The Long Way Up

In 2018, the Philippines had its fourth privilege of claiming the title of Miss Universe through the beauty, brains and boldness of Catriona Gray. Viewers of the pageant -- and the judges for sure -- were not only enamored by her looks and poise, but were also amazed by her wit and eloquence. In particular, Ms. Gray's answer to the competition's final question earned her the coveted crown as well as the admiration of most everyone who witnessed her speak her heart out with grace under pressure. "What is the most important lesson you've learned in your life and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?" was the ultimate poser thrown at the three finalists of the beauty pageant. My girlfriend and I -- both writers and bloggers -- decided to take on this question as the topic we would write about for the month of April, albeit with a little amendment: "What is the most important lesson you've learned in your life and how would you appl

Scrape the bottom of the barrel and run Look at the stars but don't stare at the sun Feel the gravel and the stones underfoot  Gaze at the planets and where they've been put Wade in the currents, in ripples, and silt Ponder the clouds and then how they were built Sink in the moment of silicone sand Fly through the sky, to the things that are grand Walk on the dust under heat, in the cold Under the light of the pulsars of old Travel across on terrain unexplored Wonder about all the quasars adored Stand on a hill, then look out up above Nebulae, black holes: space dust, they're made of Lowered you are, but their greatness looks down You are more majestic; you are the crown