peggy aplSEEDS

My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Giveaway

2012-02-07T15:41:00.000+08:00

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I've been curious about the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software ever since I came across it while bloghopping. And so, of course I was so delighted when I was given the opportunity to get a complimentary copy and host a giveaway for a chance to win this Amazon bestseller and #1 rated scrapbooking software!

After downloading the software and playing around with it, I came up with some layouts for my Europe pictures. I used the standard 8 1/2" x 11" Portrait Album size so that i can print it out myself but the program is so versatile and you can also use other standard album sizes, or even make a custom sized album.

With this scrapbooking software, you can create albums by using the free templates and just inserting pictures individually or automatically, or you can design your own pages (like I did) using the hundreds of papers and embellishments available in their website.

I am still practicing so my pages still need some working on but I really enjoyed using the papers and embellishments from the "When in Rome" Scrapbooking kit for my album.

And, at MyMemories.com there are so many paper packs and scrapbooking kits that you can get for free! Wow, I think I will actually be able to get some scrapbooks done if I do them digitally!

Aside from scrapbook layouts, you can also make cards, calendars, videos and all sorts of other projects. Here's a calendar I made in a few minutes using a free download called "Love of a Lifetime Sampler". Isn't it pretty?

So, if you would like a chance to win the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software, all you have to do is -

1. Visit MyMemories.com and choose your favorite digital paper pack or layout and leave a comment on this post telling me which one you choose.

2. If you are a follower of my blog and would like a second entry, please leave a second comment on this post telling me you are a follower.

3. For a third entry, make a post about the giveaway or put it in your sidebar with a link to this post and leave me a separate comment telling me you did this.

4. For a fourth entry, tweet about it and leave a separate comment telling me you did this.

And that's not all! If you don't win and would like to buy the My Memories Suite V3 scrapbook software, you can get a $10 discount if you use this coupon code: STMMMS86032 (Copy and paste the code when checking out). The software also comes with a $10 coupon for downloads (a total value of $20). I so enjoyed picking out the scrapbook papers and kits I could buy with my $10!

I will be using the random number generator so please make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry. I will pick the winner in a month's time!

Journal Pages: Miracles

2012-01-28T09:45:00.003+08:00

I recently read Mark 1:40-41, where Jesus heals the leper who says, "If you wish, you can make me clean." While painting in my journal, I thought of all that I am praying for, people who are sick, situations I have no control over, challenges, trials, my own weaknesses. I ask Him to stretch out his hand and touch all these. If you wish, Lord, you can do all these. And I am grateful for these words in the bible that give me hope, "I will do it. Be made clean."

Even if it requires a miracle, just like the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2, I continue to hope. Speaking of bible verses, here is a link to Bible Verses by Topic: Inspirational Scriptures by Subject which you might find helpful.

I'm linking up with Brag on God Friday, Just Journals and Sunday Sketches. And you still have time to join the two giveaways I'm having if you are interested - My Latest ATCs and My Memories digital scrapbooking software.

Happy weekend, everyone!

My Latest Artist Trading Cards

2012-01-27T07:19:00.003+08:00

Sarah over at La-De-Dah has a regular feature called My Monthly Mojo and for the month of January, she features Artist Trading Cards, the little works of art that are a great way to be creative even when you don't have that much time.

Of course I had to play along since it was making ATCs that got me started on painting bigger pieces and making other projects.

I started making ATCs and then trading them in ATCs for All, where everyone is welcome to join in the fun of trading.

I haven't done any trading recently but Sarah's post inspired me to make some ATCs again.

First, I cut some scrap board to the specified 2½" x 3½" size.

I covered the cards in bookpaper, drew an outline of each girl and gessoed this part.

I colored them with watercolor, colored pencils, copic markers, poster paints, and whatever else I have.

I then added scrap paper, magazine cutouts, stamped images, and other bits and pieces.

I still have a few more to finish (making a lot all at the same time makes it easier for me to part with them). And just to say thank you to my visitors, I'm giving away one of these ATCs on Valentine's day. Let me know in a comment if you would like a chance to own one of these and if you are a follower, let me know in a separate comment for a second chance to join this giveaway.

Aside from My Monthly Mojo, I will also link up with Paint Party Friday, and Studio Sneak Peek.

And if you haven't yet, you might want to join my giveaway for the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software. Hugs to all of you!

What's on my Workdesk Wednesday: A Lot!

2012-01-25T08:18:00.001+08:00

So, it's Wednesday once again (whaaaat? already?) and there goes my plan to post on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Here is my desk today, with a lot going on for our What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday link party. Some new craft books and ATCs that I stuck on a sheet to scan (I plan to make a post about them but who knows how THAT plan will go)...

And behind the mug of water, the unfinished ATCs from the same set...

And here is my reflection guide for our "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity," an "international ecumenical observance" which we observe from January 18 to today. This year's theme is "We will all be changed by the victory of Our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.

Change doesn't happen overnight and we often have to be patient (the hairdryer shows I haven't been patient in waiting for the paint to dry on it's own)...

Here is a page from my prayer journal, illustrating David and Goliath...

and a quote from the daily devotional, The Word Among Us, "The giant of division seems entrenched and formidable. We may feel powerless against him... But don't forget: This battle is the Lord's, not ours to win... We need to carefully select the smooth stones he has placed at out disposal... One that flies straight to the mark is love, choosing to think the best of each other. Love deeply respects the other, listens to the other, and is open to learning from the other... If we can just learn to look upon each other with love, we will go a long way toward the unity we all long for."

And I think about the WOYWW bloggers who accept one another even if we all have different beliefs and ways of doing things. We don't insist on our own way, or judge others who don't do things the way we do it. We learn from one another and appreciate one another. We encourage one another to be the best we can be. Now that's what I call unity.

p.s. There's still time to join the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software giveaway.

My Journal Pages

2012-01-20T12:41:00.004+08:00

Deciding this year to make my prayer journal an art journal has been a blessing for me. The time spent drawing and painting has been added time to reflect on the verses from the bible and what they mean to me.

But it is a challenge as well to find the time to do it. Sometimes I don't get to finish the page in the morning and have go back to it after I get back from work. Sometimes I have to continue the following day adding whatever I want in the previous days' pages. But it is a good challenge because I get to do art everyday!

Here are some illustrations from my prayer journal, with verses from the first book of Samuel. In this book, Hannah prayed for a son and she waited a long time before her prayer was answered. When she finally had a son (Samuel) this is what she said...

Together, with Hannah, "My heart exults in the Lord. I rejoice in my victory". 1 Samuel 2:1

When Samuel was a boy, he heard his name being called and although he did not recognize the Lord's voice, he obeyed what Eli the priest told him to say...

Although there have been times when I have been certain of God's direction for me, I'm sure there have been many times when the Lord has called me and I didn't recognize his voice. But I continue to try to listen and grow in recognizing his voice. I continue to say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening". 1 Samuel 3:9

I will link up with Paint Party Friday, Brag on God Friday, Studio Sneak Peek, Show and Tell Saturday, Just Journals and Sunday Sketches.

And if you are interest in digital scrapbooking, you still have time to join my giveaway for the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software. Happy creating!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Bookpaper ATCs

2012-01-18T10:29:00.000+08:00

Hello, dear blog friends! Here is a shot of my workdesk this Wednesday morning...

It's been a while since I made some Artist Trading Cards so I decided to make some after seeing Sarah's My Monthly Mojo post. I'm using a bookpaper background, gessoed in parts, colored with whatever I can get my hands on and then I will layer them with paper scraps.

That's it for today (finally, a short WOYWW post!) and for more desks, drop by Julia who has THE WOYWW list! Happy desk peeking!

My Prayer Journal 2012

2012-01-13T13:49:00.001+08:00

For 2012, I have started a new prayer journal, and I try to put a little bit of art into each page, to help me remember the bible verse I meditated on. Here are a few parts of the pages I have made so far...

After the Christmas holidays, I'm trying to get back into posting more regularly so I'm linking this up with Paint Party Friday, Brag on God Friday, Studio Sneak Peek, Show and Tell Saturday and Sunday Sketches.

If you are interested in trying out digital scrapbooking, you still have time to join my giveaway for the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software. Blessings to all of you!

What's on your Workdesk Wednesday: Paper Lanterns

2012-01-11T08:08:00.000+08:00

The Christmas season officially ended (in the Catholic church) last Sunday and we have taken our Christmas decorations down. Every Christmas, since we started visiting the local jail regularly, I have received a paper lantern from the inmates. I thought of making a post about these wonderful lanterns and that is why they are piled on top of my desk today...

They are made from old telephone directories, cut, folded or rolled, and pasted together. Aren't they amazing?

Here is my box of my favorite Pigma Micron Pens. I have been using them for my prayer art journal. I have managed to keep up with it until now (I'm chuffed and giving myself a pat on the back)!

Here's a peek at one of the pages inside...

For a peek at more desks, go visit the very amusing Julia at the Stamping Ground. You will learn things like new uses for a shoe horn (to fit your new craft supplies into your shelves, LOL!).

And why not join my giveaway for the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking software. It's great for all sorts of projects and since no one has joined yet, you could be the sure winner, LOL!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T12:04:00.002+08:00

Hello, my dear blog friends! I hope you enjoyed your holidays and are all set for a wonderful 2012! My desk today is deceptively spic-and-span. I not only used the push back method, but the more drastic push out (to the floor)...

I have started a new prayer journal. My sister Patsy says making art in her prayer journal has helped her to remember the verses she has meditated on so I decided to follow in her footsteps...

I am using a journal I received from Sarah for the WOYWW Pay It Forward last year. Thanks, Sarah! Have you visited Sarah? She has a Mojo Monthly feature in her blog that has wonderful projects and artist interviews.

That's it for now and you might want to take a peek at more desks joining What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday! Happy New Year, everyone!

Happy New Year and the Winner is...

2012-01-03T12:45:00.000+08:00

Here's to a wonderful new year filled with abundant blessings!

And the winner of my giveaway is number...

Congratulations, Lisa Isabella Russo! Please send me your address and I will send you "Wonderfully Made Eve".

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Awesome Christmas Blessings!

2011-12-28T12:57:00.000+08:00

If you didn't get to visit me before Christmas day, I wish you a wonderful and blessed Christmas season. After all, just like Theresa said, Christmas isn't just one day. It's a whole season. And if the days before Christmas were so busy and full, perhaps for the rest of the season we can remember that "Jesus is the reason for the season".

On my desk for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday is a whole jumble of Christmas goodies. I will have to do some reorganizing to fit my new stuff in! An artist's box...

...scrapbook paper, clear stamps, a travel watercolor set, distressing kit, Prismacolor pencils portrait set, gel medium...

and of course, you wouldn't have missed the awesome new laptop, still in it's box...wow, jackpot!!!

For a peek at more desks, go visit Julia. And I leave you with a lovely reminder...

So remember while December
Brings the only Christmas Day,
In the year let there be Christmas
In the things you do and say;
Wouldn't life be worth the living
Wouldn't dreams be coming true
If we kept the Christmas spirit
All the whole year through?
-unknown

May the blessings of this wonderful season be yours throughout the coming new year!

You are Wonderfully Made! A Giveaway

2011-12-24T12:50:00.002+08:00

The Giveaway has ended.

