Resolution Tree

WOW.

2010-06-04T01:10:00.002+10:00

I've been behind in posting my 365. I wanted to do a quick blog to let you know that I am still keeping up with it and I will be posting a mother-load by this weekend.

Also, things have been great for me these days! OK, so it's not perfect, but I see my life moving in the direction I want it to.

I also had a talk with some friends that refreshed my resolutions for 2010. I haven't even been thinking about it, but subconsciously, I've been sticking to it. :)

Zodiac Road Trip

2010-05-24T12:40:00.003+10:00

School's been out since last Friday, but I've still been a very busy bee. Today is the first day I've had to do absolutely nothing, but I thought I'd blog because I didn't want to get anymore behind than I already am.

DAY 137 - MAY 17, 2010
TITLE: Zodiac Road trip
MEDIUM: Pens and highlighters

While reviewing for Astronomy, I zoned out for a bit and started doodling on my star charts. Thought about a road trip on the zodiac so I can figure out why Capricorns are so cavalier, Geminis are so indecisive, Scorpios are so manipulative, Cancers are so passive-aggressive, Aries are so stubborn, Sagitarians crave so much attention, and why Leos are so arrogant.

:P

DAY 138 - May 18, 2010
TITLE: Extra-celestial
MEDIUM: Nail polish

In honor of the Luna & Venus tryst of a couple of weeks ago, I decided to do my nails. I'm really digging the design, however I fell asleep while waiting for it to dry and so it got a little messed up. Should've taken a picture of it instantly after I did it. Bleh.

GOOD BYE SPRING 2010! It has been nice to know you (not really)!

2010-05-24T12:30:00.003+10:00

A little over a week ago, I was sitting at the bar, enjoying a drink, my friend Mark started playing "Heartbreak Warfare" by John Mayer. I finished my drink quickly and left for home. I got an idea and I didn't want it to escape me.

DAY 134 & 135 - May 14 & 15, 2010
TITLE: (Work in Progress)
MEDIUM: Pencil and Ink

On the left is a sloppy sketch of the idea. The inventory included: Nunchucks, ninja stars, a rifle, a glock, a samurai sword, dynamite, a pirate sword, a dagger, a spiked ball, a grenade, brass knuckes, and rope.

The next day, I took off dynamite and brass knucklesm off the inventory and added a bow & arrow started stippling away. I am glad I put off stippling for the next day because how could I have forgotten the bow & arrow when I'm such a Legolas fan? :P

DAY 136 - MAY 16, 2010
TITLE: Heartbreak Warfare
MEDIUM: Ink

The final piece -

"Once you want it to begin,
No one really ever wins
In heartbreak warfare"

- John Mayer

I LOVE how it turned out. If I do say so myself. I haven't done this technique in a long time and it took forever, but it sure was worth it.

Just Because

2010-05-18T02:29:00.000+10:00

Just because a girl is strong, it does not mean that she doesn’t break down. She heals with time, she’s been mended, and she’s constantly in repair.

Just because a girl is smart, it does not mean that she doesn’t get stupid when she falls in love. A time will come when passion overcomes reason, a time when lessons are learned the hard way, and inevitably, yesterday's lessons must be relearned.

Just because a girl is beautiful, it does not mean she is not insecure. She has scars and blemishes she prays the world won't see.

Just because a girl laughs, it does not mean she is not sad. Each smile and chuckle is winning the fight against shedding a tear, until the war is over.

Just because a girl is graceful, it does not mean she does not stumble. Everyone falls.

Just because a girl understands, does not mean she is not angry. It takes many deep breaths, eyes wide open, and a compassionate heart to fight the desire to scream and strike.

Just because a girl is adored, it does not mean that she is not lonely. When the party is over, when the make up has been wiped away, she's only got herself to talk to when the nights are dark and long.

Low Bat

2010-05-16T15:06:00.003+10:00

DAY 133 - May 13, 2010
TITLE: Low Bat
MEDIUM: Markers

The end of the semester always leaves me feeling like a battery being drained. x_x

I started drawing this and I remembered a quote from the comedian Demetri Martin:

"I think batteries are the most dramatic object of all the objects , because other things they stop working or they break. But batteries...they DIE! If you're a battery you're either working or you're dead. That's a sh*t life."

Here's more from Demetri Martin:

Balance

2010-05-13T00:56:00.004+10:00

DAY 132 - May 12, 2010

TITLE: Ai

MEDIUM: Computerized graphic

Life has a way of balancing things out. Yesterday, I was bummed out about hearing all these couples breaking up. Today, I remembered that my friends are celebrating their one-year anniversary. I guess there is still hope after all. :)

Birthdays and blues

2010-05-12T16:29:00.004+10:00

DAY 130 - May 10, 2010
TITLE: Happy birthday, May Babies!
MEDIUM: Marker

I gave greetings for all the April babies last month and it's only fair that I continue to do monthly greetings. I don't know why I didn't start doing this within the first month of this project. Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAY BABIES!

DAY 131 - May 11, 2010
TITLE: Lonely Feet
MEDIUM: Pencil

It seems like everyone is throwing their love away. When you're blessed to find your penguin, you're supposed to cherish them.

What happened to "forever"?

It's hard to be hopeful that you'll find somebody someday when the relationships that gave you hope are falling apart everywhere. Maybe it's time to just give up on the idea of soulmates or true love.

On the flip side, maybe the idea of soulmates is a bad idea anyway. What if you were dealt a shitty one?

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-12T00:19:00.006+10:00

"To me, LOVE will always be my mother holding me wordlessly, while I cry my heart out in the dark." (postsecret.com)

DAY 128 - May 08, 2010
TITLE: What's on TV?
MEDIUM: Acrylic and Water color

Earring holder I made for my mom. She loves her Filipino Channel! Happy mother's day mommy!

DAY 129 - May 09, 2010
TITLE: Mama Bear
MEDIUM: Pen and Markers

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMMIES!!!

My biggest dream in life is to be a mother. It must be, because I was blessed to have such a wonderful woman as my mother, that I want to be just like her. I want to be able to have her strength and give the undying love she gives. I want to be able to open the eyes of my children, guide them and nurture them the way she has done for me. I can not even describe how amazing my mother is, all I know, is that I am thankful for her. She is my best friend. She is my inspiration. She comforts and has a bottomless well of compassion. She is a magical being who turns the world from gray to a rainbow of colors. I am lucky to have her as a mother and someday, I hope to be just like you.

almost there

2010-05-10T16:21:00.003+10:00

DAY 120 - April 30, 2010
TITLE: Harmony
MEDIUM: Marker

Remember Day 54's brain and heart conflict? Well, with the completion of 4 months of art, I wanted to celebrate with a positive piece. I'm glad to say that these two are finally working harmoniously. :)

In the very slow process of moving on, I started to welcome to thought of dating again. I met some who I thought I liked, may still like, however my brain and heart had a conference and decided that it wasn't a good idea just yet. Go team! :)

DAY 122 - May 01, 2010
TITLE: Moo!
MEDIUM: Nail Polish

I was at Drea's house and she fell asleep, leaving me to entertain myself! I raided her nail polish stash and allowed myself to be inspired by her funky pillows.

I'm rocking cow print nails. Strangely adorable, isn't it?

Unfortunately, as a bartender, I should've known this wouldn't have survived a night of work.

DAY 122 - May 02, 2010
TITLE: College Life
MEDIUM: Pen

Coffee [X]
Smokes [X]
High-lighter [X]
Super boring book [X]
Tape to keep my eyelids open [X]
Yawning in 30-second intervals [X]

Oh, the life of a college student. I can't wait for the semester to be over!

DAY 123 - May 03, 2010
TITLE: Traffic at the Arcade
MEDIUM: Computerized graphic

While driving home from a late meeting for a group project, I got stuck in some road construction that made me feel like I was in an 80's video game with mazes and stuff.

DAY 124 - MAY 04, 2010
TITLE: CINCO de MAYO SPECIALS!!
MEDIUM: Chalk

Cinco de Mayo!! My boss gave me a project on the day before Cinco de Mayo to jazz up the specials board.

Break out the tequila, the sombreros, and the dirty Sanchez!!!! :D

DAY 125 - May 05, 2010
TITLE: Parte Dos
MEDIUM: Chalk

I totally forgot to add a cactus to my sign! What kind of Cinco de Mayo would it be if there were no cacti?

I had to work on Cinco de Mayo, which I didn't really mind because I thought it would be fun. The only thing is, it was such a tease because I had to go home and get some papers done. Lame!

DAY 126 - May 06, 2010
TITLE: Blue Tide
MEDIUM: Nail polish

I was annoyed how quickly my "Moo" nails got ruined, so I did my toesies instead.

When did my toes get so stubby!?

DAY 127 - May 07, 2010
TITLE: Mirror, Mirror, on the Floor
MEDIUM: glitter! (on acrylic)

This is to commemorate the disco ball that assaulted me the other day. I was hanging out with a friend and saw a disco ball... and just had to give it a twirl. It landed on me (amazingly, I caught it) and gave me a few gashes.

How many times can you say that a disco ball attacked you? :P

I CAN NOT WAIT TIL THIS SEMESTER IS OVER! Did I say that already? :P

4 Months Eve

2010-04-30T00:41:00.005+10:00

I predict a weekend of no sleep whatsoever. I have a good friend who is visiting for a couple of weeks, it's crunch time for school, and got the new job to keep me occupied. I kinda feel like I went in a little too deep, but for pretty much all my adult life, I've been a fan of the everyday grind. Idleness is the devils playground. I'm glad I'm going to be too busy to tend to silly little nonsense.

I just wanted to do a quick blog before I bury my head in some books. For the last couple of days, I've been a little bummed that I haven't put in a lot of effort in my 365 Days of Art, however, I've still managed to incorporate it in a lot of the things I'm doing.

DAY 114 - April 24, 2010
TITLE: Nellien
MEDIUM: Pastels

Sometimes, I feel like an alien... and this is what I would look like.

DAY 115 - April 25, 2010
TITLE: What Lurks in the Bushes
MEDIUM: Marker and puff paint

Inspired by a converstation about the creepies that could be lurking in the bushes. Yikes!

DAY 116 - April 26, 2010
TITLE: Galactic Force
MEDIUM: Pastels and acrylic

In my astronomy class, we were discussing galaxies. This is the galaxy I want to live in. :)

When I tried to do 365 last year, I started playing around with pastels and HATED them. Over the past few months, I've actually gotten better at it. I'm still not completely satisfied, but I'm finding it to be a little more manageable. I actually LOVE this piece. I wish I did it a little bigger.

DAY 117 - April 27, 2010
TITLE: Feelin' beachy
MEDIUM: Pen

These doodles are exactly what I meant by busy days occupying my art time! I took the opportunity during my break at work to mark my cup so I can reuse it again. I was feeling beachy since I started working in a bikini shop, so this is appropriate! :)

DAY 118 - April 28, 2010
TITLE: Astro Notes
MEDIUM: Pens, highlighter, and pencils

Yesterday was yet another busy day, so I'm glad to have an opportunity to take notes that required drawing. After finishing my diagram of the Milky Way, I dotted it with my pen to make it look starry.

