposite direction.
In life, accept it or not, not everything we desire goes the way we want them to be.Yes, even if you're the most powerful and influential person here on earth, you can't control what's meant to happen in the universe. And so we are left with nothing but to adjust, adapt in such new environment, new situation, new relationship. But does adjusting have it's own limit? When do we call it quits or when do we wave our white flag signalling our surrender?
Adjusting to any given circumstance is synonymous to going with the flow of things and not going against the current of life. The more we push ourselves at the opposite direction of the waves, the more we can be on the verge of drowning. Acceptance of things that are happening and of things to come because of our own actions and of the natural order of things is but essential to maintain an equilibrium. The more you succumb to self-pitying and wallowing about your miseries, the more your vision is crowded and your mind cluttered, unable to process and see what's beyond life's mishaps that were thrown at you. Unless you are practicing a predilection of negativity, these way of thinking won't really take you out of your  rotten state.

If the will of the wind is to take you in an island far from what you have imagined, make the most out of it rather than feeling miserable. Remember: not all things are within your grasp. One's fate is incomparable to yours. We were made to grow in gardens by God because He knows it's the place where you can use your full potential. (a place which can be dreamy made even more beautiful by a photo canvas service) You just have to know which garden you belong to.


***photo courtesy of my Prince Bry's photography "Boat" (Australia)

Life is a beautiful, constant struggle. A roller coaster ride with up turns, down turns, slides and cross roads. A gigantic maze, an enormous labyrinth bringing us excitement, heartaches, hope, sorrow and memories worth reminiscing. In this journey, we humans search for that authentic happiness all our lives. Some turn to some mundane things (money, fame, material things) to feel complete while others depend too much on other people to fill that emptiness within themselves.  
But how do we really attain that elusive happiness which we pilgrims are dying to experience? For each and everyone of us being HAPPY can be defined individually. While others feel happy simply being themselves, others aren't yet contented to what they already have and still want some more. ( I guess humans aren't really contented.) But what if the HAPPINESS we are longing just resides within ourselves and was there all along? 
Learn to make yourself happy. In this way, even the simplest things would really make you ecstatic about your life.Being contented with what God has given you with, sans the envy we often feel when we get to see other people's luxurious estates, those who can afford to go to the best winter resort, sums of money and gorgeous sport cars. Being happy doesn't also mean being in a romantic relationship or coupled up like what desperate ones strongly think. We don't get happiness from another person, love is given freely and not primarily just to feel happy and "saved" by that other person. It would utterly be unfair to that other person to just be an "escape goat" of someone who can't find joy in her proclaimed miserable life.
The real truth: we create our own happiness and it starts from within ourselves.Another factor preventing one from experiencing the bliss of being happy: cannot let go of past hurts. Forget about the horrible things that have happened to you in the past. Learn to let go and free yourself! Holding on to bitter-sweet things that have disappointed you would be a great barrier towards attaining everlasting peace, contentment and ultimate happiness.
** blog pic courtesy of my Prince Bry's photography (Australia) 

How can we truly or authentically love other people if we are always living behind the shadow of an unknown fear? "We first have to overcome fear if we truly want to experience love." 
Some might have traumatic experiences from their past love lives that affect their present relationships. Close the old chapter of your past and turn the pages to a new and fresh beginning. The bad chapter of your life story doesn't necessarily define your present circumstances. Embrace the dawning of a renewed plot of your prospective love story and don't live a life full of fears and doubts stemming from flawed and broken chains from a time long gone. Crisp, fresh pages are created for you by the heavens just waiting for you to welcome  them with open arms and enjoy the wonderful new experiences yet to unfold. Remember : God will publish your love story but you must help Him compose a beautiful script full of life and lovely fond memories instead of always sorrows and strife.(how lovely it is day dreaming of a wonderful time with your significant other in a winter resort, right?)
There are other factors which deter a prospective love to unfold. Let me share these below as pointed out by Relationships and Life ReInvention Coaching (Philippines) :
"With men - they're afraid to try; always afraid of getting rejected With women - too afraid to encourage men; they're always afraid of being judged."
Who likes to be rejected anyways? Rejection is but natural in our lives since we really cannot have all things which we desire no matter how hard we try. The problem in this case is acceptance of disappointments and still have that drive and motivation to carry on and try again. If one guy blows up the chance to propose to a girl he likes, that could be one of his regrets - of not trying. He will just be bugged of asking himself "what if" questions. But what if the girl likes him too but was just waiting for him to make a move? 
Some women are really afraid of encouraging men for the fear of being judged. They always think of what will the guy or other people say if she makes the first move or be too friendly  which can be misinterpreted as being aggressive. "Subtle flirting" can be applied maybe or what one preacher coined as "flirtsoming". You make him feel special without being a pushover or throwing yourself at him like a desperate one.
Men and women are wired differently that's a universal fact- one is from Venus, the other hailed from Mars. So what is then the key here but to TRY and experience life. Without these disappointments and trials, one cannot be made strong to face whatever would still come their way. This does not apply only in the love  department  but in all aspects of our lives. Life involves risks - and they help shape what kind of person you would become. Having fear take charge of your life is like quitting even before you have tried doing something just because you feel discouraged or lack the drive.
Let go of your fear and move out of your comfort zone and experience how it is to really be alive! Try, fall down, get up and try again 'til you find your ultimate happiness.