Thank you very much for joining.

Watch out for the winner!

Just because I appreciate each and everyone who drops by and visits me, I made two paintings inspired by the verse from Psalm 139:13-14, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful." Yes, I think each one of you is wonderfully made!

Would like a chance to win one of these original paintings (6" x 9" mixed media pieces on watercolor paper)?

Wonderfully Made in Purple

Wonderfully Made Eve

1. For one entry, simply leave a comment on this post telling me which painting you prefer.

2. If you are a follower of my blog and would like a second entry, please leave a second comment on this post telling me you are a follower.

3. For a third entry, make a post about the giveaway or put it in your sidebar with a link to this post and leave me a separate comment telling me you did this.

I will be using the random number generator, so please make sure you leave me a comment for each entry you make. I will pick a winner on my birthday, December 24.

And, for those of you who are interested to try out digital scrapbooking, watch out for another giveaway I will be having soon (as soon as I finish up the post) for a digital scrapbooking software.

Hugs and thank yous to all my wonderfully made blog friends and visitors! I'm linking up to Paint Party Friday, Studio Sneak Peek and Show and Tell Saturday.

Christmas Greetings and a Giveaway Reminder

2011-12-23T16:16:00.000+08:00

I didn't have anything new to show you for today but I didn't want to miss the opportunity of greeting my dear blog friends from Paint Party Friday, Studio Sneak Peek, Show and Tell Saturday and Brag on God Friday, a very joyful and blessed Christmas season! You have been an encouragement to me this past year and I just want to thank you and wish you all a wonderful holiday season. My painting is an ATC I made some time ago but since it is a Madonna and Child, I thought I would share with you. After all, in the midst of all the busyness of the season, Christmas is really all about the birthday celebrant, Jesus Christ.

Today I celebrated my birthday (December 24) in the Quezon City Jail. It is my way of celebrating Jesus' birthday too. Jesus said, "But when you give a feast, invite the poor..." (Luke 14:13) and "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40).

Most of the inmates here are innocent but are waiting for their hearings. They cannot afford bail. Sometimes even their families don't visit them anymore and they are so happy to have us come to visit them. Sometimes, when we are so comfortable, when we have everything we need, we easily forget people like these. But what joy there is in bringing joy to the poor, the sick, the aged, the lonely, those in prison. And how inspiring to see their faith in the midst of their trials. May this Christmas season be a time of love, hope, generosity and joy for all of us.

And, a reminder that if you haven't yet, there's still time to join my giveaway for a chance to win my original art! Just leave a comment on my giveaway post.

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: A blessed Christmas!

2011-12-21T12:19:00.001+08:00

It's the last Wednesday before Christmas day (can you believe how time flies!?) and so I'd like to greet all of you a blessed and joyful Christmas! For What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday, my desk is relatively clean but of course I didn't show you the floor!

On my desk today, some goodies I received in the mail! I joined Kimberly's Merry Christmas ATC Swap over at ArtJoyStuff and here is the absolutely beautiful fabric ATC she sent me. Even the envelope it came in with the vintage Santa embellishment is gorgeous!

I also received two lovely pendants from Kimberlie when she had a giveaway in her B.B. Bellezza blog. I won a gift certificate and got to choose from Kimberlie's Etsy shop. I chose upcycled domino and scrabble tile pendants.

Here's a better view of my pendants. Aren't they lovely?

Some beaded charms from a craft fair called 10a Alabama...

A bag charm made out of leather that I bought from our shop, Papemelroti...

A bottle of newly bought Transfer Medium and a Christmas Thank You card from World Vision, a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Sponsoring a child helps fulfill the verse written on the card, "...and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." Genesis 12:3. World Vision also provides emergency aid, like for the recent big typhoon in southern Philippines. If you want to donate, you can go here.

And, a painting I made some time go, inspired by early icons, a reminder during this oh so busy time, that Christmas is all about Jesus being born into the world because of God's great love for us (and on my computer screen is my post about my Advent Calendar made up of 25 ATCs.)

And, you still have time to leave a comment on my giveaway post for a chance to win my original art!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Advent ATC Set

2011-12-17T09:57:00.001+08:00

I thought I would share with you an Advent Calendar I made last year in case you haven't seen it. After all, Christmas is all about Emmanuel, God with Us. It is a mixed media piece made up of twenty five Artist Trading Cards, one for each day of December until Christmas. Each ATC has a symbol (like Jesse tree symbols) for a bible character and story which can be read and reflected on for the day and the ATC put in it's place until the whole picture comes together on Christmas Day.

From top to bottom row, left to right,

Day 2. - God, Creation, Gen 1:1-2:3 - Tree
Day 3. - Adam and Eve, The First Sin, Gen 2:4-3:24 - Tree with Fruit or Apple
Day 4. - Noah, The Flood, Gen 6:11-22, 7:17-8:12, 20-9:17 - Rainbow and dove
Day 5. - Abraham, The Promise, Gen 12:1-7, 15:1-6 - Field of Stars
Day 24. - Magi, Worship, Matt 2:1-12 - Star

Day 19. - Habakkuk, Waiting, Hab 1:1-2:1, 3:16-19 - Stone Watchtower
Day 7. - Jacob, Assurance of the Promise, Gen 27:41- 28:22 - Ladder
Day 22. - Mary, The Hope for a Future, Luke 1:26-38 - Mary
Day 20. - Nehemiah, Return and Rebuilding, Neh 1:1-2:8, 6:15-16, 13:10-22 - City Wall
Day 14. - Samuel, The Beginning of the Kingdom, 1 Sam 3:1-21, 7:1-8:22, 9:15-10:9 - Crown

Day 12. - Joshua, The Fall of Jericho, Josh 1:1-11, 6:1-20 - Ram's Horn Trumpet
Day 21. - John the Baptist, Repentance, Luke 1:57-80, 3:1-207:18-30 - Scallop Shell
Day 17. - Hezekiah, Faithfulness and Deliverance, 2 Kng 18:1-19:19, 32-37 - An Empty Tent
Day 25. - Jesus, Birth of the Messiah, Luke 2:1-20 - Jesus
Day 23. - Joseph, Trust, Matt 1:19-25 - Carpenter's Hammer

Day 6. - Isaac Offering of Isaac, Gen 22:1-19 - Ram
Day 9. - Moses God's Leadership, Exod 2:1-4:20 - Burning Bush
Day 8. - Joseph God's Providence, Gen 37, 39:1-50:21 - Coat
Day 18. - Jeremiah The Exile, Jer 1:4-10, 2:4-13, 7:1-15, 8:22-9:1-11 - Tears
Day 10. - Israelites Passover and Exodus, Exod 12:1-14:31 - Lamb

Day 1. - Introduction of the Jesse Tree, Isa 11:1-10 1 Sam 16:1-13 - Stump
Day 11. - God, Giving the Torah at Sinai, Exod 19:1-20:20 - Tablets of the Torah
Day 13. - Gideon, Unlikely Heroes, Judg 2:6-23, 6:1-6, 11-8:28 - Clay Water Pitcher
Day 16. - Elijah, The Threat of False Gods, 1 Kng 17:1-16, 18:17-46 - Stone Altar
Day 15. - David, A Shepherd for the People, 1 Sam 16:1-23-17:58, 2 Sam 5:1-5, 7:1-17 - Shepherd's Crook

I'm joining Paint Party Friday, Studio Sneak Peek , Show and Tell Saturday and Brag on God Friday! Don't forget to join my giveaway for a chance to win my original art!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Yikes!

2011-12-14T09:30:00.001+08:00

With my desk a whole mess, with all sorts of things piled high...

I was tempted to hide it and not join this week's link party What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday, where we show off our desks, messy or not! But here I am anyway and after searching my desk for something (anything) to show you, here is a handmade wire and bead bookmark I bought in a craft fair last weekend...

a vintage key from a Paris flea market propped up against a bookmark...

and a bag of newly purchased velvet Christmas ornaments...

If you haven't yet, you might want to join my giveaway for the chance to win my original art! Happy WOYWW, everyone!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Getting Ready

2011-12-07T11:53:00.002+08:00

Nothing interesting happening on my desk today. I have been scanning old ATCs and putting backings on them...

And since the days before Christmas are getting less and less, I am getting ready to wrap Christmas presents. Brand new rolls of tape and little boxes...

and my box of little gifts I buy all throughout the year. There is stuff from countries like Thailand, Turkey, the Czech Republic, the U.S. and Greece in this box. Beside it is the daily devotional I use every day, The Word Among Us. The meditations help me remember what Christmas is really all about. And if you're looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Advent, there is a wonderful Jesse Tree Advent Family Devotional from A Holy Experience.

In the back, a tin box from Nuremberg, Germany that used to be filled with gingerbread cookies. It is from my son who worked in Frankfurt for 9 months and is now back home! The 3 L'Imperatrice Eau de Toilette at the back is also from him and it also came in a really nice box (my daughter told him, you could have given her just the boxes! Ha, ha, so true!)

And here is a pair of earrings I bought from my last trip. For those of you who tried to guess where I was, I was in Thailand! No, I didn't buy these to wear but to take apart for embellishing something (do you do that?)

Have you joined my giveaway? I'm giving away one of these paintings.

And I will also have a giveaway for the My Memories digital scrapbook software as soon as I finish my post. I made this calendar using it. Oops, I just realized I put 2011 instead of 2012. Good thing I can easily change it.

I'm joining What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday. If you want to join, all you have to do is take a picture of your desk or just join in the fun of peeking at desks from around the world!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Travel "Pasalubongs"

2011-11-30T09:05:00.000+08:00

We, Filipinos, have the tradition of bringing back gifts to give away when they travel. These gifts are called "pasalubong" ("salubong" means meeting someone coming from a trip). So on my "desk" today (which is actually a hotel side table) are some little zippered coin purses which I bought today as "pasalubongs." Can you guess where I am? Here's another clue...

I'll be linking up with all the other people showing off their desks in What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday (their desks usually have some great arts and crafts works in progress, unlike mine this week)!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Assorted Art

2011-11-23T12:18:00.001+08:00

Whooosh! The week just flew by and it's party time again! To me, the best kind of party where you don't have to figure out what to wear. All you have to do is take a picture (or two, or more) of your desk and join in the fun of peeking at desks from around the world joining What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday!

I have a new scanner (actually bought for my daughter's Fine Art's thesis project but being sequestered for my use until she starts using it)! I had to do some rearranging to find a place for it in my shelves.

I joined a Merry Christmas ATC Swap over at ArtJoyStuff and I made a Madonna and Child ATC with the verse from Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born."

Here are some handpainted pieces of coconut shells for a nativity I'm planning to make. No, I didn't paint them myself. I just designed them.

Here is a ballpen sketch I made. I decided that I would bring a little pad and a pen with me (if my bag is big enough) and do some sketching whenever there is some waiting time.

And here are my two paintings that I will be offering in a giveaway as soon as I write the giveaway post. I will be offering a choice of either one. Note to self: Write giveaway post!

Thank you so much to all my visitors and all the wonderful comments! I really, really appreciate all of you.