DAY 119 - April 29, 2010
TITLE: Psycho nails
MEDIUM: Nail polish

I wanted to give my nails some TLC, but for some reason, nothing was working out. I started going at my nails with a bunch of different colored polishes until I ended up with this mess. It's so grotesque that it must be art. :P

Tomorrow, well technically, today, will mark 4 months of art. Hopefully, some inspiration will come along and that I will be able to make time to create something awesome.

Mundane Monday

2010-04-26T16:33:00.005+10:00

17 days

til the end of Spring Semester 2010
Help me! I'm suffering from the Monday of all Mundane Mondays. I'm currently blogging in class. I don't know how a class that started out so fun just suddenly got boring. I'm sure this class is definitely going to put a dent in my grade-point average for this semester.

As of yesterday, I am officially working two jobs. Yes, two jobs and going to school. The next person that calls me "Princess" is going to have a heel shoved up their butts. :)

It's going to be a bit stressful, but I enjoy the grind. I like long days with back-to-back activities - those days where you are thankful to even have 5 minutes to stare at the wall. My social life is going to suffer a bit, but it's temporary.

Here's a few 365 pieces from the last week. I got a couple that I haven't scanned yet and I'm still currently waiting on inspiration from today. I actually had a pretty sweet idea yesterday, but I didn't have watercolor paper. Maybe I'll pick some up tomorrow.

DAY 108 - April 18, 2010
TILE: Paper Flower
MEDIUM: Markers

I had some fun with a pair of scissors and some permanent markers. :P

DAY 109 - April 19, 2010
TITLE: Latte Stone
MEDIUM: Markers

For my sociology class, we paid a little visit to the Latte of Freedom. I had a to write a reaction paper to the field trip and while I was thinking of the significance of the latte stone to Guam's culture, I thought I'd pay tribute and make it the AOTD.

DAY 110 - April 20, 2010
TITLE: Happy Birthday, Ella!
MEDIUM: Markers

Four years ago, a beautiful baby girl was born! She was tiny and resembled her great-grandpa, but as years went by, she grew to be her own person, so strong in character and so full of life! We love you and miss you very much, Ella! I hope you have a happy birthday and that maybe next year, I will be able to celebrate your birthday with you!

DAY 111 - April 21, 2010
TITLE: Kokeshi
MEDIUM: Computerized graphic

Kawaii wallpaper I made for my presentation on Japanese dolls.

DAY 112 - April 22, 2010
TITLE: Simple Sakura
MEDIUM: Computerized graphic

Another wallpaper I made to be used as a background for my Japanese dolls presentation.
DAY 113 - April 23, 2010
TiTLE: Candy
MEDIUM: Pastels

This one is open to interpretation. :P

Still I sit & lie awake all night

2010-04-23T02:45:00.002+10:00

I'm finally knocking off things on my to-do list for school. For some reason, it doesn't seem like the list is getting shorter.

I'm calling it quits for the day, but for some reason, I know it's going to be another sleepless night. I've been having alot of those.

I can't wait for this semester to be done.

Slivers of Dawn and Dusk

2010-04-18T14:14:00.003+10:00

DAY 107 - April 17, 2010
TITLE: Slivers of Dusk & Dawn
MEDIUM: Pastels

My lovely cousin shared a beautiful poem by Maya Angelou through her FB notes. I was so stunned by it. I love how short and simple it is and yet it conveys sooo much emotion. It depicted the image of slivers of dusk and dawn dancing with each other.

Absolutely Imperfect in Every Way

2010-04-17T02:54:00.004+10:00

You know what I learned today? Even the most beautiful and well-loved people suffer through bouts of insecurities. Well, this isn't new-found knowledge, however, it is nice to be reminded that everyone has down time.

For today's AOTD, I wanted to to celebrate some of my not-so-desireable characteristics. This is me, as an emoticon:

DAY 106 - April 16, 2010
TITLE: NELLicon
MEDIUM: Pencil and crayon

Hi I'm Nella. My hair is unruly. I laugh too loud. I use the "F word" ALOT. I don't get my nails done. My car is a mess. I'm a flirt. I walk funny in heels. If I could, I'd sleep til noon everyday. I'm either dropping, knocking, or running into things. Patience is not one of my virtues. I think too much, but often times, I don't think enough. I'm absolutely imperfect in everyway, nonetheless, I am AWESOME.

don't have to be alone to be lonely

2010-04-17T01:41:00.003+10:00

I guess it's a bit obvious from my last posts that I've been feeling kind of bummed out lately. Over the past few months, I think I've done a good job of picking up and fixing my broken parts after my devastating break-up last summer. I'm doing well in school, having a great time with friends, bonding with family, finding creative outlets. So it's safe to say I'm doing pretty good job of recreating myself, but even as I am doing well in other areas of my life, there is definitely something that is missing. I've been deathly afraid of opening my heart up again.

Recently, I thought I found an opportunity to give it a shot, then in a split second, I realized I was wrong. I think that this person and I are both wonderful people who would be lucky to have each other, if given the chance, but just because two people are great, it doesn't mean they are great together. I've spent the last couple of weeks chasing after an idea because I was tired of feeling like something is missing in my life.

So in acknoledging it, it makes it official - I'm a bit lonely.

This song kinda captures my life at the moment. It's called Not Technically Alone by the Ropes.

If lonely times a thousand
is where you're starting out
the sound of voices shouting
come pinstriped down a cloud
the city's overcrowded
but to me it's a ghost town
the streets are full of traffic
i don't see any cars around

how i feel is very hard to describe
here it goes i'm gonna give it a try:
i'm not technically alone,
not technically, not technically
not technically,
no not technically alone
not technically, not technically
might as well be ...

it looks like i'm laughing
like the other boys and girls
but i'm on my own planet
i'm on my own world
i have friends and family
got some numbers on my phone
and yes i've had addresses
but i've never had a home

i feel this thing with everyone i meet
i don't have to be alone to be lonely
i'm not technically alone,
not technically, not technically
not technically,
no not technically alone
not technically, not technically
might as well be ...

the rich are getting richer
the heart is barely getting by
people are so vicious
i see a peaceful place in time
i used to be different
i think of what things would be like
in my mind a draw a picture
and stare at it all night

no where to go where there's space taken up
i'm the one that's never been touched

i'm not technically alone,
not technically, not technically
not technically,
no not technically alone
not technically, not technically
not technically alone
not technically, not technically
not technically, not technically
no not technically, not technically
not technically

might as well be ...

I was trying to find a video on youtube or a link to hear it somewhere, but all I got was there website where you can download it. Click here. It will be totally worth it.

One of Them Nights

2010-04-16T00:56:00.005+10:00

In my last post, I was whining about how exhausted I was, yet it's 12:58AM and I can't sleep. Right before I went to bed, I texted a friend of mine and as I was about to knock out, he texted back. Now, I can't sleep. Once again, I can't say it's anyone's fault but my own.

I'm going to try to blog myself to sleep. Hopefully, I don't blog you to sleep.

DAY 101 - April 11, 2010
TITLE: Get Well!
MEDIUM: Pens & Highlighter

When I was hanging out with Drea, Viva, her puppy, was throwing up. Poor thing! I felt so bad for her because I could practically hear how awful her tummy must have been feeling.

DAY 102 - April 12, 2010
TITLE: Grey
MEDIUM: Pencil/Color pencil

I've been trying to do something with a grayscale and color contrast. Then something came into mind that I thought would be perfect for the technique... a friend of mine tried to call me out on the possible mean of this drawing. hmm, you know - sometimes a hand is just a hand.

DAY 103 - April 13, 2010
TITLE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELE
MEDIUM: Computerized graphic

This collage is about 10 years of Nella&Michele camwhoring. There are 60 pictures of us in this collage. In 10 years, one would think that we have accumulated more, but these are just some of my favorite ones! She turned 26 on April 14th, so I did this collage in advance to make sure it's ready to great her on her birthday. So I hope Michele, on of my favorite people in the world, has many beautiful days to come and I hope that we have many more years of an awesome friendship to celebrate. Here's to a wonderful person!

DAY 104 - April 14, 2010
TITLE: Cranium
MEDIUM: Pencil

So for Michele's birthday we hung out and played a round of Cranium. Sometimes, you know you're getting older when your idea of fun changes. And yes, it was a lot of fun. We had three teams (Drea & I, Michele & her sister, and Michele & Drea's boyfriends) and my team won! We are the masters at the Creativity Cat. Here are a bunch of drawings I did from that night (mind you, in some of these drawings, my eyes had to be closed!)

DAY 105 - April 15, 2010
TITLE: Sandy
MEDIUM: Colored Sand

I guess I can't say my fatigue is completely my fault. Like tonight, I was up last night, anxiety-driven. I decided to raid my art drawer and use the colored sand that's has been untouched for some time now, to pass the time. I had a lot of fun doing this.

I hate the few moments when you are trying to fall asleep. It always takes me forever to get into my comfy zone and then there are the occasional thoughts that creep into my brain that prevent me from falling asleep. I have no idea why I've been feeling so troubled lately. I'm trying to shake it off, but it seems that the usual aura-cleansing rituals aren't working at the moment.

P.S. I had a job interview today. I think it went well. I'll tell you all more about it later!

One of Them Days

2010-04-15T17:06:00.003+10:00

Today is one of those days where I just want to sleep all my troubles away. I'm exhausted and outside factors are contributing to my frustrations. I won't blame my distress completely on outside factors, since I am feeling this way because I didn't use my time and energy wisely. The next few weeks are going to be extremely hectic, but at least I know it will go by quickly. I need to focus!!!

Now that I am done venting, I am going to do something that will make me feel better. I can't do anything to fix the things at are causing m stress, but I can change the way I feel about it!

One Night in Tokyo

2010-04-12T11:20:00.005+10:00

Last weekend, I had a blast with the ladies. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera, so I have to wait for my friend Sharon to give me the pictures from her camera, but for now, I am going to share pictures from her birthday that I haven't posted because I've been insanely busy!
The girls and I love dressing up in themes for special occasions. For Sharon's birthday, it was One Night in Tokyo, which was pretty much our excuse to dress up in all things Japanese. Our first stop of the night was at the Guam Artist Exhibit show, which we were totally late for. As you can see in this picture, we are rockin these teeny hats and a giant bow, which Sharon brought back in Japan. Apparently it's huge there.

Our friend Scott, who bartends at the bar we went to came ready with his little piece of Japan. Michele and I went the Japanese school girl route. Michele was wearing knee-high's with sandals just like the Japanese tourists we see here on Guam while I decided to wear my Toki-doki shirt to look a little more Japanesey.

