Be Thy Thankful

There are so many things to be grateful for, especially nowadays that a lot of calamities are making our lives more miserable. not everyone is blessed with a good life; only few families can actually say that they are happy and contented. The rest of the world id crying in pain and suffering. Either the fluctuating economy is to be blamed or the effects of our neglect and abuse to out Mother Earth. But really, blaming or pointing fingers can never solve anything; instead, it would only worsen the case and cause further dilemmas.

I am, honestly, one of those people who tend to forget giving thanks for all the blessings I'm enjoying. I tend to get overwhelmed of all the good things happening to my life that I end up not having the sufficient time to meditate and call unto Him. Of course, for that, I feel so guilty and not deserving. But nevertheless, God knows how thankful I am for having a kind of life which is far better than those who are suffering in Haiti and the rest of the poor and in a state-of-calamity areas.

 I thank Him for each and wonderful day that He's given me and His mercy despite our complaints and discontentment. I am thankful for each new day, that which if it never came, I am sure to regret. We can never tell what's going to happen next in our lives. Maybe n just a matter of minutes, your heart would suddenly stop beating without the reasons that any physicians could ever explain. Scary, is it not?

Death is inevitable. Thus, we all should learn how to cherish each and every moment. Make the best out of everything. Always be thankful for all the blessings no matter how small or simple they appear to be. And as much as possible, be a bleassing to the needy. No matter how small the favor you are doing for others, in the eyes of the Lord, you are highly-praised and appreciated. So be thy thankful while you still can.

Random Realizations...

It's when you age up that you tend to realize
how far have you been gone...
what you actually accomplished...
and if you ever did made the things you need to
and ought to be doing...

It's the time when thoughts of whether you were happy
from all of those years that passed...
whether you were able to satisfy yourself
and of course, those that you care and love the most...

Reality checked and you discovered
that so many things have changed....
from those petty stuffs you indulged yourself in
up to those big decisions that you made...

Now why is it that we...
even though been bugged by these thoughts...
remain to be just the person that we used to be...
we know we must change and its for the better...
but we still tend to hold on
to those that we know
are not just good enough?

So what does it really takes
for us to make a move?
and does the motive of changing
limits only to one's self?
does it not extend to changing
not only the ways of an individual...
but also for the whole humanity itself?

We change for the reason
that we no longer get what we want
by staying just the way we were...
but change is ought not to be the reason
for just satisfying one's needs or wants...
change comes from the thought...
that you do it for the general welfare.

Then when is the best time to make the move?
Is it after we are diagnosed of some serious disease?
we lost a loved one due to our vices and the like?
Or maybe just the time when we feel
that we are no longer living in a world
that was intented for humans?

The time to make a change
doesnt need the "best" timing to make it up.
change can never wait...
It is something for us to do and keep doing.
An effort that we should have done
a very long time ago
up to the very present....

How soon is now?
Change calls for the action...
Are we there yet?!
It's never too late if we start doing it now.
The end is near...
Should we wait for the moment
that all we need is change...
but life doesnt have it...anymore...

Places I'd Really Want To Go

Is there a person out there who hates traveling? Aren't you dreaming of going to places like countries with marvelous sceneries and tourist spots? Well, I am one of the many people who have been aspiring to travel all over the world. And I really drool whenever I see some folks happily spending their vacation on various places I'd really love to go to. But of course, I'm not that rich to be able to do that anytime I wanted to. However, when given the chance, I'd surely grab the opportunity and travel even to just one of the following places or countries:

France

Well, who doesn't want to visit France? Or Paris for an instance? Perhaps France is one of the most beautiful and fulfilling places to pay a visit to. Paris is even referred to as the most romantic city in the entire world. And France is the first tourist destination that would surely come in mind to many tourists looking for a place to spend a grand vacation. Many would die just to go there. I'd kill for that LOL. In fact, I really wish that I'd be given a chance to go to France; even just to give a quick peek. :D

Why tour to France? Geesh, there are loads of reasons why you should definitely go there, especially if you have all the means. Aren't you stunned and curious about the famous Eiffel Tower? And even if you are not fond of going to museums or libraries, the Louvre would certainly catch your interests. Since I adore breathtaking architecture and landmarks, I'd never dare pass the Cathedral of Notre Dame without taking pictures of it or roaming around in this Gothic style church. Besides, French cuisine is thought to be the best in the world; wont you really give it a try?