I am Wonderfully Made

2011-11-19T09:07:00.000+08:00

Here is my latest painting. She is meditating on the bible verse from Psalm 139:13-14, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful." A wonderful thought, isn't it? With all our faults and weaknesses, we are still "Wonderfully Made" and this is the title of this painting. As soon as my two latest paintings are finished, I will be offering them in my coming giveaway, a thank you for all my "wonderfully made" visitors.

I'm joining Paint Party Friday, Studio Sneak Peek and Show and Tell Saturday today! Thank you so much for all your lovely comments. I hope to find time to visit your studios soon.

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: WIP and a Digital Scrapbooking Project

2011-11-16T07:32:00.000+08:00

Hello, dear blog friends! I am busy trying to finish my paintings for the giveaway I am planning to have soon. I want to give you a choice of what you would want to win. Here is the second painting I am working on. I decided to add a bit of collage on her dress (the circles aren't pasted on yet).

And, I'm also trying out digital scrapbooking and quite enjoying it. I'll tell you more about that next time (watch out for another giveaway relating to this!).

So that's what's on my desk this morning! To join in the fun of showing off your ~~mess~~ desk, or just to take a peek at more desks, drop by Julia's Stamping Ground!

WIP: I am Wonderfully Made

2011-11-11T07:29:00.001+08:00

In my previous post, I shared about the giveaway I am planning to have. Here is a painting I started. Does anyone want to win her in a giveaway?

The verse that inspired me is from Psalm 139:13-14, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful." Each one of us is wonderfully made and I am thankful for all of you!

A few weeks ago, I showed you "Bibi", ( an East African female name meaning "daughter of a king" ). Here she is after I added some details.

I'm linking up with Paint Party Friday, Studio Sneak Peek and Show and Tell Saturday where I get a lot of inspiration from talented artists around the world! Don't forget to drop by again and watch out for my giveaway post if you would like to join my giveaway.

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: WIP

2011-11-09T12:15:00.000+08:00

On my desk today are two works in progress and the magazine pages that I used for inspiration. I just won a giveaway (which I will show you when I receive it) and so I decided to make something for a giveaway of my own.

I am so thankful for the encouragement I've received from my blog visitors and followers. Without all of you, I wouldn't get to do as much art as I do nowadays. Each one of you is special and these paintings I have started are all about that. I thought of making them when I read the verses in Psalm 139 which say,

"You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works!"

I imagine these two women, eyes closed, joyfully thinking about these verses!

So far, I have done the basic lines in a fine pen and some watercolor shading in skin tones.

On the left side of my desk are some gifts from a Japanese visitor - a little mirror and a box that used to contain some cookies shaped like cute chicks like these...

That's it for today when all over the world, people are showing off their desks for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday! Come join us!

Filipina

2011-11-04T12:38:00.001+08:00

I don't think I have shown you this painting yet. It is a 5.8" x 8.3" mixed media painting I made last year for a charity art auction organized by the Kidney Friends Foundation to benefit families of kidney patients. This is one of the few original paintings I have sold.

This "Filipina" is wearing the traditional Filipiniana "Terno" dress with embroidered butterfly sleeves. I made this using my favorite technique of watercolor and colored pencils on a gessoed background (tutorial here).

If you are interested, check out my previous posts for a peek at my new ATCs and my painted "night and day" fan.

I'm linking up with Paint Party Friday, Studio Sneak Peek and Show and Tell Saturday!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Saints

2011-11-02T12:14:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was All Saint's Day, a national holiday in the Philippines (see my previous post about it). We had a four day weekend (yay!) and to celebrate, I made some Artist Trading Cards of Saints, a Madonna and Child, St. Monica and St. Therese of Lisieux.

St. Monica is the mother of St. Augustine, and I painted her praying since she is well known for praying for Augustine when he was still wayward and as he says himself, lazy.

St. Therese is called "the little flower of Jesus" and she believed that it was not necessary to accomplish heroic acts, or "great deeds", in order to be holy and to express her love for God. She wrote,
"Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love."

One of my favorite quotations was found in a card in her prayer book, "Let nothing disturb you; Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God. God alone suffices."

To take a peek at more desks, drop by Julia's Stamping Ground!

All Saints Day and World Youth Day 2011: Part 4

2011-11-01T14:14:00.001+08:00

Today is All Saint's Day and in the Philippines, a predominantly Roman Catholic country, it is a national holiday. Filipinos traditionally go home to their provinces and visit the graves of their deceased relatives, bringing flowers and lighting candles, cleaning and giving the graves a fresh coat of paint. Many people spend the whole day in the cemetery, and even the whole night, having a family reunion with a lot of food and fun.

Wikipedia describes the tradition in this way, "Catholics celebrate All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day (November 2) in the fundamental belief that there is a prayerful spiritual communion between those in the state of grace who have died and are either being purified in purgatory or are in heaven (the "church penitent" and the "church triumphant" respectively) and the "church militant" who are the living.

Today, the reading from Revelations 7:9 says,
"After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying,“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

Reading this, I remembered the "great multitude, from every nation and peoples and tongues" that attended World Youth Day in Madrid last August.

And in the middle of it all, Pope Benedict XVI. On the outside, a somewhat stern looking, white haired old man in white robes. Why would more than a million young and not so young people wait in the sun for hours or walk long distances just to get a glimpse of him? Isn't he just an ordinary man? What makes him so extraordinary, such that these young people treated him like a celebrity, a rock star! Is is by God's grace that the ordinary becomes extraordinary! By God's grace, he is the "Vicar of Christ," an earthly representative of Christ. How amazing! How wonderful!

And yes, it was by God's grace that we were able to walk such long distances. It was by God's grace that the girl we saw carried her injured friend, or the crippled pilgrim persevered to reach the farthest entrance when the other entrances were closed. Indeed, there is grace available and the Holy Spirit living in us enables us such that what we thought was impossible, becomes possible. What we thought we couldn't do, we can and what is ordinary becomes extraordinary.

And so we, who are ordinary men and women, become extraordinary as well, because by God's grace, we are sons and daughters of God. How amazing! How wonderful! And even as we live our everyday lives which may seem ordinary, we have the memories of the days we spent in Madrid to remind us that grace is always available and our lives are not ordinary after all, but extraordinary, for we are sons and daughters of a living God, "qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints"!

"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:10-12

A blessed All Saint's Day! Linking up with Brag on God Friday, Soli Deo Gloria and Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday.

My Monthly Mojo: Creative Surfaces

2011-10-30T10:41:00.000+08:00

Sarah, in her My Monthly Mojo for October, said "Upcycle and be merry I say...SHOW ME YOUR CREATIVE SURFACES!"

Well, upcycling is right up my alley and I finally finished two of my UFOs (UnFinished Objects) which I think are perfect for this theme.

First is a giveaway fan that started out looking like this:

After a coat of gesso, some watercolor, colored pencils, paper cutouts, computer print out text, and white Sharpie paint pen, here is what it looks like now...

The two sided surface of the fan inspired me to do a "day and night" theme and find a bible verse for it. The "day" side has the verse "The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime"

and the "night" side continues "And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life" (Psalm 42:8). Bible verses are among my favorite sources of inspiration.

My next project is an old CD that I used for a collage. I used bookpaper, computer print outs, cake paper lace and wallpaper flower cutouts. Isn't this a lovely quote? Uh oh, I just realized I misplaced the text which says"St. Therese of Lisieux." The Mother and child theme is a favorite of mine because my role as a mother is so precious to me.

I also recently finished a piece which I painted on a picture frame backing. I am quite pleased that after you finish painting, you just pop it back into the frame and your painting is automatically framed!

Visit La-De-Dah for more projects joining My Monthly Mojo!

WIP: Bibi

2011-10-28T13:20:00.003+08:00

Here is my work in progress, "Bibi". From yesterday's colored pencil sketch, I added watercolors and copic markers.

As I shared yesterday, "Bibi" is an East African female name meaning "daughter of a king." Instead of a crown, Bibi is wearing a turban and carrying some cloth. And so it is with us who see ourselves as daughters of a King. Although our crown is invisible, as we go about our daily lives, we can have confidence and rejoice in the knowledge of our identity.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1John 3:1

I'm linking up with Paint Party Friday, Studio Sneak Peek and Show and Tell Saturday!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Bibi

2011-10-26T12:21:00.001+08:00

Uh oh, it is another one of those days when I will only show you a small part of my desk because the other parts are in shambles.

Having nothing new to show you for our regular Wednesday link party, I decided to get out my folder of magazine clippings and do a quick sketch. Not a very good likeness but I am just using the picture for inspiration anyway.

For a change, I chose an African model. And so of course she needs an African name. I decided to name her "Bibi", an East African female name meaning "daughter of a king."

This is what I always tell my daughter when she feels insecure about something, or compares herself with others who have more than she does. You are the daughter of a King!

"And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty."2 Corinthians 6:18

Linking up with all the other folks showing off their desks for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Markers and WIPs

2011-10-19T08:24:00.000+08:00

Happy WOYWW, dear blog visitors! I have had a very busy week and not much time to make some projects (or mess up my desk). Last week, on my desk, I had a CD that I covered in bookpaper and I haven't done much with it except try out some vintage images and paper cutouts for a collage...

And just so I could finish something, I made a quick Artist Trading Card using the few Copic and Promarkers that I have (note to self: get some more!)

That's all for this week's show and tell. Take a look at more desks joining What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday or better still, why not show us yours?!

Golden Madonna and Child

2011-10-14T12:53:00.000+08:00

Starting out with the backing of a picture frame which I covered with Gesso, my Madonna and Child is now finished and in the picture frame. Aside from the watercolor, colored pencil, rubber stamping and paper scraps I showed last week, I also used gold poster paint for the haloes and veil, and a gold Sharpie pen for the veil trim details.

I thought it would be interesting to show you how this piece progressed, in case you missed my previous posts. Here it is after I made a sketch with brown colored pencil and colored it in with watercolor...

Then, I added shading using colored pencils...

And last week's picture after adding rubber stamping and paper bits...

I'm linking up today with Paint Party Friday. Happy PPF!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Chuffed to Bits!

2011-10-12T12:27:00.001+08:00

I set a record last week of posting three times since last week's What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday link party (On Friday and Saturday, I posted about the progress I made on the Madonna I was painting, and on Sunday I continued my story about World Youth Day in Madrid)! I also did some organizing and cleaning up and my desk is looking spiffy, don't you think? And, I even got to do some art! I am chuffed to bits (as some of you would say)!

Sarah, in her La-De-Dah blog, wrote "Show me your creative surfaces!" in her Mojo Monthly Post this month. Well, I remembered one of my UFO's (Un-Finished Objects) which is on an unusual surface. It is a giveaway fan that I collaged over with a day scene on one side. This week I made the night scene on the other side. Beside the fan is my Madonna and Child, and I am deciding whether she is finished now.

Last month, Annette from Scrap Happens Here posted about her project using some paint chips. When I made a comment that paint chips are not available in my country, she offered to send me some! The paint chips arrived yesterday and here they are on my desk. Thank you very much, Annette! It truly warms my heart and delights me to receive these! I wonder what I will make with them!

That's all for now! Do visit Julia for the list of more desks to take a peek at. Happy WOYWW, everyone!

World Youth Day 2011: Part 3

2011-10-09T09:16:00.002+08:00

As I have shared before, last August, I went to Spain to attend World Youth Day with my family. If you are interested here is Part1 and Part 2.