This is Sharon, the birthday girl. We got her a kimono from Sky Creations on Etsy.com. Drea showed it to me last year and we decided to get it because it's this awesome cross between Japanese and Victorian. We meant to send it to Sharon for her seijinsuki (Coming of Age) last year, while she was still in Japan. Of course, I'm a procastinator and it worked out anyway, since she was able to wear it for her party!
I wish I had a better picture of Drea and the kimono that she made. I'm so proud of her because she's really getting better and better at sewing. Maybe someday, I'll have a closet full of clothes by Drea. :D

I posted this picture on my previous blog, but I had to repost for a different reason. I really like this pic, but I wish I didn't look so drunk in it (and really, I wasn't at all! so what's up with that?) Anyway, a few days before the party, I was marvelling at all the female Japanese tourists that I've been seeing because I just loved their eye-makeup. So I decided to go with that for the night. I rocked out some looooong falsies and heavy eyeshadow.

My baby sister and me. Can't do a Japanese party with out peace-sign pictures. Chiisu!

This is Drea and me, with our friend Tessa. The animal ears aren't exactly Japanese, but they're kawaii enough to be! :)

CHEERS!

I love theme parties. And more than that, I love my girls! I had such a great time with them at the One Night in Tokyo party and over this past weekend and I hope we get to do it again soon.

It's Michele's birthday next week. We couldn't think of any theme ideas, but I'm pretty sure we're still going to have a great time. :)

100 DAYS OF ART!

2010-04-11T16:18:00.005+10:00

I have succeeded with 100 days of art. I can't help but be a little proud of myself right about now!

DAY 95 - April 05, 2010
TITLE: Flower Therapy
MEDIUM: Markers

After a long day, flower doodles make me feel so much better. :)

DAY 96 - April 06, 2010
TITLE: Y-Control
MEDIUM: Water color, acrylic, & Markers

This is inspired by a line from Y Control by the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah's. My friend Michele and I were listening to this song and we both agreed that that line is awesome. I, personally, wouldn't mind getting that woman back...

DAY 97 - April 07, 2010
TITLE: Shoe Labels II
MEDIUM: Pens and Markers

I've been doing a good job with not buying shoes this past few months, but I caved!! Here are the drawings I'm going to use to label my shoe cases.

DAY 98 - April 08, 2010
TITLE: Drunken Delilah
MEDIUM: Pen on Doggie Bag

I was drinking with some friends at Bully's and decided to do some drunken doodles. "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's was playing, and now, as you can see, my visual rendition of it is now on a doggie bag. :)

DAY 99 - April 09, 2010
TITLE: Pretty Popper
MEDIUM: Markers

It was slow at work, so after prepping and cleaning, I doodled on my bottle opener. :P

DAY 100 - April 10, 2010
TITLE: Nella 100
MEDIUM: Pencil

So, for my 100th day of art, I decided to do something special, like a self-portrait. I decided to try doing it from this photo:

As you can see, portraits are not my specialty because I don't even think it resembles the photo at all. However, this is all a part of the process into becoming a better artist. With much more practice, maybe my next portrait post will be better. :)

Hello Seanna Lynn!

2010-04-08T11:45:00.003+10:00

As I said in one of my previous posts, March was a busy month full of wonderful things to celebrate. This is Seanna Lynn, my god-daughter. A couple of weeks ago, she and her mommy and daddy came home to Guam for her baptism. It was so exciting to finally meet her!

Seanna's parents are good friends of mine. I'd like to think that I helped get them together. ;) I think the stars must think so too, because coincidentally, Seanna was born on my birthday! I have many friends who have children, and I hope they don't take offense to this, but Seanna is really special to me probably because she is the first of all my friends' kids whose parents are both good friends of mine.

Also, a few years ago, her mom and I had somewhat of a falling out. However, her pregnancy gave us a reason to reconnect. I'm sure we would eventually have found a way to become friends again, after all, we were very close, but I think Seanna definitely helped speed the process along.

It's amazing how babies just open your heart. At her few months of age, Seanna doesn't really do much but sleep and make faces, but I could just hold her for hours and feel completely happy.

Seanna and her parents left earlier this week. I'm crossing my fingers that they come home to stay in the next few months. I would love to be around to hear Seanna's first words and see her take her first steps. It's kind of hard to be a good godmother when your godchild is an ocean away.

Proceed with Caution

2010-04-08T11:11:00.005+10:00

When a girl and a guy become acquainted, there is a deliberation period, conscious or not, as to whether or not the other person is worth dating, even if this period lasts just for a split second. This goes with most of the relationships I've had with the opposite sex. After becoming acquainted, we proceed to become friends or other times, we end up dating. It's one or the other.

Once in a while, you meet someone and then your situation isn't quite as black or white. You do this awkward dance on the Friend Zone border which feels frustrated and a bit pointless. Although there are exchanges of flirty words and "accidental" brushing against each other's skin, there is never and clear-cut signs - just avoidance and abrupt subject changes.

DAY 94 - April 04, 2010
TITLE: Proceed with Caution
MEDIUM: Computerized graphic

Welcome to the Friend Zone! :)

Happy Easter Everybunny!

2010-04-04T14:16:00.004+10:00

DAY 93- April 03, 2010
TITLE: Happy Easter!
MEDIUM: Water color and puff paint

Last night, after work I decided to finger paint/splatter some Easter greetings! Hope you all have a wonderful day!

I am not a very religious person, but I have to say, I really appreciate Easter Sunday. I mean, it is after all the day that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, but aside from that being the obvious point of this special day, it's also a reminder that sometimes we have to make sacrifices and go through hardships, but we all somehow rise from it. It may not be as literal as the resurrection of the Lord, but we all have our way of rising from the dead.

365lagged

2010-04-04T13:39:00.004+10:00

I still haven't quite caught up with my blog! There's so many things I want to write about! I'm starting to feel really disappointed, because this 365 is supposed to be sort of a journal too, but I've just been too busy to write in depth about some of the things that I have been doing.

Here's some 365!

DAY 85 - March 26, 2010
TITLE: Susanang Daldal
MEDIUM: Pen

Today is my maternal grandfather's birthday. We all endearingly call him Lolo Pico. He loved horses and owned a couple of 'em as well. I just wanted to take this moment to remember him. He's been gone for over 10 years but I still think of him a lot and miss him quite often. He was such a sweet and caring person!!

DAY 86 - March 27, 2010
TITLE: Mango Love
MEDIUM: Pastels

I spent the whole afternoon riding around the southern end of the island, which is always a treat. On the way home, we picked up some pickled mango that left my tongue happy but my tummy feeling funny. Yum! Haha. In honor of mango season, I drew a mango couple. My boy mango digs older mango ladies. :P

DAY 87 - March 28, 2010
TITLE: Sunday Funday
MEDIUM: Sand

I was chillin' at the beach with a couple of friends and I figured I'd do some doodling in the sand. The boys collaborated by making my hair look crazier. It's a simple doodle, but difficult to do around boys who want to deface your artwork with falic symbols!

DAY 88 - March 29, 2010
TITLE: Awkward Gibbous
MEDIUM: Acrylic

The other day, while driving at about 4 AM, the moon was incredibly huge and entrancing. I didn't have my camera and by the time I came home, it had practically disappeared into a horizon, so I tried to recreate it from memory. When I see the moon at this size, it's usually when it is a full moon, so this is the first time I have seen it this large during the gibbous phase.

My astronomy professor was talking about how this phase of the moon is slightly awkward and no one really likes it. She also mentioned how she's seen very few paintings of a gibbous moon. Now that I've made an attempt at it, I can totally see why.

DAY 89 - March 30, 2010
TITLE: Unbound
MEDIUM: Markers

Sometimes, being single sucks, but it's pretty awesome knowing that you're no longer bounded to anyone who isn't meant to be for you.

DAY 90-91: March 31 and April 01, 2010
TITLE: (Work in Progress)
MEDIUM: Pencil, Acrylic

Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the piece I'm working on. :) I wanted to get the painting done by DAY 90, to celebrate three whole months of art, but I didn't quite get to it.

DAY 92: April 02, 2010
TITLE: Cupcakin'
MEDIUM: Mixed - Acrylic, Water Color & Pastel

This is the offspring of DAY 90 & DAY 91. I had so much fun with this one! I used acrylic for the background, and cut-out cupcakes using zigzag scissors and threw on some water color and pastels for color. Then, for my favorite part - textured acrylic for the frosting. Mmm. I want one of these in my backyard!

This piece was meant to be a greeting for all the April babies! HAVE A SWEET BIRTHDAY!!!

365 Overload!

2010-03-26T00:14:00.005+10:00

Been quite the busy bee lately, but I'm still sticking to the commitment I made to my 365 Days of Art project. I'm really doing badly on my resolution to practice better time management. Sigh

March has definitely been better than February. I've been given lots of reasons to celebrate - birthdays of loved ones, the homecoming of friends, the Christening of a beautiful baby girl. Even though it's been a few good days, I can't seem to shake off this feeling of apathy. I've had my moments of rejoicing, but generally, one a happiness scale from 1 to 5, I'd say I'm a 3. I have been having a hard time putting my heart into most of the things I normally love doing. It'll pass, I know it.

Like I said earlier, I'm still keeping up with the project so here's a bunch of art for you.

DAY 79 - March 20, 2010
TITLE: MINE
Medium: Pen

Although I said that I have been feeling slightly apathetic, it's really not all bad. I feel like I am in control of what I do with my life, which is definitely a good thing! It's just a matter of accepting that all I can do is try, and sometimes I just need to give myself break.

DAY 80 - March 21, 2010
TITLE: Upset Stomach
MEDIUM: Paper Cut-outs and Marker

After enjoying a whole lot of pickled green mango, a local seasonal treat, my tummy wasn't exactly feeling great. The slight discomfort was definitely worth all the sour spicy goodness!

DAY 81 - March 22, 2010
TITLE: Rosey Posey
MEDIUM: Pen

I was working on a piece on Photoshop. Unfortunately, I did not save it like I thought I did. Disheartened with my Photoshop fail, since I'm definitely seasoned enough in the craft to practice caution, I decided to do something simple, and this was the first thing to come to mind. I'm just going to have to revisit that project some other time.

DAY 82 - March 23, 2010
TITLE: Brown Dwarf
MEDIUM: Pen

Once again, my Astronomy class inspired me. We're studying different types of celestial objects (mainly stars) and I learned about an object called brown dwarfs. Brown dwarfs are stellar objects that are too low in mass to be able to have nuclear-fusion, the process that happens in stars. So I figured, I'm pay tribute to the very much ignored brown dwarfs. :P

DAY 83 - March 24, 2010
TITLE: In HERE
MEDIUM: Pencil

Dear incosiderate people who do not know how to park your vehicles,

I understand that you might be in a hurry, but so are many people that know how to park in between the lines. Just a friendly remind that your carelessness is an inconvenience to others.

Sincerely,

The person that could've been parking in one of the spots you are taking up.