Rome

Italy, in itself, is one spectacular country to visit. Such country is the cradle of European culture and diverse people; it is also the birthplace of the "Renaissance". Italy is the home of many famous artists such as Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Raphael and Bernini. When it comes to architecture, art, culture, religion and literature, Italy is rich in every aspect. Rome, Milan and Venice are just some of its beautiful cities you shouldn't miss. And hey, haven't you heard of The Vatican City?

I am particularly in loved with Rome. Just who among you doesn't want to explore the "capital of the world" or the so-called Eternal City? The architecture and many forms of art exhibited there are just jaw-breaking that coming to such place would always leave you with the widest grin and a boastful aura. Just tell me who can say no to going to "the greatest of all churches of Christendom" which is the St. Peter's Basilica? And who on earth would close his eyes to the wonders of the Roman Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, the Leaning Tower Of Pisa, the Bridge of Angels and the St. Peter's Square? Man, I could roam all throughout the Rome for days without much sleep and yet would always want to keep coming back. 

Greece

Ahhh.. just the sight of Greece, also known as Hellas, in many photos is already making me drool LOL. But can you really not include Greece in your list of "places I'd really want to go just before I die?" I just cant get my eyes off the serene beauty of the magnificent and glorious that is Greece. Athens is perhaps the most famous tourist spot in Greece and people would usually go sneak a peak at Parthenon.

Ancient Greece is considered to be the cradle of the Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy; the modern Greece has become the official Hellenic Republic. Greece is full of fantastic forms of history and literature as well as philosophy and sports; from the Olympic Games to the Greek mythology and many famous scientific and mathematical principles, you can name them all. And hey, have you forgotten about Alexander the Great? Greece is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. And this is where you can find the so-called throne of the Gods or the focal point of the Greek culture, the Mt. Olympus.

Broken Pieces

It has been.. hmmm... cant remember anymore..maybe, "blank" months or years since the last time I saw my dad. Mom and dad got separated when I was about to finish high school. And the sad part is, it happened a month before Christmas. So whenever December would come and he's still not with us, bad memories would keep on haunting me. Until now, it's still so painful to think about the past. Of course, we've kind of moved on. However, we cant deny that we badly miss and need him.

That being said, it's obvious that I'm one of those who belong to a broken family. Loads of bad things happened to our family and so I'm proud to say that we were able to survive. Thanks to my patient and courageous mom who never dared to give up on us. She had always worked so hard and dealt with things efficiently without complaining. I am so proud of my mom though she cant feel my appreciation for her. I'm not really the showy type. When it comes to my family, I'm kind of different compared when I am outside our home. I'm the reserved type, and sometimes, the worst kind of daughter. But I've always wanted the best for my family. I want to give them everything they need; I feel pathetic and useless whenever I cant do whatever they need from me. But nevertheless, thank God that I have a wonderful and blessed family.

Though broken, I dont really feel like there's something missing because of my family's warm support and ever-dearest presence. Added with the love and concern of my friends, I tend to forget all the heart-breaking memories I've had. Now, going through anything is no longer a problem. Of course, God is our refuge and strenght. He's the most gracious, loving and merciful father I'd never want to lose. Without a father like him, I'd be nothing. He keeps my family strong and safe. He's filling all the missng pieces and fixing what needs be. Though I can still find myself regretting all the things that happened, I know, there are reasons behind. And my parent's separation might've been the best thing for us. I just hope that my father is well. And that we can see him again, before it's too late.

Fave Anime Girls

I have always been fascinated with female anime characters who possess strong qualities and not the usual girly type. Although there are some remarkable girly or pretty and damsel in distress type of anime girls, I am not really interested in watching love-related anime series; well, it depends on the storyline and my mood, of course. But in general, I really like girls or anime girls displaying unique kinds of characteristics.

I have watched several anime series in various genre or category; from action to comedy and even drama or romance. Though I fancy anime in general, not all series are able to capture my interests. There are anime shows which I tried to dig but ended up with just a few episodes. But whenever I get hooked into a particular series, I just cant get enough of it.