On Thursday, August 18, Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Madrid. In the welcome ceremony, he said,

"I have come here to meet thousands of young people from all over the world, Catholics committed to Christ searching for the truth that will give real meaning to their existence. I come as the Successor of Peter, to confirm them all in the faith, with days of intense pastoral activity, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life; to motivate the commitment to build up the Kingdom of God in the world among us; to exhort young people to know Christ personally as a friend and so, rooted in his person, to become faithful followers and valiant witnesses."

Yes, this is what I want for my children.

That day, since we wanted to get a good view of the stage, we started out bright and early, arriving before the crowds (although some groups of young people had spent the night there)...

Before long, the place began to fill up with a colorful crowd of friendly people from many different countries...

We enjoyed making friends with the "pilgrims" around us, mostly Spaniards, Venezuelans and Guatemalans...

We exchanged souvenir tokens with each other and tried to communicate with them in our broken Spanish (remember the tokens I made?)...

We waited for hours that day. Although we were under the shade, most of the other people were under the scorching sun. As I thought of what we were all doing, on the sacrifice everyone around me was making, I reflected that, yes, there is always a price to pay and sacrifices to be made when we say yes to God, when we strive to walk in his ways, when we join a community of faith. Yes, when we are in a relationship with someone, there is a price to pay. It is not always easy to remain faithful and zealous and joyful. At times we have to struggle to go on. This verse comes to mind,

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

But, there is always grace available for us and with this grace, what we thought was impossible becomes possible. I will share more about that in Part 4 of my sharing.

Linking up with Brag on God Friday, Spiritual Sundays and Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday.

WIP: Madonna and Child

2011-10-08T08:59:00.000+08:00

I have done a number of Madonna and Child pieces and when I started this one, I was thinking of putting it away for a while since it seemed to be somewhat uninspired. But I received so much encouragement from my visitors these past few days (who seemed to see things in this piece that I hadn't seen) that I decided to continue working on it.

Starting out with watercolor and colored pencil, I added some stamping and bits and pieces from magazines, gift wrapper and an old devotional magazine, with a quote from a familiar Christmas carol...

"What child is this, who, laid to rest,

On Mary's lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?"

I am liking it now! Thank you so much, dear blog visitors for encouraging me. I am blessed to have you! Today, I am linking up with Jennifer's Studio Sneak Peek and Artists in Blogland's Show and Tell Saturday.

Paint Party Friday: Madonna and Child

2011-10-07T13:12:00.003+08:00

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday for October 12 is here.

I want to thank all my visitors from last week's Paint Party Friday, Inspiration Avenue and Studio Sneak Peek! What a lot of encouragement from such kindhearted folks! Hopefully, I will get around to visiting more of you this week. Here is my painting in progress. This is one of my favorite themes. I used the backing of a picture frame as the base so that when it's finished, it will have a frame. As usual, I started with a gesso covered background and I've used watercolor and colored pencils for this painting. At this point I have no idea what other materials I will use. Til next time, happy PPF! Join in the fun!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: On to the Next Project

2011-10-05T11:48:00.000+08:00

It's time for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday! If you think this is a messy desk, let me assure you that I cropped out the messier part so as not to horrify the neat WOYWWers.

My Señorita now has a hand, some dangling earrings, and a comb in her hair. I also decorated her abanico and revised her chin a little. When I took a picture for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday last week, I didn't like how her chin looked (interesting how I only noticed it in the picture). I think she looks much better now.

Here is an empty cologne bottle my hubby gave me (he knows he should ask me before throwing anything like this away!) I have seen some altered bottles in some blogs and since this one already has a cute zippered cloth cover, I think it will be perfect to alter.

And something else from the attic - my daughter's old "manga" (Japanese comic) book. Maybe I can use it for drawing reference or for collaging.

I started a painting using the back of a picture frame (so that it will have a ready made frame when it's finished).

So that's my desk this week and if you want to take a peek at what's on other people's desks today, or if you want to show us yours, go drop by the Stamping Ground and join in the fun! Thank you for visiting and happy WOYWW!

Spanish Señorita

2011-09-30T18:44:00.001+08:00

It's a Friday and I've got a painting in progress on my desk so I decided to join Paint Party Friday! "Spanish Señorita" is a mixed media piece inspired by my recent trip to Spain. She's got a map of Madrid background, some lace, pieces of a broken wooden fan, colored pencil, Promarkers, Copic markers, watercolors, poster color and gesso on watercolor paper! I hope you like her!

Also linking up with Inspiration Avenue and Studio Sneak Peek!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Spanish Señorita Work in Progress

2011-09-28T12:21:00.001+08:00

It's time for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday and on my desk is a variety of things (notice that I have again used an open drawer to make up for the small surface area of my desk.)

Here is the Spanish Señorita painting I showed you last week. I have added her lace veil and a fan. She still needs a hand to hold the fan and some other revisions.

We've been having typhoon weather and yesterday we didn't go to work. Since there was no electricity, I spent part of the day cleaning up the attic. I found a pile of thread, lace and embroidered cloth...

and a bag made out of woven telephone directory pages (no, I didn't make it).

Last weekend, we went to a province six hours away and while I was there I found a thrift shop where I bought this little copper box for P10 (£ 0.15 or $0.23).

And here is a book I couldn't resist buying for P15 ((£ 0.22 or $0.35). No, it's not for reading but to alter someday. Hopefully.

Here is a crucifix I got from the World Youth Day Pilgrim's Pack and here is my post about World Youth Day: Part 2 (wow, I actually got to post in between Wednesdays!)

Do drop by Julia's blog for the WOYWW list and get to see desks from all over the world. Happy WOYWW, everyone!

World Youth Day 2011: Part 2

2011-09-26T19:39:00.001+08:00

Have you ever been in a tent filled with energetic and joyful young people from all over the world, praying, singing and raising their hands in praise? All over Madrid, during the World Youth Day celebrations last August 16 to 21, there were events like this going on! Being with these young people during this special time was truly a faith building experience for my whole family.

My two children (21 and 17 years old) helped host Soul Food Café, "a space where young people could gather at any time during the Youth Festival. They had a continuous programme of music, interviews, panel discussions, breaks, comedy, theatre, dance, art exhibitions, and more."

"The Soul Food Café was a meeting point where young disciples could connect with a global network of other young Catholics. It was a center of international meetings, a chance for youth from different nations to get to know each other in a positive, relaxed faith filled environment."

"The three main goals of the events within the Soul Food Café were
- to stir faith (through prayer, exposition of Christian culture in art and music)
- awaken hope (through seeing and hearing stories of Christians from all over the World)
- grow in love (through meeting others, networking, relationships and tasting the universal church community)"

Indeed, our faith was stirred as we prayed with and for one another, as we listened to the performers...

and as we admired the art made by different artists and would be artists.

Indeed our hope was awakened as we heard stories like the one shared by a young man who was told by the doctor that he would have to have his leg in a cast for months. He shared that after only a few days, his leg was totally healed after his friends prayed over him. Yes, even today, even among the young, miracles do happen!

And indeed, our love grew as we got to meet many different people, young and young once, of different races and speaking different languages, but amazingly, brothers and sisters, part of one body.

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6

Linking up with Brag on God Friday, Spiritual Sundays and Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday.

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: WIP Señorita

2011-09-21T09:36:00.004+08:00

Finally, there is something other than tidying up going on in my desk today for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday! My Work in Progress, the Spanish Señorita, is inspired by my recent trip to Spain. The thought of another week of nothing to show you and the encouragement in the Papaya blog to find time to be creative encouraged me to start it...

I plan to add some lace for a veil...

and some pieces of a broken fan to decorate her "abanico"...

I don't think I have shown you this project which I made some time ago. It is a medical giveaway that had a brand name embossed on both sides so I covered it up with gesso...

and decorated it with a dictionary page and a vintage graphic I printed out on the computer. I use it as a stand for an Artist Trading Card.

Also, here is one of the reusable bags I bought in Spain for only €0.50. It says "This bag is green" and comes in different colors. I always use reusable bags to help the environment since I have seen a lot of plastic bags in the oceans and in dump sites. They just don't disintegrate.

If you want to read a little about my experience in World Youth Day (Part 1), please visit my previous post and if you want to visit other desks from all over the world, drop by Julia's blog for the WOYWW list. Happy WOYWW, dear blog friends!

World Youth Day 2011: Part 1

2011-09-18T09:03:00.004+08:00

What started out as a desire in my heart as I read a blog post about World Youth Day in Sydney (in 2008) became reality last month when my family went to Madrid...

Jornada Mundial de la Juventud, World Youth Day, was not actually a day but six blessed days. The intention of these days was "to bring us closer to Christ" and for those who come "to meet Christ and strengthen our friendship with him."

What a joy to see so many young people attend! Being among them as they prayed and sang, chanted and clapped their cheers for Pope Benedict XVI was an amazing experience. At times, walking alongside them, so energetic and joyful, I would be close to tears, but of course, that wouldn't be "cool", so I would quickly blink them away.

What power and joy there is in community, in being together as we live out our faith. There is strength and encouragement and the courage to proclaim our identity and faith. Surely, if by themselves, these young people would not be as joyful and energetic when they had to wait for hours in the hot sun or walk long distances or live in such spartan conditions. And so it is with us, in our daily lives.

As the Pope said at his arrival in Madrid, "Here on this Day, they (the youth) have a special opportunity to gather together their aspirations, to share the richness of their cultures and experiences, motivate each other along a journey of faith and life, in which some think they are
alone or ignored in their daily existence. But they are not alone. Many people of the same age have the same aspirations and, entrusting themselves completely to Christ, know that they really have a future before them and are not afraid of the decisive commitments which fulfill their entire lives." - the Pope's WYD Messages to the Youth

The World Youth Day events formally started on August 16 with an Opening Mass. There were so many people (both young and young at heart) that we couldn't even get close enough to see the stage...

We could only see a video screen...

But being among the young people and talking with them was a blessing in itself...

After the Mass, as we strolled to the plazas of Madrid, there were concerts everywhere, with dancing and singing and celebrating. What a wonderful start to a six lovely, faith filled days!

Linking up with Brag on God Friday, Spiritual Sundays and Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday.

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Blessings in the Mail!

2011-09-14T07:37:00.001+08:00

I'm not going to start my post with exclamations of how fast the week went. I'm not. Really, I'm not. But did you notice how fa... oops!

Well it's Wednesday once again and still no work in progress on my desk. I am still trying to organize after my trip abroad (I will share some pictures soon, hopefully!)

When I got home, I found not just one, not just two, but three blessings in the mail waiting for me!

My WOYWW Anniversary PIF finally arrived - A lovely, brightly colored journal that Sarah of La-De-Dah made specially for me! Look how the colors match my blog! Sarah has a Mojo Monthly feature in her blog that has projects, interviews (and a giveaway). If you haven't yet, drop by her blog for some great inspiration!

And here is the book I won in The Weekend Artist's blog giveaway.

I just love how this book has little envelopes, maps and cards included in it...

It arrived in a big box with a bunch of scrapbooking embellishments! Wonderful!

And I also won one of Laura's wonderful Artist Trading Cards. Visit her blog, Artfully Musing, and join her monthly giveaway of the most amazing ATCs (and other pieces)!