DAY 84 - March 25, 2010
TITLE: Smokey
MEDIUM: Charcoal, pencil, and Ink

For my friend's party last week, I did my make-up in a way that a lot of girls in Japan are rockin'. I was trying to recreate it this afternoon, but it wasn't quite working in my favor, so I decided to do it on paper instead.

That's all for now. Everyone, enjoy your spring break. I definitely will and hopefully, I will take that time to refocus my energy into something constructive.

Just Show Up

2010-03-20T13:14:00.008+10:00

I know I'm not even 25% complete into my project, but I'm really proud of how well I'm keeping up with it. :)

My friend sent me this video. She said she thought of me when she watched it and I can see why. Take a peek:

She makes a lot of sense. I'd like to think this creative spirit does reside inside myself, but I do enjoy the thought of it fleeting. It's true. Like she said, the important thing is you show up for the work. At times when I am thinking of what to do for my 365 Days of Art, I don't exactly know where I am going with it or sometimes, I don't even know what to do. Somedays, I create some wonderful things, while on other days, when they're okay, but not so wonderful. The whole point is to take a piece of yourself and try to share it with the world.

DAY 75 - March 16, 2010
TITLE: Youth Reform
MEDIUM: Pen

As much as I love my sociology class, the readings kinda bore me to sleep, so I doodle myself awake. The reading touched on the youth reforms of the 60's and I started envisioning myself as a hippie. As you can see, it looks nothing like me, so we'll just say this is some other hippie chick.

DAY 76 - March 17, 2010
TITLE: Hello Seanna!
MEDIUM: Acrylic

For St. Patty's, instead of hitting the bars, I decided to meet my god-daughter for the first time! She's the product of two people I care about very much and she's also born on my birthday! :)

DAY 77 - March 18, 2010
TITLE: Beware!
MEDIUM: Pen and color pencils

Hello boys! LOL I don't know what it was that inspired me to draw a praying mantis, but oh well. I think she's rather cute!

DAY 78 - March 19, 2010
TITLE: Sakura Nails
MEDIUM: Nail polish

Due to time constraints, I wasn't able to take a good picture of this. Anyway, in the spirit of Sharon's Japanese-themed birthday, she wanted to get sakura nails done. I hope she liked it, because I did!

Alrighty, I'm signing off. Before I do I just wanted to tell my anonymous poster(s) that I would be thrilled it if you identified yourself/yourselves so I know who to thank for the kind words! :)

Sleep Giggling

2010-03-17T11:54:00.004+10:00

Yesterday, I woke up giggling!

This doesn't happen enough, in comparison to all the times in my life that I have woken up crying. (:

Piano and Guitar Lessons!

2010-03-16T22:50:00.004+10:00

DAY 74 - March 15, 2010
TITLE: Music Lessons
MEDIUM: Computerized Vector

My friend asked me to do a flier for piano and guitar lessons. I figured I'd keep it simple, so it wouldn't take so much ink to print out. :)

Weekend unwind

2010-03-14T22:58:00.006+10:00

Wow. I'm tired. I started off the weekend on Thursday and I had a pretty good one. I shared the weekend with good music, great company, a few drinks, and a lot of laughter. Highlights include the usual Saturday night out with the girls, bonding with my coworkers, drinks with a new friend, and singing on stage twice!

Next week should be a good one too; my baby sister friend is turning 22! She asked me to make her a flier for her party and this is what I came up with:

DAY 71 - March 12, 2010
TITLE: One Night in Tokyo
MEDIUM: Pencil and computerized graphic

It's going to be a Japanese themed party, so I thought I'd do an Anime-style drawing. Also, my friend reminds me so much of an Anime girl because of her big bold eyes. It took me a while to research the Japanese writing. Even though I know how to write in Japanese a little bit, I don't have the program to write it.

I don't really draw in this style, so it turned out a little more difficult than I expected. For instance, I tried to color this, but it just didn't look good, so I just left it as a pencil drawing. I have a whole lot more respect for anime artists!

DAY 72 - March 13, 2010
TITLE: Amore
MEDIUM: Pencil on Post-it :P

This is just a simple doodle I did while waiting for my friend Michele to get ready to go out. We just came back from a meeting for Bully's where our boss treated us with pasta from Vitale's. It was a lot of fun because I work with such great people! :)

DAY 73 - March 14, 2010
TITLE: Resolution Tree II
MEDIUM: Acrylic and computerized graphic

I didn't know what I wanted to do today. My friend Drea was saying how she wanted a new header for her blog, which reminded me that it's about time I personalized mine.

Unpromted and Unconstructive

2010-03-14T15:09:00.005+10:00

Over the weekend, I realized one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate it when people you are talking to offer their unprompted, unconstructive opinion about a friend of yours they know you are obviously close to. This happened to me a couple of times this weekend, and it just bugs me! It's one thing if you were asked for your opinion. I respect honesty, but I also respect tactfulness. I don't see why anybody should say anything negative about another person unless it's helpful. Sometimes, people don’t realize that when they are taking shots at somebody else, they are stepping on the toes of others that have nothing to do with their drama.

*Rubs earlobes* Anyway, here's some art!

DAY 69 - March 10, 2010
TITLE: Splatter Experiment
MEDIUM: Acrylic

I've always wanted to play around with splatter and dripping paint so I thought I'd try it out. I just no idea what I was going to do with it.

DAY 70 - March 11, 2010
TITLE: Now and Later
MEDIUM: Acrylic

I decided to add to the spatter by painting the Greek comedy and tragedy masks. I learned that the masks were also a representation of Dionysus, the god of wine and festivities, who was the patron of Greek theatre.

Art for Art's Sake

2010-03-11T14:54:00.002+10:00

I was very honored when I was asked to do a vector the other day. Mr. Art De Oro asked me to do an image for him to be used for his Facebook profile picture. Even though I notice an improvement in my work, I was a little intimidated because sometimes it still doesn't seem to work out the way I want it to. I decided to give it a shot and it turned out well, if I do say so myself!

So I just want to take a moment to let you all know that Mr. De Oro is running to be a Senator. I'm very excited for this because although I have not known him for a very long time, his testimonials at the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Meetings were very inspiring and I found that his sentiments were shared by many people, including myself. Here is a letter he wrote to the President, which he published on his website.

DAY 68 - March 09, 2010
TITLE: Art for Art's Sake
MEDIUM: Computerized Graphic

Good luck in your campaign!!

Happy Monday!

2010-03-08T16:57:00.003+10:00

DAY 67 - March 08, 2010
TITLE: Marena
MEDIUM: Markers

I'm caught up with posting my 365! Yay! This one is dedicated to a little girl I used to babysit a few years ago. She's 14 now. Not so little anymore!!

Over the weekend, my cousins in California all got together. It makes me sad because I was the only one missing in that little reunion. My 10-year-old cousin, Claire, made it a point to let me know that I was missed. She is such a sweetheart. She's growing up to be sooo pretty and too quickly, if you ask me. The next time I see her, she might be a teenager already! It sucks to miss all those years of being the awesome older cousin that teaches you how to put on make-up and tell secrets to.

I'm due for a vacation! I need to hurry up and find a more consistent source of income.

Happy Monday, all!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2010-03-08T14:41:00.005+10:00

DAY 65 - March 06, 2010
TITLE: Doggie Crossing
MEDIUM: Marker

As I was heading home the other night, I saw a dog crossing the street on the cross walk. It was so cute that I just had to draw it.

It was my dad's birthday yesterday. I was feeling a bit under the weather so I couln't really do anything special for him. It made me feel bad, but I'll just figure out a way to make it up to him.

My dad is the bestest EVERRR. We may not always agree on things but he is such a wonderful dad. He is super kind and giving, and not just as a dad, but as a person. Love ya Dad!

I did a vectorized image of him in the 1970's:

DAY 66 - March 07, 2010
TITLE: Retro Dad
MEDIUM: Computerized Graphic

Sweetness

2010-03-06T18:26:00.003+10:00

My niece is totally into this Filipino soap opera about little twin sisters. And of course, it follows the age old cliche of an evil twin and a good twin, where the evil twin manipulates her way into everything while the good twin is absolutely powerless. It raised a little concern because my niece seems to associate herself more with the evil sister. When asked why, she said "because you have to be brave!"

I couldn't help admire her outlook, despite the negative association. I hope someday she realizes that being brave means so much more than aggressively fighting for everything. Right now though, I am somewhat comforted by the fact that my niece practices logic behind her choices and that I'm pretty sure that she will never let herself get walked all over by people.

I worry about her health at times because she's diabetic. My grandmother let her have a little ice cream the other day and she savored every little drop of it, with each bite exclaiming with great appreciation "Mmmmm!" What a sweetheart.

Speaking of sweets, my sweet tooth seems to be evident in the last couple of AOTD:

DAY 63 - March 04, 2010
TITLE: Red Velvet Cupcake
MEDIUM: Pastels and Acrylic

Right before devouring a delicious red velvet cupcake, I couldn't help but think "you're pretty. I'm going to make you today's AOTD". I thought acrylic would be a great medium to capture the texture of the frosting. Mmm!!

DAY 64 - March 05, 2010
TITLE: Brownie Love
MEDIUM: Pastels

It seems that pastels and I have been getting along. I still don't think I'm using it properly. Oh well.My cousin sent me a batch of her homemade brownies yesterday through my Grandma who came back from the Philippines. They're such awesome yuminess! So here I am, expressing my love for them. Thanks, Ate!

Silent

2010-03-06T17:58:00.002+10:00

DAY 62 - March 03, 2010
TITLE: Silent
MEDIUM: Pen and Marker

Oopsie! While I was in class, I thought I put my phone on silent but it didn't seem to work out that way. So, take that phone!!

Oh... and I thought it would be more fun to draw an old-school phone rather than my cell phone. :)

Killer Kindness

2010-03-05T15:09:00.011+10:00

I want to start this post by sharing a quote I found on Playing Grown Up-

“ When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; as I grow older, I admire kind people.” -Abraham Heschel

So I prayed that March will be much kinder than February. These past few days, it certainly hasn't felt like because I've had my share of mishaps, but at the same time, for every negative thing that has happened, there's also goodness that I've experienced.

I wanted to share that quote because it totally applies to me. When I was younger, I didn't feel very smart so I always envied those who were smart. Over the years, when I grew into my smarts, I realized that compassion is a much more valued trait. There are not enough people with heart out there. People just become to analytical and process things with their suspicious minds as opposed using their hearts to understand things. I am finding that I live in a world where acts of kindness are often misinterpreted.

Just this week, while I was trying to extend an act of genuine kindness to another individual and it was received so coldly with a mumble. Then this person walked away. This encounter made me feel so discouraged, but I stumbled upon this quote and I was reminded that there are people out there that appreciate kindness.

This unfortunate encounter, in addition to all the random mishaps this week, is not enough to dilute the goodness I experienced from other people. Even simple and genuinely kind words go such a long way, so please, do not use them so sparingly.