Now let me share to you some of my favorite anime girls. The following are not the only ones on my list. I'd keep on making a list of my faves until I'd run out of names to mention (lol). Here are the first four female anime characters that really captured my heart:

Shihouin Yoruichi

She is perhaps my most favorite female character in anime; the coolest one to boot. She's shrewd, she's funny at times despite being serious. She's just the apple of my eye. Though she kind of looks like a lesbian seeing her attachment to Soi Fon (or maybe Soi Fon's the lesbian! lol), she's actually a teaser. Her physique is amazing, love that catly eyes and the way she moves in every aspect. She appears to be very independent and reliable whenever her comrades are in need. She's one hell of a courageous and gorgeous and steamingly hot anime character.

Shihouin Yoruichi is an important character in the Bleach anime/manga series. Though you cant see her at times (and seen her first as a male-sounding cat), every time she's around, things are really gettin' smokin'. And there are many mysteries surrounding her that are yet to be uncovered. Bleach is one of my top picks when it comes to an action with a twist of comedy anime.
 
Nico Robin 
Nico Robin is the quiet, reserved and kind-of-intimidating crew member of the Strawhat (Mugiwara) Pirates in the One Piece anime series. She rarely shows emotions or displays outburst of emotions. And whenever I can see her smile or giggle, I just like her even more. Among these four female characters I've listed in this first batch, Robin is perhaps the calm and silent type. Unlike Cagalli or Fuuko (the outgoing and vocal or open types of girls), Robin would usually choose to stay silent unless when asked.

She was actually one of the villains - even referred to as a demon child. But eventually, she became attached to the whole crew as she felt the sense of belongingness. While she doenst call the entire crew by name at first, she then begins calling them by name after the incident where everyone tried to save and bring her back to the ship. Robin eventually realized that she doesnt care about what happens to the rest of the world as long as her crewmates are safe and happy. And she is the most, or maybe the only one who is, patient and tolerant twards Luffy's behavior and impulsiveness.

According to E. Oda (creator of One Piece), Robin most resembles a crane which is represented by the color purple (the usual color of her outfit), and she smells of flowers (maybe because of her Devil Fruit ability/power). She appears calm but would sometimes point out morbid or creepy thoughts and ideas. Her calmness is likely a result of the childhood that led to her life of hardship. She speaks only if something noteworthy happens. What I really like about Robin is her outstanding knowledge, especially in history. She tends to become unmerciful during battle, maybe because of her violent past and being alone for a long time.

Cagalli Yula Athha

The first four female characters on my list seem to belong on the "girl power" attribute. Cagalli, from the Gundam Seed/Destiny series, is one of the stubborn and full of will yet dazzling and graceful-if-need-be girls I found in the world of anime. A lot of anime girls are like her; but she has unique traits for an anime character, that somehow resemble those of real life determined women. 
 
She has this convinving power and whatever she does or say would usually end you up listening all eyes and ears to her. She's like a rebellious princess. The moment Cagalli decides on doing something appropriate despite the trouble and danger that might befall her, it doesnt matter as long as she can achieve her goals or when she's trying to help save her friends. 

Fuuko Kirisawa

Fuuko is the loudest girl among these four; I think so (lol). Not the irritatingly loud and talkative one; but the most frank and open towards her feelings; always showing an outburst of her thoughts and emotions, particularly when it comes to her anger, jealousy and stuff.  In terms of women fighters, Fuuko is perhaps one of the best. She's agile and skillful. She can compete in combat despite her being small and sexy. wew :D

Fuuko or Aira is the boyish childhood friend of Recca, from the anime series - Flame of Recca. Perhaps Fuuko has this special feeling for Recca that she became obsessive with fighting him so he can be her ninja and she as the princess. But of course, Recca chose Yanagi. And that's the reason why she got so furious; Yanagi got Recca as her ninja without even fighting him. As a result, Fuuko was driven off by her jealousy which eventually led to a series of unfortunate events. But since Recca is her friend; she was able to get back to her proper senses.

Is Marriage No Longer A Sacred Thing?

When talking about marriage, we all have different opinions or point of views. While some people take marriage as something sacred and essential to one's life, there are also those who think that marriage is like being imprisoned or living a miserable kind of life. Well, it really depends. Marriage can be really like a hellish trap for those who have been forced to do so. However, for two lovers who want to spend the rest of their lives together, it is  the beginning of a new wonderful life.  