On the rest of my desk is the pile of brochures and travel mementos that I collected while traveling in Spain, Portugal and Morocco last month. Hmm, I wonder where I will put them and when I can get them into some sort of a scrapbook!

That's it for this Wednesday! Visit the WOYWW list in Julia's blog. Lots of inspiration to be found in the other desks from around the world!

A Thousand Sheets of Paper

2011-09-13T12:01:00.001+08:00

I came across "a thousand sheets giveaway" and although many of you know that I can hardly fit my craft materials into my tiny craft cubicle, I just can't resist the chance to win some more paper (five winners of 200 sheets each). If you would like a chance too, you have until September 23 to join the 1000 sheets blog candy.

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Travel Souvenirs

2011-09-07T12:48:00.000+08:00

I'm back! Although I thoroughly enjoyed attending World Youth Day and going on a tour of Spain, Portugal and Morocco, I am glad to be back home. On my desk today are my travel journal and some of the souvenirs I collected (obviously, I have not had time to clean up, or to take a good picture of my mess!)...

Here are a few Promarkers and a white Pilot pen I bought in an art store I came across in Spain...

Some keychains form Barcelona (one of a Joan Miro floor mosaic in Las Ramblas and another one of "La Pedrera" building by Antonio Gaudi (I am figuring out if I can wear them as pendants since I already have too many keychains)...

Some finds from "El Rastro", the open air flea market in Madrid...

Some bracelets and other souvenirs that I received from some other participants of World Youth Day (I gave them the charms I made)...

A shell charm souvenir of my visit to Pamplona. Although it is more well known as the city where they have the running of the bulls, it is also along the "Camino de Santiago de Compostela," The Way of St. James, a collection of old pilgrimage routes which finish in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwestern Spain. The scallop shell is a symbol of the Camino...

And a charm of St. Teresa of Avila (and of Fatima on the other side since I visited both Avila, Spain and Fatima in Portugal)...

And from Marrakesh, Morocco, Argan Oil, which is said to have anti-aging properties. Well, I do need to keep from aging if I plan to attend World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro in 2013, don't I?

If you are interested to see more desks (usually there are some arts and crafts on them), visit Julia's blog and the list of more than a hundred blogs joining What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday! Happy WOYWW, everyone!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Jornada Mundial de la Juventud

2011-08-17T14:51:00.001+08:00

On my "desk" for today (although this is really a hotel bed in Madrid, Spain), are my neglected journal (hardly any time to write on it, I just keep scribbling notes to remind me about how my day's sked went), and some of the booklets and things (fan and hat) in the "Pilgrim's Pack" for participants of World Youth Day.

Whaaaaat? Is anyone saying I am too old for World Youth Day (Jornada Mundial de la Juventud in Spanish)? Well, I say, "Soy joven en mi corazón!" (I am young in my heart!)

It is a wonderful experience to be in a place filled with young people from all over the world, in an event which, in the words of the Archbishop of Madrid, "will allow them to discover the rich expression of culture and faith within the Catholic Church, and discover the universality of the Church as well as the evangelical renewal of the Christian faith expressed by each culture and country."

For a look at some real desks, visit Julia's Stamping Ground for the list. Happy WOYWW everyone! So sorry but I'm too busy with WYD to visit the WOYWW desks this week!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Hola!

2011-08-10T16:10:00.001+08:00

Hola, mis amigos! I have been on three airplane rides since last Wednesday's link party, and today, you will find my desk to be a hotel side table! No time for a long post but on my desk are clues to where I have been these past few days...

I'm trying to write in my journal, but there just isn't enough time!

What's on Your Workdesk this Wednesday? Peek at more desks from around the world or join the party! Happy WOYWW, everyone!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Can You Believe It?

2011-08-03T12:07:00.005+08:00

A neat desk! Can you believe it?! You may be in shock to see that it seems like my neat desk has lasted a week (since last Wednesday)! But in reality, last Saturday, it was a great big mess because I was making little souvenir Philippine flag tokens for my kids to give away during World Youth Day in Madrid this month. They are now drying on the living room floor (the charms, not the kids).

Here's a close-up...

And on my desk, my altered dictionary, opened up to one of the pages I've worked on...

This page is for the words "beautiful" (krásný) and "beauty" (krása, kráský).

Then, here is a metal (I guess it is a calling card holder) medical giveaway that I am altering. It has the brand name embossed on both sides so I covered it up with gesso. I think it will make a nice stand to display cards or ATCs...

Some recent buys...

a string of real pearls for ₱290 (£4.22),

the book "The Art of Personal Imagery" by Corey Moortgat, on sale at ₱140 (£2) and under it, another book I bought to "alter one of these days." I liked the title, "Heart of the Land" and it was only ₱10 (£0.14)! If you want to see a close up of the mother and child painting I was working on, please visit my previous post and if you want to visit other desks from all over the world, drop by Julia's blog for the WOYWW list.

You Make Me Smile

2011-08-02T12:58:00.000+08:00

"You Make Me Smile"

7.5" x 10" Mixed Media

I became a mom more than 21 years ago and I can still remember the sleepless nights, the loud cries, cleaning up the mess and seemingly endless diaper changing (we used cloth diapers). But most of all, I remember the great joy of becoming a mother. And so, I love painting mothers and babies.

I have always loved children. When I was 10 years old, my mom had my youngest sister (visit her blog!) I was the happiest girl in the world! Babies always make me smile (have you seen this cute baby video?)

And you, my dear blog readers, make me smile, too. Every comment you leave me delights me! Thank you so much!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Finally, Some Order!

2011-07-27T07:30:00.000+08:00

Here is my desk this morning. It is the most organized it's been for some time even if it may not look that way to those of you who are super neat!

I'm in the middle of my altered dictionary project (if you would like to see some of the pages I've done, scroll down to this post). The box with the mini album on it is where I decided to keep some of my magazine clippings and paper scraps for collaging. It has a place on the upper shelf and if I really wanted to impress you with my neatness, I could have put it there before I took the picture. Wow, imagine all the empty desk space there would have been in my WOYWW picture! I didn't want you to faint in shock though so I left it where it was.

What's on Your Workdesk this Wednesday? Why not take a peek at desks from around the world or join the party? Happy WOYWW, everyone!

WIP: English Czech Altered Dictionary

2011-07-26T07:42:00.003+08:00

Here are a few pages I've worked on in my altered book project (the Dictionary was included in the 100th post giveaway I won from Lulu)...

The first page, with the word "above".

This is the page with the words

"nádobía" (crockery),

"nahý" (naked) and

"nach" (purple).

The page with

"mirror" (zrcadio - isn't that an amazing word?),

"moon" (měsíc),

"moth" (mol - ok, I know that looks more like a butterfly), and

"mother" (matka).

You can't see it from the picture but the little frame has some foil that makes it look like a little mirror. I am especially pleased with this page!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Look at what I won!

2011-07-20T11:48:00.003+08:00

Here is my desk this morning (I admit I used the push back method to clear up some space!) I recently won a very generous box of goodies from Lulu, who had her 100th post giveaway...

Here are all the goodies before I put them away...

On my desk is the lovely card she sent...

and the basket of tins to alter, gesso, decoupage tissues, a mini album, and some glitter...

One of the things Lulu sent me was a little "Anglicko Český" dictionary with some pages taken out, all ready to be made into an altered book. I was so inspired (and I remembered the project in Stamping Mathilda) that I started on it right away...

Here is the page where I found the word "anděl" for angel and "amen" for ...well, amen! I am having such fun with this project because even with a few spare minutes I can work on it, looking for words and images and even learning a bit of "Český". Since I just visited the Czech Republic (Prague) last month, it will make a nice memento of our visit there.

Lulu has some interesting projects and tutorials in her blog and also joins What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday sometimes. I hope you can drop by her blog and say hi. Unfortunately, the internet connection at home is not working these days so I have been able to visit only a few desks this week. Hopefully I will be able to visit more this week. Thank you for dropping by and leaving me such encouraging comments! Drop by the other desks in the What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday list for other projects and storage solutions or even just to feel better that yours is not the only messy desk around!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Mother and Child

2011-07-13T12:35:00.000+08:00

Happy What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday (or whatever day you are visiting)! As you can see, there is not much difference in the neatness of my desk from last week but at least I was able to unearth my sewing machine to do some altering (like I shared about in this post). I have also made some progress in my Mother and Child painting...

Here are some other closeups of my desk. Right under the painting is a brown envelope my daughter doodled on while waiting in line...

Pretty doodle, isn't it? I can use it in a collage or something.

Then there is a wonderful ATC that I traded for in ATCs for All, and a tag I got from a pair of sandals I bought. The butterfly illustration is something I can use in a collage (by now, are you wondering if I throw anything away?)

Here is the badge souvenir from my elementary class reunion last Saturday (gosh, I am that old?)...

and the World Vision progress report from a child whose education I am sponsoring...

World Vision is a "Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice." Sponsoring a child and making a difference in his/her life only costs $13.90 (£8.70) a month. Anyone interested?

In my previous post, I shared about Artsee Bloggers, a new blog/directory. If you are a blogging artist/crafter, you might want to have your blog listed. It is a great place to find new blogs and be inspired! But for now, be inspired by what's on the other desks in the What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday list!

Artsee Bloggers!

2011-07-12T13:00:00.001+08:00

One of my blog friends, Geri Centonze,
has just put up a new blog/directory for blogging artists. It's called

Artsee Bloggers,

"a place of inspiration for the creatively inclined"!
It is, in her words, "a virtual gallery of blogging artists."

If you are an artist/crafter and an active blogger,
you can choose among the following categories:

Digital Art

Drawing and Painting

Fabric Arts

Jewelry

Mixed Media

Paper Crafts

Photography

and have your blog listed under a maximum of 3 categories.

I see familiar names among those who have joined
and I'm sure I will be able to find some new favorites among those listed.
So many wonderful blogs to visit and so little time!
Drop by Artsee Bloggers and join in the fun!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Finally, Some Art

2011-07-06T12:44:00.003+08:00

Hello, WOYWW blog friends! The thought of visitors coming over to my desk today for the What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday link party made me determined to finally have some art project on my desk! So, I took a break last night from scanning memorabilia for our 40th year anniversary reunion of graduating from elementary school (see the scanner underneath?) and inspired by Sarah's Mojo Monthly Post about Kelly Kilmer's art journals...

I started gluing some paper scraps to my altered book project. I also used the stamp I showed you last week to add some texture...

And then, using a background I made some time ago, I also started a mother and child painting. Hopefully it will look better by next week.

Here is the tin of old jewelry I showed you last week after I organized it a little.

And here is an example of what I've been scanning. This is my report card when I was in Kindergarten.

I got an "A" (Always) for "I keep materials from my mouth." Ooops, I should remember that when I'm trying to make my painting brush have a fine point !

To peek at more desks, go drop by Julia's blog. Or why not take a picture of your desk, whatever state it's in, and join in the fun!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Again?!

2011-06-29T10:02:00.001+08:00

I know, I know, my desk is in this state AGAIN! I am running out of words to describe it for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday! Shall I call it "a mess"? I said that last week. How about "in complete disarray"? Yup, used that as well. "Chaotic"? Done. Anyway, it is AGAIN, like this...

