Solitude, Sweet Treats, and a Serendipitous Soundtrack: My Mall of Asia Escape

 

Sometimes, the best way to hit refresh is a quiet moment, just for yourself. And what better place to find a little peace amidst the bustle than a hidden gem within a familiar space? Today, my health and happiness booster came in the form of a delightful solo escape to Mall of Asia, and let me tell you, it was just what the doctor ordered!

My sanctuary for the afternoon? None other than Wildflour, a perennial favorite. There's something so comforting about their warm, inviting atmosphere, and today, it was the perfect backdrop for my chosen indulgences. First up, a heavenly Leche Flan Danish.

Each bite was a delicate balance of flaky pastry and that rich, creamy, unmistakably Filipino Leche Flan goodness. Pure bliss! To complement this sweet treat, a comforting mug of ginger turmeric warm tea – a soothing, healthful hug in a cup. And as a cherry on top (or rather, a lovely bonus!), I even scored a Wildflour Plus discount card for free! Talk about a happy accident.

As I savored each moment, lost in my thoughts and the gentle hum of the café, a classic old song began to play. The melody was instantly recognizable, a nostalgic echo from another era. But it was the lyrics that truly caught my ear, pulling me out of my reverie:

"One step ahead of heartbreak... One step ahead of your arms."

Wow. Those lines resonated deeply. I found myself pondering the weight of those words, the incredible difficulty of being in a situation where you're constantly trying to outrun emotional pain or the pull of a past love. It felt incredibly poignant, capturing a very universal human experience.

My curiosity piqued, I quickly pulled out my phone and googled the lyrics. And that's when I discovered something interesting! While I had a specific artist in mind when I heard it, the search revealed that the song, "One Step Ahead," was famously sung by Aretha Franklin, but also by another iconic group: Split Enz. It’s fascinating how a song can be interpreted and delivered by different artists, each adding their own layer of meaning.

This little discovery added another layer to my already perfect afternoon. It was a reminder that even in our quiet moments, inspiration and unexpected insights can find us. A delicious pastry, a warming tea, a freebie, and a classic tune that sparked a moment of reflection – these are the simple, yet profound, boosters that truly nourish the soul.

What are your favorite "health and happiness boosters"? Share them in the comments below!

In the quiet of a bustling mall, I found that the sweetest treat wasn't just on my plate, but in the solitude that allowed a forgotten melody to become a profound discovery -Ashley Goodale

A Sweet Escape to Filling Station

 The last time I was here at Filling Station, it was with Eddie when he visited me from London last month. But the last time I had a banana split here, it was with my brother, Ben. It’s funny how a single spot can hold so many different sweet memories.

I've been cooped up for days, writing lyrics, working on my blog, and managing my online store for kids' clothes. Eddie noticed I was stuck at home and, from all the way in London, told me to get out. So, here I am, taking his advice.

I’m in my favorite spot on the second floor, perched in a comfy chair by the big glass window. It’s the perfect place to watch the world go by. Right in front of my table, a couple in their 20s is sharing a moment. He looks British, and she, Filipina. From their nervous energy and the way they keep glancing at each other, it feels like it's their very first date. It’s a sweet thing to see, and it makes me think of you, Eddie. I miss you. I wish you and Ben were here with me now. They're the only ones who can help me finish this gigantic banana split!

I started with a delicious plate of pasta aglio olio, but now I’m on to the main event. As I dig in, the background music fills the air—Doris Day’s “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” With the classic tunes and the vintage decor, it feels like I've stepped into a time capsule from the 1950s. This ice cream is a sweet escape from a hectic week. It’s making me feel happy and just a little closer to the people I miss most.

This is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things, like a banana split, are the best health and happiness boosters you can get.

"In the quiet comfort of being alone, the sweetest thing is feeling a little closer to the ones you miss most" -Ashley Goodale

To read more about my life with Eddie and our long-distance relationship, you can visit our Joined Journal.

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