No!

Here is a random thought I wanted to share a couple of weeks ago but I totally forgot about it. If you state a strong opinion about something, please make sure it can be supported by the research you have done. I respect opinions but I am highly offended and annoyed by ignorance.

In other news, my "Don't Give Up, Give Love" project is turning out to be a bit discouraging. Of course, you can't expect a reciprication for your acts of kindness, but right now, it just seems like my acts are useless. I may have to think a little bigger.

DAY 49 - February 18, 2010
TITLE: No!
MEDIUM: Markers

Sometimes, grown men act like boys and you have to tell them "NO!" like they're children. Oh occupational hazard...


DAY 50 - February 19, 2010
TITLE: Take a Bow!
MEDIUM: Nail Polish

I was having a girly moment and decided to do Michele's nails. It wasn't quite working out because she kept moving her hand and I still need to work on my technique. Boo! :(

Now, I am going to give myself a pat in the back for completing FIFTY days of art.

Don't Give UP, Give LOVE!

DAY 48: February 17, 2010

TITLE: Reminder: Give LOVE!

MEDIUM: white board markers

As I was looking for some feedback from my FB friends on what I should give up for Lent, my friend's mom made a wonderful suggestion. Instead of people giving up stuff, people should give.

I have never successfully fulfilled a Lenten sacrifice and this year, I am going to try really hard to go out of my way and do something extra nice for people.

I'm trying to set the guidelines for what "extra nice" is. I told my mom about my little mission and she said, "I do nice things for people everyday". While my mom is really that much of a sweetheart, I explained to her that this sacrifice would entail more than just the usual nice things we do for our family and friends, like doing things for strangers or people we aren't really close to. Then she also added that you could do something for someone that you don't particularly get along with. I also thought about what actions qualify as "extra nice", realizing that the actions don't have to be particularly extremely grand gestures, but as long as you take the time out to go a bit out of your way to do something for someone else.

So, I scribbled this little note to myself as a reminder of my mission. It's not going to be an easy one, but I think it would do more good for society than me giving up rice or chocolates. Hopefully, this Lenten season, I will develop the habit of doing something nice for other people.

Wish me luck! I really want this to work out!

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Ghandi

Ella Bella

My mom and I were on webcam with my brother Mark, who is living in the Philippines, and his daughter, Ella the other day. The last time I saw them, Ella was a new-born, almost four years ago.

It makes me sad that I wasn't around for her first steps or her first words. I am not around to receive her big hugs and that I'm not around to draw and color with her. We get news and updates from my brother, but I can't even imagine what I miss on a daily basis since I'm not there to see it. Since her mom is an only child, I am the only candidate for her favorite aunt, but even with out opposition, how can I be her favorite aunt, when I'm so far away?

Thank God for webcams so I am still in her life somehow. At least, I still get the kissy faces, which is the inspiration for today's Art of the Day.

DAY 47 - February 16, 2010
TITLE: Nguso! (lips)
MEDIUM: Computerized vector graphic

I can't wait to see her again!

Guam Love

Tumon beach at Sunset

For one of my assignments in my Sociology class, I had to make a list of things I love about Guam. This is what I came up with:

1. Just about anywhere you need to go is less than a 30 minute drive away.

I love this, not only because I hate wasting time on the road, but this is a contribution to our relaxed society. It does not take so much planning to do anything.

2. You have the option to spend a relaxing day at the beach or spend the night out in Tumon.

Some days it’s nice to spend time with your family and friends at the beach, in a more relaxed environment, but it’s good to know that there are options if you want a more city-like experience, shopping, dining, and having drinks.

3. Taking a drive around down south is always a relaxing and beautiful experience.

Some people get bored living on Guam because as they say, “there is nothing to do”. I believe that teaches us to enjoy the simple things in life and a drive around the island is always a great experience because you get to feel the air against your face, you get to see the greenery and the beautiful ocean. During the day, you get the feel the warmth of the sun and at night, you get to see the beautiful stars.

4. There is great food everywhere.

Because of all the different ethnic groups on this island, there are so many choices of food to eat at restaurants, and of course, we have Chamoru fiestas where you can get your fix on your favorite local dishes! Mmm. I want some chicken kelaguen now!

5. Zories (Flip-flops) are pretty much acceptable footwear everywhere you go.

While I love my high-heels, some days are zori days. Thank God that Guam is zori-friendly.

6. Chamoru people are incredibly hospitable.

What I’ve learned about Guam is you’re never alone. You will always have people who are will to help you and who will welcome you into their families, just as if you were related by blood.