Here's another 365 (I'm getting them up, slowly but surely!):

DAY 61 - March 02, 2010
TITLE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!
MEDIUM: Computerized Graphic

Thanks for being a wonderful friend!

Secrets and favorite things

2010-03-05T14:48:00.004+10:00

I was inspired by my last post to write about my favorite things. I know, it's very Sound of Music, but I just wanted to take the time to appreciate the little things.

The smell of crayons. Breakfast food. Water-proof eyeliner. Rainboots. Nami kisses. Warm pajamas. Movie nachos. Drives around the south of Guam. Curry. Theme parties. Karaoke. Pasalubong. The $1.50 store. The snooze button. Paint. Guam sunsets. The buzzing of the tattoo gun. Sister secrets. FRIENDS. FAMILY.

This was a shorter list than I thought it was going to be. I guess it's hard to think of things I love on the spot. As I stumble upon them, I'll be adding to this list.

I've been behind on posting my 365 pieces, but rest assure that I am keeping up with them. Here is one inspired by one of my favorite things as well:

DAY 60 - March 01, 2010
TITLE: Shh
MEDIUM: Pastels/Computerized Graphics

This was a pastel piece inspired by the song called "Secret" by the Pierces. It started out as just a pastel piece, but I wanted to do more to it so I played around with it using Photoshop.

Check out the song here:

"Why when we do our darkest deeds to we tell?" :P

Curly Fried Happiness

2010-03-01T10:18:00.002+10:00

I think I am starting to shake off the negative aura that’s been surrounding me all week. I started this year out with so much positive energy and I am a bit disappointed in myself that I let that energy vanish over the last few days, but I had enough left to remind myself what I set out to do when the year started. I somehow forgot that happiness is a choice and that I, just like everything good in life, must work for it.

I am always glad to prove that I can thrive amidst adversity.

I had a pretty good weekend. Last Saturday, I had an awesome time at a party my friend was hosting. I was really looking forward to this party because it was a guaranteed good time. Great company and great music with a splash of alcohol isn’t too bad of a combination. :)

Here is yesterday’s art of the day:

DAY 59 - February 28, 2010
TITLE: Curly Fried Happiness
MEDIUM: Pastels

Thought I'd do something simple but fun. I had curly fries the other night and it just made me think of how much I loved curly fries as a kid. When we lived in the Philippines, McDonald's would have curly fries as a limited promotion and I loved them so much, my dad would get me some practically everyday until the promo was finished.

Yay for two months of Art, completed! 306 days to go! ♥

At Last

2010-02-28T14:15:00.006+10:00

DAY 55 to 57 - February 24, 25, & 26 2010
TITLE: (none)
MEDIUM: Acrylic

It's been a long week. It hasn't been very hectic but I've just got a lot going on internally that everything I do seems to be taking twice as long to do, with twice as much effort. My body parts haven't been comunicating with each other properly, but at last, I finished.

DAY 58 - February 27, 2010

TITLE: At Last
MEDIUM: Acrylic

So here's the finished piece. I wanted to create something whimsical out of a sad moment. I just want to recreate a moment, so that I don't associate that particular sad moment with my everyday life.

Slowly but Surely

2010-02-25T15:15:00.004+10:00

DAY 54 - February 23, 2010

TITLE: Control

MEDIUM: Computerized Graphic

My brain is angry at my heart because it knows that my heart shouldn't be feeling the way it does. My brain knows that the events of last weekend haven't changed anything in my life, but it can't seem to convince my heart that everything's OK.

I can't wait until the two are in sync again. I'm sure they will be, soon. I just wish it'd be sooner.

I have a piece that I'm working on that has been today and yesterday's subject, quite possibly tomorrow's too. Everything these days seems to take more time and effort, but I'm still keeping them coming, slowly but surely.

Relapse

2010-02-23T11:55:00.006+10:00

Did you know that the Balinese language does not have a word for "art"? According to my professor, the word for "art" is the same word they use for "life". In the Bali, art is interlaced into everyday life that there is no distincion between the two concepts. It may take a lot of time and effort to accomplish anything, but life is lived beautifully.

Art is a huge part of life. Here's something I realized over the weekend about my 365 Days of Art - when you showcase your art, you are showcasing yourself, and there are times when you don't want to because it hurts or it is too personal, but I made a commitment to create art and share it. This is my outlet. This is my growth. This is my chance to inspire or empower someone else.

Last weekend, I had a relapse. Everything I have done to cure my broken heart seems to have unraveled and I found myself at a very familiar point. I was trying to brush off the fact that last weekend was the same weekend last year when my exboyfriend visited me. I told myself how irrelevant this date is to my life now. I reminded myself that I'm doing better. Yet, this inkling persisted and I had the hardest time absorbing what's to come. In the same weekend last year, when we shared a beautiful visit together, he was on island, this year, for a job.

The next 24-hours was a complete blur. When I got the news, I got angry. I was hurt. I couldn't understand why I didn't deserve a warning from him or in wishful thinking, an invitation to meet up, bury the past and carry on with friendship, like we talked about. Angry e-mails and hopeless phone calls were made, but in the end I decided to just let it go. I went to have a drink to collect myself and there he was. And in what seems like a second, he was gone for the airport.

I may have gotten what I wanted - my moment to speak from the heart, and hopefully, gain my old friend back. One of the worst things about a breakup is sometimes, you lose a great friend in the process. And what I miss the most, is my friend, not my lover.

I may still be in a state of shock. In such a short period of time, that was a whole lot to take in. I confronted the inevitable, but it seems that the inevitable has still found a way to surprise me. So now, I'm just taking a moment to absorb everything and hope for the best.

DAY 52 - February 21, 2010
TITLE: Hurts Undid
MEDIUM: Pencil

"Hurts Undid" is the anagram of my X's name. Imagine that. Now I just hope that the hurt may actually have been undone in my bittersweet trip down memory lane.

To find humor in a somewhat painful moment

DAY 53 - February 22, 2010
TITLE: CasaNELLA
MEDIUM: Marker

It's official. I must have been a horrible womanizer in my past lifetime. Maybe, Casanova. It's the only explanation I have as to why I have a horrible love life. It's karma saying, "here's what it's like to be a woman whose heart was broken by a man".

Now, I am going to take a deep breathe and carry on...

The Side You Don't See

2010-02-21T18:03:00.002+10:00

DAY 51 - February 20, 2010

TITLE: The Moon has Two Faces

MEDIUM: Pencil

This week in Astronomy, we studied how we only see one side of the moon. The interesting thing about this is the side of the moon we see is fairly smooth, while the side we don't get to see is extremely jagged and rough. It painted a nice imagery in my head so I thought I'd draw it. :)

No!

2010-02-20T12:35:00.009+10:00

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!

2010-02-18T11:54:00.008+10:00

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

2010-02-16T23:50:00.008+10:00

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

2010-02-16T18:40:00.014+10:00

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

2010-02-15T02:21:00.003+10:00

"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

2010-02-14T13:19:00.003+10:00

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.

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)

Busy weekend ahead!

2010-02-12T18:38:00.007+10:00

Thank God it's Friday! Not that it makes any difference, since I've put off so many of my readings and a few other items on my things to do for the weekend. Boo. This goes against one of my resolutions, so to compensate, not only am I going to take care of everything I needed to do last week, I am also going to make sure to take care of everything due next week, that I know of. I also did 2-hours of volunteering at the Isla Art Center in order to get those required hours out of the way, while the semester isn't crazy yet.

Speaking of resolutions, my friend told me about this art show that I could join. I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it, but the art show would be a great opportunity to hone my talents, as well as promoting social awareness. By joining this art show, I could be a part of a movement that promotes creativity and expression. On Guam, we definitely need more of that. Although I was still hesitant, I looked into it and found out that it will land on my friend's birthday.

My friend wasn't here for her 21st birthday last year, and we're trying to plan a party for her to make up for the fact that she wasn't able to celebrate with her closest friends. So, it actually bummed me out that I can't do the show, making me realize how much I actually want to do it. Luckily, the show is quarterly. I will definitely look out for the next one and keep you all posted on how it goes.

Here are DAY 41 and 42 of 365 Days of Art:

DAY 41 - February 10, 2010
TITLE: Memo Dream
MEDIUM: Computerized graphic

This one is inspired by something I found on on "I WroteThis For You" (http://pleasefindthis.blogspot.com/). It totally appealed to the Human Resources major in me. At my previous job, I used to call memos "love letters". :)

DAY 42 - February 11, 2010
TITLE: Happy Birthday, Lola!
MEDIUM: Mixed - acrylic, water color, marker, and puff paint

My grandmother turned 86 years old yesterday! This is a little something sweet and simple to remind her that she is loved and means a lot to me. I thought this quote was perfect for the relationship I have with her. Also, she's a teacher!

Raining Cats and Dogs

2010-02-11T19:56:00.006+10:00

My friend Tessa took a really cute picture of her cat Raul. I was inspired to do a mixed-media piece of the photo. My interpretation looks nothing like the photo. :-/

DAY 39 - February 08, 2010
TITLE: Raul, Unjustified
MEDIUM: Mixed - water color, charcoal, pastels, and acrylic

After a while, my piece on Raul started growing on me. I realize it wasn't so bad, it just wasn't exactly how I wanted it to turn out. I have to stop being so hard on myself, especially when I'm trying new things. To make myself feel better, the next day, I decided to do a piece on my darling doggy.

DAY 40 - February 09, 2010
TITLE: Nami Love
MEDIUM: Pastels

I was really happy about how this turned out because I'm seeing an improvement in my pastels. :)

Day 37&38

2010-02-11T18:54:00.007+10:00

My brother and I were debating about my project. He thinks that 365 days of art means that I have to produce 365 pieces. I, in the other hand, just think that that's INSANE. As much as I would love that, it's a little too ambitious. Some pieces take days to finish and I don't want to rush anything or produce crap just to fullfill my mission. I sat on it for a little bit and thought about what would be fair for this project. I thought about all the different components that get tied together as one piece, or the layers involved in a painting. Since what I wanted to come out of this project is to create art, practice techniques, and express myself daily, I figured that as long as I keep everything documented, then the project is in its course.

A few days later, I was working on a piece that just did not seem to be working out. I wasn't feeling very inspired either and I decided to call it quits before I end up hating the piece completely. This is where I stopped:

DAY 37 - February 06, 2010

TITLE: None yet

MEDIUM: Acrylic

It was a good thing that I stopped when I did. I totally changed direction and was inspired to try something different! I continued the next day.