Marriage has different meanings, depending on what kind of person or entity would define it. As I've said, people's outlook on marriage differs from one another. As from the Bible, a man and woman, when married, become "one flesh." This oneness is manifested most fully in the physical union of sexual intimacy. "So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:6).

On the other hand, according to Wikipedia, Marriage is a social union or legal contract between individuals that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found. Such a union may also be called matrimony, while the ceremony that marks its beginning is usually called a wedding.

Sad thing is, it's been decades already since the time when many people are no longer treating marriage as a sacred vow or a union of two souls before God to create a better future for the world which He created. And nowadays, worst things are even happening, particularly in terms of marriage and having or keeping a complete happy family. More and more broken families have reached the surface. As a result, more and more teens are on a rampage. A lot of people coming from a broken family are not living a good kind of life; either they would engage their selves into drugs and various crimes or would also end up building their own miserable family.

There are many different reasons why people marry. It may be because of an obligation or legal matters, an arranged marriage or a declaration of love under the sacred oath. Of course, the most common reason why a man marries a woman is that because they both want it to happen; whether or not they already have kids or none. But nowadays, when two people decide to get married, a lot of folks would either think that their marriage wont be a success or that divorce and annulment is already in inevitable thing. Just how pathetic is that? Broken families have become a trend. Ad lucky for you if you belong to a harmonious and complete family.

On Love and Dating...

Do you know what love is? Can you truly define the word love? Is love really a splendid thing? Well, they say that being in love is one of the most desirable things in this world. However, love is not limited to such one definition. Though there is what people call a general definition of love, I believe that it is still divided into various classifications. Love for God, love for family, love for friends, for the nature, and for your special someone or beloved opposite sex as well as love for other things. Each and ever person has its own way of giving love a meaning,. Some people would even say that love can never be defined with words. It's a feeling unique to each person towards other people.

But nowadays, it seems that many people no longer take real love into consideration; even its simplest form. As you can see, more and more acts of violence are making so many people's lives miserable. It seems that Love is no longer the most powerful thing in this world but greed, envy or pride. People's hunger for power puts this world into a terrible mess, a chaos that's speeding up the limits of this world. Aside from all the effects of our abuse and neglect to Mother Earth such as the global warming and stuff, war and other life-threatening actions are making this planet a unsafe place to dwell upon. The earth is no longer a safe haven for the future generations.

So where is the love? Is it not love that would keep us going? Now what does it take for harmony and peace to go hand in hand? What are we living for up to this day? it's so heart-breaking to realize that most people no longer recognize the real meaning of loving one another as well as loving thyself. Love is no longer enough to keep families from breaking apart.

And when it comes to dating, most people nowadays are more inclined to being casual. From making out to having a one night stand, such things have become a conventional part of dating. At first, I thought dating was a way to know more about your potential or future partner. It's somehow a part of the getting-to-know stage. I believe people date so they can bond with new acquaintances, a guy would ask a girl out so they can spend time together and learn stuff from each other. Well, that's how it should be, I supposed. But nowadays, both teens and adults take for granted the real essence of a proper and respectable dating. Some people don't even know the appropriate manners or ways to effectively deal with other people, particularly the opposite sex.  

When it comes to dating, most guys, and even gals, couldn't help but think of making out or kissing torridly even just on the first date. Some "liberated individuals" would even dare to make out with strangers; and worst, have sex with them. Gosh, what's gone with the world? What the heck is happening to everyone? Have we already forgotten how to behave well? have we lost our respects to ourselves and to other people? The way people accept and carry out the word "liberal or being liberated" has gone over the limits. It's so sickening to look at pretty young girls moving about as if nothing matters more than sex or having a stupid relationship with immature guys. Hey, there are a lot of things more precious and meaningful to do than just hanging around the bars smoking and drinking as if there's no tomorrow.

The History And Evolution of Anime pt.2

Here is the continuation of the History And Evolution of Anime that I previously posted:

It was during the 1980s that anime made a breakthrough after being accepted in the mainstream in Japan. In this time, the Gundam franchise experienced a boom in production and it signaled the jumpstart for success not only for its recognition all over the world but also for the careers of their creators such as Rumiko Takahashi. Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z have become the favorites of many people worldwide. Other series like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop were popular in Japan and attracted attention from the West.