7. There is always good company at any time of the day.

You know that your good friends will always be a phone call away and they’re never too busy to be there for you for the good times and bad.

8. Chamoru customs are so unique.

The customs here are so inviting and so easy to get comfortable with. I love how some of our customs here are a bit like inside jokes, while we also have the very traditional customs that are meant to be honored.

9. The people of Guam are resilient.

In other places of the world, when disasters hit, people panic, but on Guam, we have the ability to adapt and make the most of it.

10. We have the most amazing sunsets.

A friend of mine once asked me, “If you lost your vision, what would you miss the most?” Of course, aside from the faces of my loved ones, the first thing I thought of was our beautiful sunsets. I can’t help but marvel at them at the beach or during late afternoon drives.

I truly LOVE Guam.

Here is yesterday's Art of the Day. It's not exactly inspired by Guam, but I still think it fits with the post.

DAY 46 - February 15, 2010

TITLE: Shades of Blue

MEDIUM: Water color + Acrylic

This was inspired by a photo my friend and the love of my life, Mikey, took with his camera phone. I loved how it was tinted with a gradient blue and I just had to try to recreate it. I thought of doing it sometime during early last year, but I forgot. Now, here it is!

Love in the Year of the Tiger

"Sometimes you have to pretend that you're happy and just fine until you realize that your pretension has become your strength to move on." - unknown

This was my little cousin's status on his Facebook account. It was a little surprising to see this kind of profundity from him, and without knowing why he posted this quote, I could somehow relate to it.

It's no secret that I had my heart severely broken last year, so my heart just goes out to anyone that's gotten hurt and was able to gather the strength to heal from it. Everyone has their own way of coping. I display the opposite of what is mentioned in this quote. Everyone who knows me knows that I demonstrate all my emotions and I like to be completely aware of them.

So, much to my surprise, I discovered something. I have discovered that missing the ex has become a habit. Yes, sir, YOU have become nothing but a habit that I've kicked. Often times, he would come to mind and automatically, I'd think, "Hmm. I miss him". The other day, when I thought that I missed him, I had to correct myself. "No, I do not miss him". I was in disbelief - I actually did not miss him.

Six months ago, I thought I was going to be miserably in love forever. I'm glad to have realized that this is not my destiny. I guess that's love for you. It's an organic process that grows from friendship, and sadly enough it sometimes dies. When you're lucky, sometimes it regenerates into something new.

So I celebrated Valentine's Day this year with the thought that I am almost healed and maybe someday, love will blossom again. :)

Let's not forget that yesterday was also Chinese New Year and we're entering the year of the tiger. With that, I give you yesterday's Art of the Day.

DAY 45 - February 14, 2010

TITLE: Happy Chinese New Year

MEDIUM: Pastels

Inspired and Determined

I would like to announce that as of Day 43, I exceeded the number of pieces that I created in last year's failed 365 Days of Art. It's not necessarily a big accomplishment since I quit soooo early on last year. I have a little more determination and inspiration this time around. :)

DAY 43 - February 12, 2010
TITLE: The Sun is Watching
MEDIUM: Acrylic

We're covering the Solar System in my Astronomy class and I figured doing a piece on the sun might be appropriate. It just turned out a little creepier than I wanted it to. I guess this is what I get when I try to recreate something that I conjured up while I was drunk.

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DAY 43 - February 12, 2010 TITLE: The Sun is Watching MEDIUM: Acrylic We're covering the Solar System in my Astronomy class and I figured doing a piece on the sun might be appropriate. It just turned out a little creepier than I wanted it to. :P

DAY 44 - February 13, 2010

TITLE: You Look Like a Blue M&M!

MEDIUM: Paper cut outs

Enter, Luke.
DREA: "You're so blue, Luke!"
LUKE: (Mumbles something about the store not having any black hoodies)
NELLA: "You look like the blue M&M!" (insert giggle)

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DAY 44 - February 13, 2010 TITLE: You Look Like a Blue M&M! MEDIUM: Paper cut outs Enter, Luke. DREA: "You're so blue, Luke!" LUKE: (Mumbles something about the store not having any black hoodies) NELLA: "You look like the blue M&M!" (insert giggle)

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DAY 44 - February 13, 2010 TITLE: You Look Like a Blue M&M! MEDIUM: Paper cut outs Enter, Luke. DREA: "You're so blue, Luke!" LUKE: (Mumbles something about the store not having any black hoodies) NELLA: "You look like the blue M&M!" (insert giggle)