DAY 38 - February 07, 2010

TITLE: Forgiven

MEDIUM: Acrylic

I was at an art show a few days ago and was really into this piece that had so much texture in it. So, with my newfound inspiration, I used a puffpaint bottle to squirt out some swirlies. Here is a close-up:

♥♥♥

Kawaii Nails

2010-02-06T19:23:00.006+10:00

DAY 36 - February 05, 2010

TITLE: Kawaii Nails

MEDIUM: Nail Polish and rhinestones

I had an insomniac moment yesterday and decided to do my nails around midnight. By the time I finished, it was 2AM and I was so sleepy, but I had to wait for the nail polish to dry. It took forever to do this because I had exactly 20 rhinestones to use and everytime I put needed to use one, it would fall and I had to look for it. I couldn't find one of them, so I just had to settle for just 19 stones.

Baby Star

2010-02-04T14:08:00.004+10:00

"Until you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will not change" - Pat Riley

My professor shared this quote in class yesterday and I thought it would be appropriate for a blog about resolutions and change. This quote somewhat defines that moment when I decided I could juse a few improvements in my life. I saw that I could be a better person, therefore I decided to work on being a better person.

Resolution check: I recently found some cousins of mine on Facebook. Although they added me on their list, I was a little disappointed to find that they were not as eager to correspond with me. They're obviously active on their account, so it was a little disheartening that they do not respond to my comments on their photos or whatever else. I guess it has been so long since we've seen each other that we're practically strangers. So, here I am reminding myself not to take things to heart and just to accept peole for being different. It is just such a pity considering we are family, after all, and I'm the type of person that loves to stay connected to all my relatives regardless of how closely related we are or how long we haven't seen each other. Oh well.

365 Time!

DAY 34: February 03, 2010
TITLE: Baby Star
MEDIUM: Pens and Markers

This was a little doodle I made in Astronomy while my professor read a poem that had the phrase "baby star" in it. Oh, imagination! :)

DAY 35: February 04, 2010
TITLE: Isaac
MEDIUM: Vector Graphic

My cousin John requested that I do a vectorized graphic of him, but for some reason, it just couldn't work out. When he started to look like Mr. Clean, I decided to call it quits. While I was working on it, I couldn't resist doing another piece for a replacement - his adooorable son Isaac. :) Since he is waaaay cuter, it worked out better. Hehe.

Life on Mars

2010-02-03T15:20:00.003+10:00

I have a loooong, busy day today, but I just wanted to take a minute to post yesterday's Art of the Day. We've been talking a lot about Mars in my Astronomy labs. We've actually been locating it and plotting it on our maps. Who knew that Mars was so easy to spot? My friends and I started calling it "the dirty planet" because it looks kinda just like a star, but with this orangey, yellowish hue that makes it seem kinda dingy.

Aside from the focus on Mars in my Astronomy class, Mars is also very significant to my zodiac sign, Scorpio. So here's the piece for Day 33!

DAY 33: February 02, 2010

TITLE: Mars

MEDIUM: Marker, acrylic, and computerized graphic

This is the first time I tried to use this many mediums at once. Obviously, it needs work, but I still like how it turned out.

I also didn't realize until about halfway through doing this piece that I've subconsciously ripped off Marvin the Martian. Yikes! :)

Token

2010-02-02T21:59:00.003+10:00

DAY 32: February 01, 2010

TITLE: Token

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

Oh, Valentine's Day is right around the corner. I think I had that in my mind when I kicked off February with such an adorable heart piece. I got the inspiration from my favorite pair of pajamas that have gumball machines printed all over it. I made the gumballs in the shape of hearts with the thought, "when you ask for love, you pay a token".

I'm not too sure if that was the message I was trying to convey, because there is this other part of me that reads this piece as, "love is dispensable". WOW. I am bitter!

Whatever it is, Valentine's Day always seems to stir up all these thought on love. Like why, despite all the heartaches, do I still sing love songs? Why do I still draw little hearts on the margins of my notebook? Why do I get get lost in thought, curious as to whether I'll find love again?

Will I?

Can't help but wonder. Oh, love.

Flower power

2010-02-01T15:16:00.007+10:00

Despite my cycle of hangovers over the weekend, I would say it was a fairly productive one. I started my weekend a little early on Thursday when dinner with friends and stargazing for my Astronomy class turned into a few drinks. Friday morning, I swore off drinking for awhile, but as it turns out, "awhile" was later on that night when I had drinks with friends I haven't seen in a while. So, on Saturday, I decided not to take any phone calls and locked myself in my house in order to resist the call of a good party.

The rest of my weekend went something like this: paint, cook, paint, read a book, paint, and do homework. I have been wanting to paint for the last couple of weeks but couldn't really think of anything to paint. I decided to paint some flowers since flowers are always fun and always present some kind of challenge. These are the results of my weekend lock-in.

DAY 30: January 30, 2010
TITLE: Happy :)
MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

Aside from wanting to paint, it was also my aunt's birthday and I wanted to do something nice for her. This painting is about to be bubble-wrapped and sent to California.

DAY 31: January 31, 2010
TITLE: Luna
MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

After all the nights of stargazing and having the beautiful moon shining on me, I felt inspired to do a moon piece. For the flowers, I decided to go with the same moon theme and tried to paint moon flowers, but I don't think it turned out how I wanted to, despite all the work I put into it this weekend. The work did pay off, since I think it turned out beautifully (if I do say so myself!).

And with that, I am proud to say that I have completed my first month of 365 Days of Art. :)

Oh Brother.

2010-02-01T00:11:00.007+10:00

DAY 29: January 29, 2010
TITLE: Kuya!
MEDIUM: Computerized Vector Graphic

My brother wanted me to do a vector of him, so he can use it for his Facebook profile picture. All my family members thought I did such a good job, which is flattering, but I also know what that means - "do one for me too!" Anyway, since I took the time out to do this for my brother, I figured I might as well say a few words about why I am blessed to have him for a big brother.

My brother and I are four years apart. Growing up, I wouldn't say that we were particularly, close but we had a fairly loving relationship, with the occasional hate. He would constantly tease me. I would constantly cry. When he had an awesome posession, I wanted one too. We fought a LOT and my poor brother always had to take the high road.

It wasn't always bad. He'd be embarrassed to admit it, but during our childhood summers, we used to stay up reeally late and watch Disney movies together and sing along with the songs. He used to threaten my bullies for me. Also, he took responsibility of picking me up and dropping me off during my pedestrian days.

Overall, describing my brother, I would have to say he is patient and giving. Same as we were children, he still takes the high road now that we are adults. In the past, when my naive nature would steer me in the wrong direction, he would simply guide me back, instead of getting angry or rubbing my nose in my mistakes. He is also generous. He has sacrificed so much just to make sure thatI get the things I need, like the laptop that I am using to blog right now. I am thankful to have a great brother.

The other day, we were having a conversation about relationships. I said something about how it makes me angry when the plans you've made with someone are changed because your significant other breaks up with you for their personal reasons. All my brother said was, "people change. You can't fault them on that".

I wish I could be as wise and compassionate as my brother.

Hot Like Ninja

2010-01-31T13:43:00.006+10:00

DAY 28: January 28, 2010

TITLE: Hot like Ninja!

MEDIUM: Markers

Some people got homies, bros, soljas, dogs. I got NINJAS! This one was a drawing I dedicated to my friend Cloe on her birthday.

When we were younger, all our friends debated on who's cooler - ninjas or snipers? For some reason, the girls all seem to think ninjas are cooler and the boys all wanted to be snipers. Since, then these girls have been my ninjas.

Even though this was ages ago, I still ask people today what they would rather be and the votes always end up being even.

So, would you rather be a ninja or a sniper?

Trust is a Virtue

2010-01-28T01:35:00.010+10:00

I've really just been super enthusiastic about school that I have to share.

Today's topic for my International Tourism class was goods, services, and experiences. My professor showed us this video and I'm going to show it to you because not only is it a good business approach, but it gave me the warm and fuzzies. I'm a sucker for these things.

For my sociology class we did an activity where we got into pairs and interviewed each other. I really enjoyed interviewing my partner and a few of the questions I answered made me learn a thing or two about myself.

When I was asked to name a person I admired and what virtues they possessed, I named my grandmother because she is very persevering. She practically had to raise her 9 siblings when she was only 19 years old and has persevered to survive her whole life. I admire that and I wish I was more like her in that way.

I was also asked to name one of my strong virtues and one of my weak ones. I guess this is somewhat something I've had in my mind since I started my Resolution Tree. I chose love as my strong virtue because I do pretty much everything I do with all my heart. I do things because I love my family, my friends, myself and I have love for whatever it is I do.

For my weak virtue, I said I lack compassion. This caused my partner and me to laugh since it is quite odd that I am loving but not compassionate. I kinda just contradicted myself, but there is an explanation. For my friends and family, I have nothing but love for them and will do just about anything, but unfortunately, when it comes to strangers I, more often than not, forget to see past the surface. Sometimes, I just don't try hard enough to see where they are coming from, since they are not close to me.

We did another exercise dealing with trust today. With our partner's guidance, we had to walk around the building blindfolded! I was amazed that I actually did it because I hate not being able to see. It's a control issue I have. My partner did such a good job guiding me, but I was still so terrified. I took these teeny little steps while following my partner's voice. I felt so vulnerable, but by the end of the exercise, I did start to trust my partner. My senses also hightened to the point that I could smell the salt in the air coming from the ocean.

I must have been one of the exceptionally nervous cases because my professor, who was observing the whole thing, had to ask, "Have you been in many bad relationships?"

Oh, you have no idea, sir. :)

Birthdays :)

2010-01-27T14:11:00.004+10:00

When you come from a big family, there are always going to be birthday greetings to be made! These are the two most recent pieces for my 365 Days of Art:

DAY 26: January 26, 2010

TITLE: Happy Birthday Boom!!

MEDIUM: Computerized vector graphic

This one is for my nephew Marvin, who we endearingly call Boom. We always have funny nicknames for our family members. He turned 20 yesterday.

DAY 27: January 27, 2010

TITLE: Happy Birthday Tita Bambi!

MEDIUM: Pens

This one is for my aunt, Bambi. She gets the nickname from the word "Bambina" which is the Italian word for "baby girl". I was hesitant to do something Bambi-related because she's probably gotten that all her life, but I caved because I wanted to draw Bambi. :P

Paisley fever and the Social Work Framework

2010-01-27T02:22:00.007+10:00

DAY 25: January 25, 2010

TITLE: Notes

MEDIUM: Pens and Hi-Lighter

Hi, I'm Nella, and I am a chronic doodler. All my life, it's always worked out for me in regards to my academics. I guess it helps with my visual learning approach and it made studying more aesthetically pleasing. :)

Now, I sat down and thought about whether I should include this in my 365 or do something else for the day, because I thought "I didn't really put too much effort into this". At the same time, I thought, "I am somewhat expressing a bit of my personality, I'm sharing a part of my day that I thought was really interesting, and I'm making my world a little prettier!"

Then it made me think that my doodling shows that I'm actually happy right now. I feel a little like my old self again.

I think the reason why I wanted to share this with people was I found this lecture for my sociology class really appealing because it highlights the components of our social world today, and helps us all understand how things work. It's a very interesting world we live in! :)

365: Day 23 & 24

2010-01-24T12:54:00.005+10:00

DAY 23: January 23, 2010
TITLE: Fever!
Medium: Computerized Graphic

Still sick!