Various anime, particularly those created by H. Miyazaki garnered many awards. In 2002, the Berlin Film Festival gave Spirited Away a first prize while it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. On the other hand, the Innocence: Ghost in the Shell was featured at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind produced by Miyazaki in 1984 was perhaps the most influential anime of all time. It received many awards and recognition all throughout the animation and movie industry.

In 1958, the first color anime feature film entitled Hakujaden or The Tale of the White Serpent was produced by the Toei Animation. Hakujaden was more Disney-like as it was inspired by musical numbers and animal sidekicks that you can typically observe in Disney productions. But, it is still considered as the first "anime" ever. Such film was released in the US in 1961 as Panda and the Magic Serpent.

By then, more and more animation studios, including those in Western Countries tried to create anime-like films and series. The Animatrix and the Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender were influenced by anime. Other animated series such as Teen Titans, Martin Mystery (Canada/France) Totally Spies! (France) and Team Galaxy (France) have at least a few anime characteristics.

Anime has become commercially profitable in western countries as early commercially successful western adaptations of anime, such as Astro Boy, have revealed. The phenomenal success of Nintendo's multi-billion dollar Pokémon franchise was helped greatly by the spin-off anime series that, first broadcast in the late 1990s, is still running worldwide to this day. In doing so, anime has made significant impacts upon Western culture.

The History And Evolution of Anime

Anime is a term coined from the word "animation." When you say anime, it simply means a form or subset of animation that originated in Japan. In English usage, anime is a term that usually refers to the type of animation made in Japan; but when in Japan, anime is a general term for animation. Although some anime can be rooted from various manga, not all anime have a manga version as its origin. As I've mentioned in my previous post regarding anime, some anime were created after popular video games or live-action TV series. And some manga(s) were made out of its corresponding anime.

It is during the 20th century when anime began to flourish. Japanese filmmakers experimented with their techniques and combined some techniques that influenced them from various countries like Russia, France, Germany and the United States. 

In the past, anime were usually hand-drawn; but ever since the introduction of computer-assisted drawing techniques and computer-generated images, the production of anime has become faster, easier and more artistic. Anime caters to all genres of fiction; so basically, anime is not necessarily childish as a lot of series were made to catch the interests of both male and female adults. 

Osamu Tezuka is perhaps the most recognized precursor to both manga and anime. Disney's early animation influenced him so much as well as the works of the Flesicher Brothers. Osamu Tezuka made it all possible to introduce and expand the growth of anime and manga. 

Tezuka was the first to make a novel-length drawn story or graphic novel in 1947 with the title of "Shintakarajima", or "New Treasure Island." Astro Boy or "Testuwan Atom" was also Tezuka's creation which was said to be the first internationally-acclaimed animation. Along with Toei Animation (which Tezuka had worked with as a character designer), Tezuka's Mushi Productions was among the first in Japanese animation studios. 

The oldest known anime in existence was first screened in 1917 – a two-minute clip of a samurai trying to test a new sword on his target, only to suffer defeat. The first talkie (sound film) anime was Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka, produced by Masaoka in 1933. The first feature-length animated film was Momotaro's Divine Sea Warriors directed by Seo in 1945.

Anime started to separate itself from the influence of western animation during the 1970s. It progressed so advance that it caught the interest of many in just a matter of time. Unique genres were added such as Mecha or the use of giant robots. Notable shows in this period include Lupin III and Mazinger Z. This was also the reigning perod of Hayao Miyazaki and Mamoru Oshii.

You Confuse Me.. x_x

You confuse me...
Why is it that you make me think of things that could always make me feel so lost?
Why is it that your presence is something I always want to feel?
You do things that make me feel special;
but the next thing I know...

things appear as if nothing happened.

You really do confuse me.
Why is it that you are here when I least expect it...
You confuse me with your words.
You confuse me with your actions.
I want you to be frank.. to be honest and be yourself.
Will you look at me...
and tell me..
what is truly the real score?

What am I to you?

You confuse me.
And yet your mystery makes me want you more.
Do you just want me to come after you?
What should I do?
I feel disoriented and drowning.
And the confusion and doubt I feel towards you..
such things are drawing me farther away from you...

You confuse me..
Yes, you do.
And I hope, you know it too.