I am sorting out the brochures I kept getting from the tourist information offices around the places we visited in Europe. I know, I am a compulsive brochure collector!

At least I can show you the new stamp that my sister Patsy gave me. Isn't it a beauty?

And then there is a tin of old accessories, earrings, necklaces, beads, etc that I need to sort out. But then, I could decide to just close the tin and put it away!

Here is a handmade wedding invitation that I received for my friends' wedding in Ireland...

(the husband-to-be is Filipino and he made this using native Filipino materials (sinamay, a dried sunflower center, wood shaving petals).

And here is my little portion of Paris...

A vintage postcard from the marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen - Porte de Clignancourt, my vintage key on a chain with the cheap Eiffel tower keychain souvenir (maybe I can make a bag charm?), a feather I picked up somewhere, and the clay yoghurt containers that were too cute for me to leave behind.

So, no work in progress on my desk today, hopefully there will be something next week. For more desks with all sorts of interesting things to see, or to join in the fun, check out the WOYWW list!

And if you are interested to see some pictures of the places I visited around Boston, why not drop by my previous post!

Travel Notes: Boston and Around

2011-06-27T20:38:00.000+08:00

I'm amazed at how much traveling I've done these past two months! My trip to Boston and the surrounding areas seems like ages ago after my trip to Europe but I thought I 'd share with you some of the places there that I visited...

...like the Boston Convention Center (where my hubby and I attended a conference)...

...the beautiful campus of Harvard University (established in 1636)...

...Abbot Hall in Marblehead which houses the famous painting...

"The Spirit of 76" by Archibald Willard commemorating U.S. independence...

...the House of the Seven Gables, in Salem, Massachusetts, a National Historic Landmark District, which inspired the setting and title of Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel "The House of the Seven Gables"...

...and Gloucester, a popular summer destination on Cape Ann.
If we had the time, I would have wanted to go on one of the whale watching tours they were offering there.

A lot of boats, my Dad would love it here!

We visited Essex and although there are a lot of wonderful shops there, (Wikipedia says, "The town now boasts of being the municipality with the greatest number of antique shops per square mile in the US.") we only had time to stop by the White Elephant Shop.

I bought some old and not so old books for only $1 each (I posted some of them for the What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday post after I got back). Have you noticed how I often come home with old books?

The views in Rockport...

...and Ogunquit, Maine were wonderful...

And so was the lobster!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: My Travel Journal

2011-06-22T11:38:00.000+08:00

My desk is again in a whole mess so I took a picture of a just a small part of it (the only part where you can actually see the desk)...

... where, among other things, you can see a wonderful pile of ATCs I won in Sniisk's ATC lottery on ATCs for ALL and my travel journal which I am trying to finish (I didn't have time on the trip so I just kept notes to remind me of where we went and what we did.)

And since Neet already received my PIF for the WOYWW 2nd Anniversary, I can finally share with you the post I deleted when I realized I wasn't supposed to reveal what I was giving away...

"To celebrate WOYWW's 2nd anniversary, I made a set of ATCs, one for each letter...

Do you see the "W"?...

the "O"?...

the "Y"?...

another "W"?...

and still another "W"?

Put them all together, and you'll have the WOYWW international village, where, on Wednesdays, bloggers from all over the world ask each other, "What's on your workdesk?"

If you look really closely into the windows, you will see little pictures of actual desks (pictures posted on the week I made my ATCs). It's hard to see from these pictures but Julia's window (on the 4th card) has a little golden crown (because she's the Queen of WOYWW).

And this ATC set was my "Pay it Forward" gift to Neet who came next to me on the WOYWW 2nd Anniversary list. For more desks joining in the fun of WOYWW, check out the Julia's Stamping Ground!

For Father's Day

2011-06-20T20:20:00.002+08:00

I hadn't even fully unpacked from my trip to Europe and I was packing a bag again for a Father's Day weekend trip to the beach, my father's favorite place. At 52 years old, I am so blessed to have both my Mom and my Dad still with us, with my Dad still strong enough to go sailing alone in his boat (like the picture I shared in my post last year). No internet in the beach and so I was not able to post this wonderful song I first heard from Lani in her blog Healing Expressions...

Belated Happy Father's day to all the wonderful Fathers out there! Belatedly linking up with Then Sings My Soul Saturday.

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Airplane Food

2011-06-15T00:00:00.020+08:00

Hello, WOYWWers! By the time Wednesday comes, there won't be anything on my "workdesk" except airplane food because I will be way up in the air flying back home. And before you get the impression that I fly business class regularly, let me share with you how I got to be reclining in this wonderful Etihad Airways flatbed (this picture was taken on the way to Europe).

What a wonderful surprise blessing we've had! My son was assigned to work in Frankfurt for 6 months starting last April. And he found out that he had the privilege to come home every month (6 trips) or fly family members to visit him (Business Class!) So after working on all the papers to show that we are family members, my hubby, 2 other children and I flew to Europe and spent the next 2 weeks driving around. A dream come true for me!

For real desks with real works in progress, neat or tidy, go drop by the What's on your Workdesk Wednesday list!

Edit: Well, I must say the airplane food on Business Class was excellent!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Oh là là

2011-06-08T15:57:00.001+08:00

Bonjour, amis! No desk to show you today, and time for just a short post since I have to share internet time with my hubby and kids. Je suis allé à un marché aux puces ce week-end (tee hee, I wonder if I said that right) and here are some of my finds! My favorite, which I wonder how I will bring home since it is so heavy, is a set of 2 books - an old French dictionary with wonderful illustrations! And some wonderful old keys with lovely designs.

I haven't had much time to visit other desks for What's on your Workdesk Wednesday but if you have the time, drop by the wonderful desks from around the world! And in my case this week, a floor full of flea market finds!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Happy 2nd Anniversary!

2011-06-01T08:19:00.008+08:00

Oooooops, obviously, I didn't read Julia's instructions and had already posted about my WOYWW PiF gift this morning! Then I visited La-De-Dah and she mentioned we're not supposed to post about it yet! Delete the post, Peggy, quick!!!!

For more desks joining in the anniversary fun, check out the Stamping Ground! Congratulations, Julia and Happy Anniversary, everyone!

And the Winner is...

2011-05-29T09:12:00.003+08:00

I finally found some time to make a post to announce the winner for my Easter giveaway. Thank you to everyone who left me a comment! I truly appreciate all of you! And the winner is number...

(I just love having numbered comments! It makes picking a winner so much easier. I wrote a post about how I put numbers in case you're interested.) Anyway...

Congratulations, Sonya! Sonya has a blog called "Counting My Blessings" where she shares about faith and family, arts and crafts, gardening and thrifty finds. Go visit her and see the wonderful collages she makes. Again, thank to everyone who joined my giveaway. Til the next time, hugs and blessings to you!

Edit: Sonya wrote such a lovely post about her win!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Goodies in the Mail!

2011-05-25T10:11:00.002+08:00

Happy Wednesday, blog friends! I haven't been that successful in cleaning up my desk. That's why I'm only showing you a little part of it! On my desk today are a few pieces of my art (the ATC of the woman and the princess drawing on the left) and some lovely things that arrived in the mail. There's a cuff bracelet that I won as a prize in the One World One Heart event last February. It is made by Barbara, also known as Lady Faith, of Blossom's Bloomers and she titled this piece "Diamonds are a Steampunkers Best Friend." Pretty!

Then there are some artist trading cards (ATCs) that I received for trades at ATCs for All. The ATC of the Madonna and Baby was specially made for me. And I also got some lovely fabric cards that I have put on display before I put them in my ATC album. Aren't they pretty?

For more desks to peek at, drop by Julia's Stamping Ground. And while you're at it, why not show us your desk, whatever state it's in!

A Joyful Easter Giveaway!

2011-05-23T00:01:00.003+08:00

(The Giveaway is now closed.
Thank you for all your comments.
I will announce the winner in the next post.)

A very blessed and joyful Easter to all of you,
my wonderful blog friends and visitors!

"Gentle"

St. Augustine once said

“We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song!”

and indeed, Alleluia is my song!

And to celebrate, I'm having a giveaway!

I was preparing for a 300 follower giveaway,

until I realized that Easter is an infinitely better reason to celebrate!

My giveaway for Easter is an original 5.75" x 8" mixed media piece entitled "Gentle." I made it using colored pencils, watercolors and collage on a gessoed sketchpad background. The flowers on her hair, the bookpaper leaves, the music sheet heart, the buttlerfly and the lace on her dress is collaged on.

For me, this piece is a reminder and encouragement to focus on things above...

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God." Colossians 3:1

It is an encouragement for me to speak with love, to listen, to be gentle... (2 Timothy 2:24)

If you like "Gentle," and would like a chance to win it...

1. For one entry, simply leave a comment on this post.

2. If you are a follower and would like a second entry, please leave a second comment on this post.

3. If you would like third entry, make a post about the giveaway, or post it on the sidebar of your blog and link it to this post. Please make a third comment on this post to tell me where you added it to your blog.

You may use this image

I will be using the random number generator, so please make sure you leave me a comment for each entry you make. Since I will be going out of town, I will pick the winner after May 22.

May you have a wonderful Easter season!

Pilgrim's Progress

2011-05-22T06:42:00.000+08:00

I have just been to visit Plymouth, Massachusetts so the word pilgrim has been on my mind.

Pil·grim (pil′grəm)

noun

a person who travels about; wanderer
a person who travels to a shrine or holy place as a religious act
☆ any member of the band of English Puritans who founded Plymouth Colony in 1620
(from YourDictionary.com)

In Plymouth, is an important symbol in American history...

...Plymouth Rock, the traditional site of disembarkation of the Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. The Pilgrims were English Separatists who came to America to seek religious freedom.

Here is the Mayflower II moored at Plymouth Harbor. It is an accurate replica of the Mayflower which transported the Pilgrims to America. It was so interesting for me to see these places where the pilgrims first settled in America.

I see myself as a pilgrim too, not only traveling and seeing new places, but journeying through life, just as this song says...

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Amen&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Amen. May all who come behind us find us faithful.
Linking up with Then Sings my Soul Saturday.

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Complete Disarray!

2011-05-18T07:54:00.000+08:00

My excuse for the chaotic state of my desk is I just came back from a trip to Boston. See the evidence of all the pamphlets I brought home (more about my trip in later posts)...

It may seem funny (my hubby thinks so), but on my shopping list was freezer paper, since I wanted to try out inkjet printing on fabric. Then there are some books I bought in an Essex antique store for a dollar each (even the big one about drawing the human figure). One of them is dated 1902!

Did you notice that I even brought home a shell from one of the stuffed clams we ate in Rockport, MA?

I bought a new Canon Power Shot G12 camera and I hope to learn more about photography (are my pictures any better today?)...

And here is my giveaway painting. If you would like a chance to win it, just leave a comment on this post before May 22 (if you haven't yet). Please be sure to leave one comment for each entry you make.

And why in the world am I showing you my mess? Because that's what we do on Wednesdays for "What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday"? Come join the fun!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Tourist Stuff

2011-05-11T20:12:00.000+08:00

Guess where I am today! On my "desk" are a few things I bought at the SoWa Open Market, where I had a wonderful time last Sunday looking at all the art and indie design shops. That little handmade bookmark is from AnneMadeDesigns. And the bottle of DG3 is from Bead+Fiber. Then there is a bracelet from Recyled SilverWare.