DAY 24: January 24, 2010
TITLE: Paisley Nails
MEDIUM: Nail polish

I thought I'd take use this lazy Sunday to do something different with my nails. Then, I got to doing the nails on my right hand and realized I might have been a little too ambitious. I've been able to do flowers, dots, stripes, and other things using my left hand, but not paisley. I'm going to work on this!! :)

[edit] I attempted to do the nails on my right hand and I succeeded! :P

Sick Day

2010-01-23T01:31:00.009+10:00

DAY 21: January 21, 2010

TITLE: Black Balloon

Medium: Marker

Inspired by the song "Black Balloon" by the Goo Goo Dolls. ♥

DAY 22: January 22, 2010

TITLE: BOO!

Medium: Pens

"BOO!" to being sick and my Friday night being ruined! :(

Please excuse the crappy quality of the photos. Since I am feeling a bit under the weather, I wasn't feeling up for walking to the living room to scan these drawings. Instead, I took pictures with my phone camera.

I was thinking today that I am not doing such a good job keeping up with my resolutions. For instance, I didn't get to do all the things I set myself out to do before school started. I haven't noticed an improvement in my independence, or my patience level and I haven't been doing a good job with my temper. I guess the important thing is I am aware of it and I'll work on fixing it. I might also be a little to hard on myself because I do notice improvements in other areas of my list, like my sudden burst of social consciousness and my slightly improved health habits.

Well, tomorrow is a new day and another opportunity to practice my new ideas. And I hope I feel better. :P Have a wonderful weekend everybody!

Hello, Spring 2010!

2010-01-21T20:49:00.011+10:00

Yesterday was the first day of this semester. It looks like it is going to be a good semester. As I stated in one of my earlier blogs, I am going to make this year a good year, and not look to outside forces to make my year a good one, however, it sure helps when things are going well. :)

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to cross off everything on my to-do list before the semester started. I attended the EIS meetings, went to the beach, cleaned my room, and did the photo project for my grandmother, but due to the insane rain lately, I didn't get to go to any more beaches to do a clean-up, and I was only able to get through half of the second book I planned on finishing, and I was only able to cook two out of three dishes. The two dishes turned out awesome. The first being the cookies, and the second being my Japanese-style chicken cutlet curry. It was sooooo good!

I really like my classes this semester. I am taking international tourism which is looking to be very interesting. What I like the most about this class is I won't need to buy a book! :P I am also taking a Sociology course called "Social Movements and Change" with one of my most favorite professors in the whole campus. This year, we will be doing a project where we will do a visual presentation on how we see Guam. I am so excited for this project! I have so many ideas of what I could possibly do. I will definitely be blogging about this project.

I'm also taking a class in Astronomy. My professor seems very upbeat and seems to have her own unique rhythm. I love it. Her philosophy is, "when you learn about the universe, you learn about yourself." While in class, I was doodling:

DAY 20: January 20, 2010

TITLE: Everything Else

Medium: Pens and highlighters

I know, I know. First day of class and I'm doodling already? That's just what I do. I learned a lot today, considering it's the first day of class. My professor said that while in our other classes, we learn about what is on the earth's surface, this is the only class on campus where we will learn about everything else! :)

My fourth class this semester is Art Gallery Management, where we will learn everything about putting up exhibits from hanging up paintings, matting and framing, and promoting art shows. I'm stoked. I also found out that we can mat our own paintings. I have a couple of pieces that are in absolute need of matting!

Here's to an awesome semester! :)

Voices of Concerned Citizens

2010-01-21T16:46:00.003+10:00

The following 365 Days of Art pieces are reactions to the military build-up. I just want to take this moment to say that I am not anti-military or anti-American. I am just a concerned citizen who is worried about what the military build-up will bring to the island, and who is hoping that these concerns are addressed properly in the future actions taken.

DAY 18: January 18, 2010

TITLE: WTF!

Medium: Markers

This is another drawing of a butterflyfish in his coral home. He is distressed because they are about to wreck his home to be able to accomodate a nuclear aircraft carrier.This species of butterflyflish is one of the species that will sufffer fatalities due to the planned dredging in Apra Harbor.

DAY 19: January 19, 2010

TITLE: Legend Retold

Medium: Computerized Graphic

Drea asked me to do a computerized graphic of Guam with out the military bases, including a large piece of the northern coast where AAFB is, to be used for an entry on her blog, Waiting for Wonderland.

She wrote:

As a child growing up on Guam, I heard many legends. Some I learned at school and some my parents told me. One legend that has been on my mind this past month, is the legend of thebig fish that ate Guam. You remember the legend, don't you? It explains why Guam is so narrow in the middle. As I was told, many many years ago a very large fish was eating away at our island. Many strong men tried to stop the fish, but none succeeded. At this time, the young women of Guam had beautiful long hair. One day the women decided to weave their hair in to a net. With the net made from their hair the women caught the big fish and saved the land and people from the monstrous fish.

The reason this legend has been on my mind, is because I've been looking at many maps of Guam recently. Yes, our island is narrow in the middle, but I've also noticed that there are many parts of our island that is innaccessible to the people of Guam. It's as if the big fish has returned. This big fish is feasting on the graves of our ancestors and land that is lush and beautiful. Sometimes this big fish spits out the the land, returning it to us, but by that time much of the land is contaminated.

What will our island look like 4 years from now? How much of it will be contaminated by the big fish? Where will we be 20 years from now? Will we be telling our grandchildren the story of the fish that annhilated our island? We must gather together, like the women in the original legend, to defend our home, before there is nothing left to defend."

The map is from 1991.

tequila!

2010-01-19T14:51:00.005+10:00

DAY 17: January 17, 2010

TITLE: Tequila!

MEDIUM: Markers and crayons

Inspired by Saturday night's drunken insanity. That is all I will say. :)

Fearful & Broken

2010-01-18T02:37:00.004+10:00

Fearful that kisses will never be as sweet, hugs will never be as warm, and smiles will never be as bright.

Fearful that days will always be tiresome, with no gratification, and nights will always be lonely and dark, from here on out.

On Facebook tonight, my friend posted a status update saying "I'm growing fond of broken people, as I see that I am one of them."

I replied, "I am only fond of broken people who make it a point to fix themselves or learn to thrive even with their broken parts. I am one of those people."

I am definitely in repair. This is the exact theme of this blog. So even with all my fears and broken parts, I am making it a point to thrive. :)

Fly

2010-01-16T15:55:00.003+10:00

DAY 16: January 16, 2010
TITLE: I'll Fly with You
MEDIUM: Magazine pages

Today's Art of the Day was inspired by a song called I'll Fly with You by Gigi D'Agostino. Here is a video I found on youtube with the lyrics.

I ♥ this song!

Baking happiness

2010-01-16T12:45:00.014+10:00

I woke up yesterday in tears. Not just damp eyes, but gasping for air, wailing from a nightmare. It was in a strange unfamiliar setting, a fair of some sort, with friends from the present and old friends almost forgotten with time, and some friends who are no longer with us on this earth. He was in the dream too. In my dream, there was chaos making me feel claustrophobic and suffocated, horrible words exchanged, and unearthing of memories that I have been spending the last few weeks trying to forget.

I was sad and angry because no matter how hard I am trying to be happy, my subconscious will not let me rest. It's a constant fight.

I suppose there will always be days like this. So I surrendered to the comfort of my sheets and attempted to amuse myself with my favorite TV shows. After a while, the feeling subsided enough and with time to turn my day around. I turned to my handy dandy resolution tree and spent the rest of the day cleaning, reading, doing art, and to break the routine, I decided to bake these awesome cookies.

I tried these cookies the other day. They were so good and put such a big smile on my face that I had to have the recipe.

Oil. Ewe!

Taking pictures with self-timer sometimes cuts your face off. :P

Mmmm.

The first batch got burned! Had to switch out the tray we were using.

Much better!!!

Another batch.

All done!

My friend Sharon, loving the cookies!

After baking, I met up with my friends at the bar where my friends had their gig. We brought cookies for our friends. I proceeded to turn my day into a great night, with the company of my beautiful girls!

uninspired

2010-01-15T17:00:00.004+10:00

DAY 15: January 15, 2010
Title: Flower CD
Medium: Acrylic on CD

I'm still feeling a bit uninspired, so since I had no greater ideas, I decided to add on to yesterday's Art of the Day.

Happy Friday, all!

Just a Little Bit

2010-01-14T16:17:00.012+10:00

While I was reading Love in the Time of Cholera (the second book I have planned to finish before the semester starts), this song started playing on my Pandora station:

This was my first time to hear this song and I really appreciated it, just because its simple lyrics really captures a girl's journey in learning how to love and live with herself. I read in the comments that this song was about the singer's battle with annorexia. To me, it just makes me think about any girl's battle with her own insecurities.

I was thinking about a time in my life when I thought girls who had insecurities were just completely appaling. I was about 13 or 14. Confident, and completely clueless. Just a little after that, all of a sudden: I wasn't smart enough. I wasn't pretty enough. I was fat. I was just horrible at everything I tried. I was transparent. I guess you never really understand some things until you experience them yourself.

Then slowly, you realize what you're worth. At 25, I think it's finally that time for me.

DAY 12: January 12, 2010

TITLE: Butterflyfish

MEDIUM: Ink

At the open house for the military build up, a biologist told me that there will be fatalities with the butterfly fish in the planned dredging of Apra Harbor. It made me sad. :(

For this drawing, I did pointilism and crosshatching. I haven't done this technique in a while. My fish looks a little funny because I made the tail too long :-/

DAY 13: January 13, 2010

TITLE: Lady

MEDIUM: Vector Graphic

So, I said I was going to take a time-out on doing vectors the other day. Before I did that, I decided to finally do the vector my Uncle requested me to do. So here is a vector of a lady who I do not know at all. Now, the break from begins!

DAY 14: January 14, 2010
TITLE: Flower CD
MEDIUM: Acrylic on Compact Disc

I was feeling a little uninspired this morning, to be honest. I decided to mess around with a cardboard cutout I made of a flower and some paint. Then I saw some old burned CD's sitting around in my room, that I've been keeping forever, in hopes that I could use them for a project someday. I hated the thought of just throwing them away. So here is the finished product. I think I am going to do a couple more and just slap 'em on my walls.

Another Art of the Birthday

2010-01-12T11:04:00.006+10:00

DAY11: January 11, 2010
TITLE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATE MERLY!
MEDIUM: Vector Graphic

This is a greeting I made for my cousin Merly. I'm not too stoked on how it turned out, but she still liked it.

I think I'm going to lie low on the vectors for awhile. Over the past couple of weeks, I've gotten 4 requests from my vain friends and family members. I'll eventually get around to those requests, but maybe I'll do them for special occasions.

Hello build-up, good-bye coral reef!