Give Goals Or Wish List A Try

Have you ever tried making your own set of goals? Was there a time that you were inspired to create a sensible wish list? Are there things you want to do but always ends up forgetting about them? Do you want a change of your attitude, an improvement in your work ethics and lifestyle or to enhance your health and overall wellbeing? Do you wonder how can you easily deal with your goals and get a hold of the things you want to achieve this year or for the years to come? Well, when it comes to organizing your thoughts, plans and priorities in life, nothing beats the thought of making a written set of goals or a not-so-impossible-to-do-or-get wish list.

When trying to set your goals, you should be specific, realistic and time-bound. There is actually a smart way to achieve your goals. See to it that you prioritize the goals you want to achieve; this will avoid confusion or enhance your time management skills. Make your goals attainable. For me, goals are things you want or need to do for a period of time; on the other hand, things or activities you want to complete if given the chance or resources are those you should include in your wish list. 

For example, put "To exercise 30 minutes a day." in your goal setting list. If you'd only write "To have a sexy or fit body like a swimwear model", there's a big tendency that you might not be able to do it - so it is better suited in your wish list. Basically, a wish list is a list of "all" the things you want done - from impossible to highly-achievable or those activities you want to accomplish just before you die - hopefully. While a list of goals are those you can actually attain as long as you make sufficient preparations and give enough time and effort. 

As for me, here are some of my goals for this year:

- Shed excess weight/fats through exercise (walking, jogging) and healthy diet

- Save money by spending less on insignificant things, particularly fastfood/junk food

- Have more time for church or spiritual responsibilities

- Buy something as a collection (anime figures/toys) once in a month

- Complete our (office friends) trip to Cebu-Bohol

And when it comes to making a wish list, I think I wont hold back.. sky's the limit!! :D

- ride a race kart or try karting or become a pro-racer :D

- go to Rome or Greece, Spain and Franz

- have my dream house or a dream house for the family

- be able to feed many poor people or street children

- buy all or most of the collectible anime toys I've been drooling to have

Goal setting is not a difficult thing to do. As long as you are determined to achieve what you have wrtten in your list, you can always get it for real. So try to make up your own. Then gather all the courage, determinationa and patience you need so you can accomplish your own set of goals. You can even make things happen in your own wish list.

The Pleasure Of Having Friends

My weekend was a blast. I had a truly memorable and very fun weekend with my friends. Well, I am actually a friendly person; some of my friends would even call me Miss Congeniality. ahaha. We played paintball and then stayed overnight at the beach. The memories we had will always be remembered even without those photos to attest for it (but of course, taking pictures should not be forgotten as much as possible). And it wasn't the first time that we had fun at the beach. Everytime we bond, great memories and stronger friendship are always made to last. 

It really feels great to have wonderful friends. Friends whom you can become stupid with, and friends you can always have fun with no matter how fierce the storm is. When it comes to friendship, I am really an open and caring person. Only my friends know what kind of person I am. And I can never live in this damn world without those friends I know would always accept me for who I am.

I know the same goes for everyone else (or for most people, that is). No man is an island; indeed. Nobody can ever call himself a happy person without even just a single close friend. There is always a time in our lives that we would need a friend's presence.

For that, let me share to you some quotes on friendship which really captured my heart:

 

 

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.

The sharing of joy, whether physical, emotional, psychic, or intellectual, forms a bridge between the sharers which can be the basis for understanding much of what is not shared between them, and lessens the threat of their difference.

A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure. (Ecclesiasticus 6:14)

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

True friendship consists not in the multitude of friends, but in their worth and value.

=> And here are some of my favorite friendship-related quotes made by famous people (writers, poets, etc.) 

"Have no friends not equal to yourself." 

- Confucious

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson 

"If a man does not make new acquaintance as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, Sir, should keep his friendship in constant repair."
- Samuel Johnson 

"My friends are my estate."
- Emily Dickinson 

"Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant."
- Socrates

"A true friend stabs you in the front."
- Oscar Wilde 

"Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with."
- Mark Twain 

"Thus nature has no love for solitude, and always leans, as it were, on some support; and the sweetest support is found in the most intimate friendship."
- Cicero 

"Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods."
- Artistotle 

"My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me."
- Henry Ford

"Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours."
- Ludwig van Beethoven 

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."
- Helen Keller