That's all I have time for today. Linking up to What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday. Til next time, happy WOYWW!

What's on your Workdesk Wednesday: A Hodge-podge

2011-05-04T12:09:00.003+08:00

It's another one of those days when there is hardly any space left on my desk. I bought a new clipboard (buried under the books and watercolor paints). If there isn't any space left on the desk, at least my WIP will be on a flat surface when I paint!

The book about the "Basilica of San Marco" is there because my eldest son was in Venice for Easter and while he was there, I was reminiscing about that wonderful place (and trying not to be envious).

I have been doing the Royal Canadian Air Force Exercise program (whaaat, exercise!?) I figured I would try it since it only takes 12 minutes a day (the shorter the better). It's been a month and so far so good (giving myself a pat on the back and so "chuffed"! - I learned that word from WOYWW). It starts out really easy and progresses as the days go by. I want to make a chart for the different exercises so that I don't have to keep opening the book. If you are interested to try it out, you can download the Royal Canadian Air Force Exercise program here.

Then there's a pamphlet of Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar, a place a few hours away from where we live that I want to visit.

It is described as "a community typical of the 18^th to early 20^th century Philippines...where old and decaying architectural pieces of a bygone era...have been carefully and painstakingly reconstructed from different parts of the country and rebuilt, 'brick by brick' and 'plank by plank.'"

Not much progress in my Mother and Child project...

and on my computer screen, a live video feed of a nest of eagles that Traci shared about in her blog. So interesting and educational!

This week I actually got to post twice in between Wednesdays! Watching the Royal Wedding inspired me to share about my own Easter Season Wedding. And my David Wilkerson "coincidence" was also something I had to share.

There's still time to join my Easter giveaway if you would like to!

Check out more desks joining What's on your Workdesk Wednesday this week.
Happy WOYWW, everyone!

An Easter Season Wedding

2011-04-30T10:29:00.004+08:00

I, too, had an Easter season wedding. After being a widow for 9 years, I got married a second time; a new life, spring after winter, Easter after Good Friday...

"My beloved said to me,

‘Come then, my love, my darling,

The winter is over;

The rains have stopped;

In the countryside the flowers are in bloom.

This is the time for singing...

Song of Songs 2:10-12

Yes, a time for singing. And this is the song that we sang as I walked down the aisle that day nine years ago...

We are the children of Easter morning
We sing to celebrate our new lives
The dawn of an eternal morning
The fulfillment of our ageless desires
We sing with joy in our hearts overflowing
We sing to beckon those who dwell in the dark
We'll keep on singing till all men celebrate
This Easter morn

We are the children of Easter morning
We sing to proclaim the Lord's might
Now there's meaning to our life of dying
For the Lord, our God, has conquered the night
With joy we dedicate our lives to the service
Of the God of Life whose goodness we've known
Until our lives be themselves our song of Easter morn

May our simple lives be a song of praise
To the goodness of the Lord
May the Lord delight in this song we sing
This song we live with joy
If we had to sing just one song
To the Lord, Creator of life
May our lives be that song resounding in praise
To the goodness and glory of God

As I watched the Royal wedding yesterday, I was struck by some of the words spoken by the Anglican Bishop of London, Dr. Richard Chartres (Excerpts copied from this post)...

"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” So said St Catherine of Siena whose festival day it is today. Marriage is intended to be a way in which man and woman help each other to become what God meant each one to be, their deepest and truest selves...

In a sense every wedding is a royal wedding with the bride and the groom as king and queen of creation, making a new life together so that life can flow through them into the future.

William and Catherine, you have chosen to be married in the sight of a generous God who so loved the world that he gave himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

And in the Spirit of this generous God, husband and wife are to give themselves to each another.

A spiritual life grows as love finds its center beyond ourselves. Faithful and committed relationships offer a door into the mystery of spiritual life in which we discover this; the more we give of self, the richer we become in soul; the more we go beyond ourselves in love, the more we become our true selves and our spiritual beauty is more fully revealed. In marriage we are seeking to bring one another into fuller life.

It is of course very hard to wean ourselves away from self-centeredness. And people can dream of doing such a thing but the hope should be fulfilled it is necessary a solemn decision that, whatever the difficulties, we are committed to the way of generous love...

Marriage should transform, as husband and wife make one another their work of art...

As the reality of God has faded from so many lives in the West, there has been a corresponding inflation of expectations that personal relations alone will supply meaning and happiness in life. This is to load our partner with too great a burden. We are all incomplete: we all need the love which is secure, rather than oppressive, we need mutual forgiveness, to thrive.

As we move towards our partner in love, following the example of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is quickened within us and can increasingly fill our lives with light. This leads to a family life which offers the best conditions in which the next generation can practice and exchange those gifts which can overcome fear and division and incubate the coming world of the Spirit, whose fruits are love and joy and peace...

Indeed, in marriage we must die to ourselves just as the song says, and "wean ourselves away from self-centeredness." More important than a lavish wedding ceremony is how we live out our marriage. And indeed, no matter how simple, "every wedding is a royal wedding!"

April 20, 2002

Linking up to Then Sings my Soul Saturday
and Spiritual Sundays.

David Wilkerson and the Cross and the Switchblade

2011-04-28T13:11:00.009+08:00

Today, I finished rereading "The Cross and the Switchblade," a book I first read when I was a young girl coming to know the Lord in a deeper way. At that time, when I read about how the author, David Wilkerson, experienced God's guidance and power, I was amazed! Was it still possible, in this day and age to experience God in this way? I asked myself. Was it possible for me? (Yes, it is!) This book encouraged me to continue to seek God and know more of His ways.

The book tells of how David Wilkerson started a Christian ministry to young drug addicts and gang members in New York City in the 1950s and 1960s. The ministry was eventually called "Teen Challenge" and many young people's lives were changed because of it.

Today, I googled David Wilkerson. I was wondering what had become of Teen Challenge (Global Teen Challenge now has more than 1000 Teen Challenge programs in 80 countries.) To my dismay and amazement, I found a news article that had just come out saying David Wilkerson had just died in a car accident. Wow, it felt so strange. I am saddened at the news but at the same time, I rejoice in a life so well lived. Til the end, he served God, even writing an amazingly appropriate blog post on the day he died.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master." Matthew 25:23

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: I'm an Artist!

2011-04-27T12:24:00.004+08:00

On my desk today...

my Madonna and Child work in progress and the One World One Heart prize I received from Bridget of Stitchety Grub...(a "handmade textile bookmark made out of dispersal dyed fabric- with shiva/Markel stick embellishment, a butterfly and 3 Couronne (needle lace technique) dangly rings and a small mixed bag of textured threads and fabric scraps")...

a few pages of my childhood poems and drawings which I plan to scan...

two of my ATCs and the one on the right side is from Doone (thank you so much!)...

and the art materials I received from my hubby for our wedding anniversary last April 20!

This is what I came home to on my anniversary! Surprise! An easel and a canvas...

oil paints, acrylics, brushes, spatulas, Linseed oil, turpentine and even the funny shaped wooden palette that says to me, "You are an artist!"

Linking up to What's on your Workdesk Wednesday and inviting you to join my Easter giveaway!

My Good Friday Reflection

2011-04-23T14:06:00.007+08:00

"But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!”John 18:39-40

Reading through the part in the bible where the crowd chose to save Barabbas over Jesus, I asked myself, why would they do that? And yet, when I read the words of St. Alphonsus de Liguori, I realize I have done it too...

"My Lord, this I have done when I committed sin, I had then the choice of loving Thee or a vile pleasure, and I have answered, I wish for the pleasure, and care not to lose God. This I then said, O my Lord, but I now say that I prefer Thy grace before all the pleasures and riches of the world..." (from "The Passion and the Death of Jesus Christ")

More excerpts from the book...

"As Jesus and Barabbas were proposed to the people, so it was proposed to the Eternal father to save his Son or sinful man. The Eternal Father answered, Let my Son die, and let sinful man be saved."

What great love the Father has for us!

O executioners, you have erred; this man is not guilty, it is I that have deserved these scourges..."

"...Oh my soul, wilt thou be one of those who look with indifference on thy God torn with scourges? Reflect on his sufferings, but still more on the love with which thy sweet Lord submits to so excruciating a torture for thy sake. In his scourging, Jesus certainly thought of thee..."

Indeed, my beloved Redeemer, your passion is all about your passionate love for us, unworthy as we are. May I never be indifferent or take for granted the great sacrifice you made for me. Thank you, Lord, for the victory you won for us on the cross!

Linking up with Then Sings my Soul Saturday and Spiritual Sunday.

Maundy Thursday: Celebrating the Christian Seder Meal

2011-04-21T10:48:00.000+08:00

From Wikipedia

Today we remember how Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover meal. He washed the feet of his disciples and said...

In the Philippines, the next three days are holidays so it is a good time for me to meditate about what he did. I ask myself, how can I complain or drag my feet when I have to serve or do things I would rather not do, when Jesus himself gave me this amazing example of service and humility?

Today we will be celebrating the Christian Seder meal, somewhat like the Jews celebrate their Passover. Have you ever celebrated the Seder meal? It is a wonderful ceremony for Christians to celebrate Maundy Thursday meaningfully as a family. It makes the story of the Israelites, our story too. After all, Galatians 3:29 says, "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise."

There are different ways to celebrate the Seder meal, with all its of symbolism. Although I could not find a link to the exact way we do ours, here are some sites you can look up if you are interested in trying it out...

The Seder Meal as a Christian Home Celebration: Preparing and Celebrating the Holy Thursday Meal
A Christian Passover Seder for Holy Thursday
Introduction to a Christian Seder

May you have a meaningful Easter Triduum!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Celebration!

2011-04-20T11:15:00.002+08:00

Today, I'm celebrating my 9th year wedding anniversary! What a precious blessing! God is good!

I got the image from my altered book title page (erased the title) and added a greeting for my hubby, and printed it our for him (that is what my profile looks like).

I started on a Mother and Child...

and I finished a mixed media piece I entitled "Gentle"...

Maybe I will give it away when I have a 300 followers giveaway. (Whaaaat? Some people other than my sisters follow me?! Another great reason to celebrate!) And you can see the finished ATCs for my Lenten project (only a few more days to go!)

I also found an old book when I was organizing the library last weekend (dated 1909!) and plan to scan some images from it...

And that's what's on my desk today! What's on yours? Come and join us in What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday.

Madonna and Child

2011-04-17T08:30:00.002+08:00

Have I shown you this painting before?

This is a 5.8" x 8.3" mixed media painting I made last year for a charity art auction organized by the Kidney Friends Foundation to benefit families of kidney patients. This is one of the few original paintings I have sold. I was surprised and delighted when someone actually wanted to buy my painting!

I made this using my favorite technique of watercolor and colored pencils on a gessoed background (tutorial here).

Have a lovely Sunday!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: ATCs

2011-04-13T08:21:00.008+08:00

Not much that is new in my workdesk today but you can see I decided to display my altered book and open it up to the page which illustrates Matthew 6:33...

Some ATCs in the making...

my Lenten ATCs...

and those of the previous weeks...

On the top shelf, some of my old books,
my favorite antique doorknob and a childhood bunny...

And you? What's on your workdesk? Join the party and take a peek around the desks of the world. Here's the list!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: My Sewing Machine, A Furoshiki and ATC Trades

2011-04-06T08:01:00.000+08:00

After an afternoon of altering clothes (such as cutting long sleeves to make them short), my sewing machine is still at the center of my desk (it is usually stored on the far end).

And at the back, you can see a "furoshiki," a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, that I received from some recent visitors from Japan...

It is a square piece of cloth which can be used in many ways, from wrapping gifts to carrying groceries, the eco-friendly way. Each year billions of plastic bags end up as garbage and so I always carry a reusable bag with me. I haven't tried using the furoshiki but they say it can wrap almost anything regardless of its shape or size...

Then, there are also some wonderful ATCs that I received in the mail from trades I made in ATCs for All...

There are two collages and a textile one which makes me think about trying to make a textile one while my sewing machine is out. But then, I also have those three backgrounds (underneath) that are waiting to be painted on. Oh well, there are always so many projects I want to do and just not enough time.

And if you want to take a peek at what going on in other desks or if you want to show us What's on YOUR Workdesk this Wednesday, hop on over to Julia's Stamping Ground.

Another Drop of Hope

2011-04-02T09:51:00.002+08:00

Last January I shared about our visit to the Aeta Community in the province of Pampanga. This is a community of indigenous people who were relocated from where they used to live after Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991 (the second largest volcanic eruption of the twentieth century). Unfortunately, the relocation site in Nabuklod, Pampanga (around 2 1/2 hours away from where I live) doesn't have running water. They have to walk at least an hour to fetch water, and sometimes in the summer, around 3 to 4 hours! And since the people are so poor, they don't even have good water containers to fetch water in. Visiting them reminds me to be grateful for everything we take for granted, like running water.

Last March 20, we visited again and distributed a hundred water containers, taking part in the Patak ng Pagasa (Drop of Hope) project...

We had a medical mission where doctors prescribed and gave them medicine, as well as vitamins...

We had an eye doctor who gave them eyeglasses...

a dental mission...

and even surgery for two cleft lip patients. Here is my wonderful hubby doing one of those operations. He was one of those who planned the whole mission...

We gave some gift bags to the children...

and gifts of food, slippers and clothes to the families...

Some people from our community provide English lessons and spiritual nourishment once a week (as well as water delivery) and we are also trying to look for livelihood opportunities for them.

Sometimes, if we are so comfortable with our lives, we can forget that there are so many people in need. But I remind myself that I could have been born in that place, I could be in their shoes (or rather, in their slippers, since many of them don't have shoes). Or I could have been born in one of those badly affected areas in Japan, so comfortable one moment, and heartbroken the next.

There is a joy in being able to help make this world a better place even in just a little way, a joy in being able to share with the less fortunate even for just a day. Every little thing we do counts. "Our deeds are like a stone cast into the pool of time. Though they themselves disappear, their ripples extend to eternity".

And for Christians, there is also the added encouragement in the words of Jesus...

There is so much we can do to share our blessings, even from the comfort of our homes. One click in the Hunger Site gives food to the hungry, play a game in Free Rice and each correct answer gets 10 grains of rice donated, or there are so many charities we can find through sites like Just Give or Charity Navigator. Do you have a favorite way to share your blessings?

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Giveaway Blessings, Etc.

2011-03-30T13:09:00.004+08:00

Hello, blog friends, here is my desk this morning...

I have been meaning to write a post about our visit to the Aeta community, where they gave us thank you gifts of their handmade necklaces made of beads recycled from foil packaging...

I've been meaning to write a post about some earring giveaways I won...

The pair on the left is from Krishenka and is made of recycled tshirts and sterling silver (the shop The Flower Press is where they are from). So unusual and nice and light to wear. The pair on the right is an OWOH prize I won from GraceBeading. It has Red Paua shell centers and they are embellished with various glass beads and a Swarovski bead accent in each earring. Such exquisite beadwork! (Her pictures are so much nicer.)

I've also been meaning to write about how my Lenten ATC journal is coming along...

Well, obviously, I didn't get to write any of these posts. The week has gone by so quickly and it seems like if not for Wednesdays and our WOYWW link party, I wouldn't get to post on my blog. I hardly got to visit the desks last week since I was either out of the house or my internet connection wasn't cooperating.

My hubby had some foreign visitors last week and one of them gave us a box of pineapple cakes. Here is the brochure that I kept for inspiration. I love the colors of the graphics!

Next week, I'm sure the box that holds the pineapple cakes will be on my desk. It has the same colorful graphics on it.

For more desks to visit or to join in the fun of showing off your desk, hop on over to Julia's Stamping Ground!

And while you're blog hopping, why not drop by Tales from an OC Cottage and join the fantastic giveaway...

and Wipso and Twiglet's Big Celebration Follower's Draw for a chance to win a mystery parcel full of goodies by Sisters Crafty Creations, worth over £50!

And join Home and Heart's Giveaway for a lovely necklace...

Happy WOYWW, everyone!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Lent Week 2

2011-03-23T10:39:00.000+08:00

I've finished the ATC cards for the 2nd week of Lent and I'm now starting on the third week. Well, what can I say, I'm delighted I'm making an ATC a day (wow, that was rhyming! I'm a poet and I just don't know it!)

Here is today's card, made early in this morning...

I have finished my project for the What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday anniversary but it's a surprise so I've hidden it from view. Here's the list of more desks joining WOYWW. Come join in the fun of peeking and showing your desks!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Lenten Project in Progress

2011-03-16T12:41:00.000+08:00

A blessed Wednesday to everyone!

On my workdesk today, for our

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday link party...

my Lenten ATC "Journal" in progress (an ATC a day for each day of Lent) ...

some silver flowers I punched out from medicine tablet foil and yakult bottle seals (again, my husband says, "funny girl" when he sees me saving the foil)...

and an ATC I am finishing for a trade at ATCs for All...

Come join the party and take a peek at desks from around the world! And while you're at it, show us yours!

My ATC "Journal"

2011-03-14T20:21:00.000+08:00

My Lenten ATC Journal is coming along nicely. I find that as I spend time writing the verse I have chosen, reflecting on it and making my ATC, the image I create helps me to remember the verse. Here is the ATC that I made on Sunday...

May I always speak words of life and love and truth and goodness, that I may praise God not only when I sing songs of praise and pray to Him, but also as I speak to those around me.

And my ATC for today...

What an encouragement these words are as we plan for our mission to the indigenous Aeta community in the province of Pampanga this Sunday. I shared about this community in this post after we visited them last December.

I always want to grow closer to the Lord and love Him more deeply and in this verse it seems He is telling me that He is all around me, in the least of His brothers and that I must love Him through them. As I draw closer to them, I draw closer to Him. I am trying...

An ATC "Journal" for Lent

2011-03-12T14:27:00.002+08:00

Today, as I thought about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I thought about how fragile life is and how we never know what tomorrow brings. Lori's post puts it so well, encouraging us to pray and send healing love, to be kinder to one another and to make our world a better place in whatever small way we can as a response to tragedies like this. Pain and tragedy have a way of helping us see what is truly important in this uncertain life we live... for me, God, loved ones, faith, love, service...

God. I am trying to focus more on drawing close to Him this Lent. Yesterday, I started on my project for Lent. At first, I thought I would do a little journal but since I am often a messy artist (yes, I finally call myself an artist because you, my blog friends have convinced me), I decided to make an ATC a day (although since I will not trade them, I'm calling it an ATC "journal"). On the front, will be a verse or phrase from my bible reading for the day, and on the back, my short reflection.

As I make the cards, I plan to focus on the words and reflecting on them while I make the card, not so much on the design of the card. No pencil sketch, never mind if the words are crooked or the colors aren't perfect, anything will do. Here is the one I made for Ash Wednesday...

for Thursday...

for yesterday (how fitting, we went to visit the prison )...

and today...

Hopefully, I will be able to continue throughout Lent. And so there's a better chance I will get to finish an ATC a day, I decided to make backgrounds today...

I did them in the bathroom, with the sink and counter as my desk (it would have made a great "What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday" post). I used my fingers and felt like a kid.

My hubby saw me and amusedly said, "What a funny woman!"

I guess I am.

What's on Your Workdesk this Ash Wednesday?

2011-03-09T11:27:00.000+08:00

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season, which some of us observe as a time of reflection, fasting, almsgiving, and sacrifice, perhaps a way of trying to have more of God by having less of other things. As the reading for today says

"Even now,” declares the Lord,“return to me with all your heart..."

Here is a peek at one of the shelves on my desk that you don't usually see since it is on the far end, away from the crafting side...

I want to make a new project for Lent but I haven't decided what it will be yet. So on my desk today, I am just putting the backing on my latest ATCs. In my previous post, you can get a closer look at my soapstone heart (an OWOH prize) that's on the ATC backs.

Here is a beaded vest that was just 3 Pesos (.042 British pounds, .07 US$) in the second hand shop! It is torn in some places so it's perfect to cut up for some project!

And for a peek at more desks from around the world, or to join in the fun and show us your own desk, in whatever state it's in, drop by Julia's Stamping Ground! Happy WOYWW everyone!

My One World One Heart Prize: A Soapstone Heart

2011-03-07T19:35:00.000+08:00

Look what was in my mailbox this week!...

This lovely soapstone heart is one of the prizes I won in the recent One World One Heart bloggers event. It came from The Adventures of the Arrogant Frog and the Smug Beef. They describe their blog as "A French/english couple and their misadventures, thoughts, photos, favourite music, recipes, places to visit, views on history, culture…."

In case you're wondering what soapstone is, here is what Wikipedia says "Soapstone (also known as steatite or soaprock) is a metamorphic rock...composed dominantly of talc...it is is relatively soft (because of the high talc content), and may feel soapy when touched, hence the name. Soapstone is used for inlaid designs, sculpture...traditional carvings."

Thank you so much for this wonderful gift!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday: Weekend Art

2011-03-02T11:47:00.000+08:00

Wednesdays are time to take a peek at workdesks around the world for those who join What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday. And over here in this workdesk in Quezon City, Philippines (did you notice that I did some tidying up?), I am busy scanning the Artist Trading Cards and Altered Book pages that I made over the weekend.

Here is a closer view of the page from my Altered book "Words to Live by", which is about some of my favorite bible verses. This page is a mixed media collage with a magazine picture of a "straight path"...

and turning the page, another collage with magazine cutouts of praying hands, a stairway and a heart that is perfect for the bible verse which tells us not to worry and ends with a promise about the peace of Christ...

More about those pages when they are finished. Can you guess what bible verses the pages are about?

I got to do more than my usual weekend art because my family spent the weekend at the beach (I know, I know, that may sound weird to those of you who are having cold weather). The sun can get really hot during the day so I set up a table with the art supplies I bring and spend the day crafting in the cool shade. I did get to go to the shore early in the morning though. Here is proof...

My 84 year old Dad's sailboat waiting to be sailed...

This is where I walk, searching for sea glass...

Some flowers along the path to the sea shore...

And you? What's on your workdesk today? To visit more desks from around the world, over to the Stamping Ground. Happy WOYWW!