2010-01-11T00:34:00.007+10:00

Big changes are coming to my island. I'm afraid. I'm not really one to speak out, but as stated in my list of New Year's resolution, I promised to be less complacent and a little more socially conscious.

The U.S. Military is planning to relocate Marines from Okinawa. This move is going to increase Guam's population by 50%. The military build-up may provide more jobs for Guam's people, but its undesirable effects on the island's culture, environment, infrastructures, wildlife and resources are definitely a cause for concern.

For instance, in order to make room for a nuclear aircraft carrier, the military plans on dredging 2.3 million square feet (imagine 40 football fields!) of reef. 35% percent of this reef is coral, which is vital to our island's ecosystem.

This is one of the many, many, many things that bother me about the military build-up. I am not Chamorro, but Guam is my home.

So for my 365 Days of Art, I present you with:

DAY 10: January 10, 2010

TITLE: Coral Reef Posters

MEDIUM: Markers and crayon on paper

These are posters I made for the hearing. I think they speak for themselves.

Art of the BIRTHDAY! :D

2010-01-10T14:29:00.004+10:00

DAY 9: January 09, 2010
TITLE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARISA!

MEDIUM: Marker and white board

I posted this little doodle on my Facebook to wish Marisa a happy birthday. She just turned 12. I used to babysit her when she was 6 years old. Time flies, doesn't it?

To Each His Own

2010-01-09T13:18:00.006+10:00

After seeing DAY 1 of my 365 Days of Art, my cousin requested for a picture of my nephew who passed away in 2003. I got on it right away, knowing it would make my cousin happy.

DAY 8: January 08, 2010

TITLE: Ramon

MEDIUM: Vector Graphic

Our sweet Ramon, who we were blessed to have, even for a little while. I could only wish I could capture your life and brightness in this little artwork. I miss you!

When he passed away, a poem was handed out at his funeral. It went like this:

To Each His Own

I cannot change the way I am

I never really try,

God made me differnt and unique,

I never ask Him why.

If I appear peculiar,

There is nothing I can do,

You must accept me as I am,

As I've acepted you.

God made a casting of each life,

Then threw the old away,

Each child is different from the rest,

Unlike as night from day.

So often we wiull criticize,

The things that others do,

But do you know, they do not think,

The same as me and you.

So God in all His wisdowm,

who knows us all by name,

He didn't want us to be bored,

That's why we're not the same.

-unknown

Ipan Beach = Happiness!

2010-01-09T12:14:00.011+10:00

My wonderful day at Ipan Beach left me inspired to do more paintings. Here's a spin off DAY6's painting:

DAY 7: January 07, 2010
TITLE: Telling Time
MEDIUM: Acrylic on paper

I love the way the sun or moon hits the water during different times of the day. Here's my version of the ocean in the morning, during sunset, and late into the evening. :)

So here are some pictures from that day:

Ipan Beach ♥

My lovely ladies

Me! :)

Viva: "Angel, come in! The water's fine!"

Happiness ♥

I hope to be able to go to the beach again next week. I've really taken the beauty of my island for granted, so I'm trying to make up for lost time. So, with my determination to make happiness happen, Drea and I rounded up the posse and went to the beach!

I'm still trying to accomplish the to-do list I set up for myself a few days ago. I'm having a hard time fullfilling #7 on the list (cooking three new dishes) because there's always a constant power struggle in the kitchen among my mother, my grandmother and me.

Also, my friend Daniel postponed our movie date. Hopefully, we'll get around to it soon. I promised him I'd make some time for him over my break from school.

Otherwise, my to-do list is getting checked off slowly but surely, and I think I'm doing an fairly good job of maintaining my New Year's resolutions. :)

One with the Ocean

2010-01-06T18:59:00.009+10:00

Just came back from the beach and thought I'd post this before I open up a book:

DAY 6: January 6, 2010

TITLE: One

Medium: Acrylic on canvas

I had a wonderful afternoon at the beach which inspired me to paint the ocean for today's Art of the Day. This really didn't turn out like I wanted to. I might just paint over it completely or tweak it a bit. Or maybe, tomorrow morning, I might decide that I like it after all and just keep it the way it is. We'll see. :)

Checked a few items on my to-do list (cleaning and going to the beach). Hopefully tomorrow, I'll catch a movie with my friend Daniel and go do a lanmark clean-up or something on Friday.

Love Letters and Designer Shoes

2010-01-06T11:20:00.007+10:00

I finally watched Sex and the City (the Movie) last night. I was watching it on the internet and since it took forever to load, half way through the movie, I took a little intermission and went to my sister's house. I was telling her how annoyed at Big I was. Since my sister is normal girl that doesn't live under a rock, she's watched it already. As I continued my Anti-Big rant, she just gave me that look like I was going to change my opinion when the movie was over.

Love letters and designer shoes. Damn it. It's that all it really takes to pull at my heart strings?

So while I cried wishing that my Big would come back and do something to make himself deserving of being taken back, I snapped back into reality. I know he's not coming back and I'm letting my hang-ups get the best of me. So instead, I thought that I may not have my Big, but like Carrie, I got a really amazing set of girlfriends. In fact, they're even more amazing than any set of movie friends. Especially since they're real and they're MINE!

Now, for yesterday's Art of the Day:

DAY 5: January 5, 2010

Title: Rose (No, I can't think of a better title)

Medium: Pen and marker on recycled paper :)

I don't think I like roses. I never thought I could draw them well either, so I here's a practice piece.

Now, off to the beach!!!! Yay!

Things to do before the semester starts

2010-01-04T16:46:00.012+10:00

As mentioned in the previous blog, I was bummed out that I couldn't wish my ex-boyfriend a happy birthday yesterday, since he has pushed me away. I tried to ignore the icky feeling, which worked for a bit, but I woke up this morning knowing that in his time zone, it's still his birthday. I had to figure out a way to reconcile this bad feeling, since there's this huge part of me that cares whether or not he is well. I wrote him a message:

May this year take you to all the places you want to go, to the heights your fullest potential enables you, and may this year bring happiness and love into your heart. Happy birthday to a beloved friend.

I know he isn't reading this, but maybe someday, if we can ever be friends, he'll know that he's always had a genuine friend in me.

Aside from that, I spent the afternoon watching a House MD marathon. It was making it a little hard to get stuff done, but while watching I made a list of a few things I want to do before the semester starts in two weeks.

Clean my room (Again. It never seems to stay clean!)
Go to the beach
Watch a movie with my friend Daniel (who I never get to see, unfortunately)
Do a beach/nature site clean-up (possibly Pagat Caves)
Go to the EIS meetings (regarding the upcoming Military Build-Up)
Read 2 books
Cook 3 new dishes

I decided to tackle the first thing on my to-do list by organizing my shoe rack. For my Art of the Day, I made shoe labels for the shoes I bought within the last couple of months. Like how some people take polaroids of their shoes to use as labels, I draw! :)

DAY 4: January 4, 2010
TITLE: Shoe Labels
Medium: Markers and Pens

Here are the labels, next to their other sisters:

Resolutions accomplished: Honing talents, being organized, proactivity, and attitude adjustment.

Resolution Tree

2010-01-03T20:47:00.005+10:00

DAY 3, January 3, 2010
Title: Resolution Tree
Medium: Pen and marker on recycled paper :)

Why "Resolution Tree"?

On New Year's Eve, I told my friends how the negative events of 2009 has caused me to soul-search and found that I have quite a few flaws in me that I want to improve. So I listed down the things that need improvement. Under each of the items on the list, I made specific resolutions on what I can do to fix my negative attributes. In other words, I listed my resolutions in outline form. A little excessive? Maybe...

After sharing this with friends, one of them said "so, you made a resolution tree?"

I thought that this was a great way to describe this system that I created. The little changes I want to make in my life will hopefully make a big positive change in my life, kinda like how little leaves on a tree create one big tree.

Here are a just a few of the many, many things I have decided to work on and examples of what I intend on doing:

Have better time management by schedules and sticking to them.
Gain independence by spending "me-time", self-dates, running errands by myself, and cooking for myself
Be more socially-conscious by making eco-friendly decisions, attending meetings regarding the upcoming military build-up.
Be proactive with goals by setting priorities, making lists, and making time lines.
Finish what I start, by ensuring that whatever I start is achievable.
Hone talents and skills by keeping up with my 365 Days of Art project, writing in my journal, and getting together with my musician friends to sing.
Control emotions, especially my anger and crying in public.
Be more health conscious. I know I can't quit smoking cold turkey, so I decided that I won't smoke at home, in my car, or my friend Drea's house (which will cut down my smoking by half).
Have more faith in God by having regular conversations with Him.
Be less self-centered by not monopolizing conversations and do more for other people.
Be less materialistic by not buying this impulsively. If I see something I like, if I really want it, I will wait three days before buying it. If I still want it, and if it's still there, then it's meant to be.
Stop being complacent by speaking up and change what I want to be changed.
Adjust attitude by smiling first thing in the morning and turning negatives and positives.

A lot of people have a tendency to critique themselves too harshly. Critique is pointless unless things are done to improve flaws. Every year, people make resolutions. I heard somewhere that 90% of New Year's resolutions are broken. It's probably because people are too unrealistic about their resolutions or are too vague about them.

Another thing I kept in mind when I was listing my resolutions is that some of my flaws are what make me who I am. So, what if I am a little stubborn or a little sensitive? I've learned to appreciate those things about me, so I'm keeping them!

*sigh*

Today is my ex's birthday. I woke up and that was the first thought that entered in my head. It made me sad knowing that it would do no good to greet him, but since I can't really do anything about it, I just smiled and told myself that it will be a good day.

I think my resolutions are working out for me very well!

Pagat Caves = Happiness!

2010-01-03T14:29:00.005+10:00

"Happiness is a choice."

During a time when it seemed like everything around me was falling apart, I would hear people say that and I would think, "what a load of CRAP." Then, after getting sick and tired of feeling sad all the time, I thought that maybe it was time to stop looking at external forces as a source of happiness. I should make my own happiness.

So I started 2010 with happiness. I spent the first few hours of the new year with awesome company, while enjoying a lovely night overlooking the ocean, under a full moon.

Then, I spent my afternoon hiking with friends to Pagat Caves. I've been wanting to do this for a couple of months now, since because of the upcoming military build-up on Guam, the area where the caves are might be closed off to be a firing range. It makes me so sad to think about it!

The beginning of our adventure

Drea, taking a picture break

My turn! Inside the cave

A little deeper in the cave

My friend Mark and me

Fresh water inside the cave. It was so refreshing!!

Light peeking through the entrance of the cave

My friend Kevin on the way to the cliff

Beautiful view! My friend Allan is in the way! LOL

Kevin, at the bottom of the cliff

Drea

Love this picture!!

Our friends hanging out at the edge of the cliff, where Drea and I refused to go.

Self-shot to capture the moment!

The view from underneath us.

Peek-a-boo!

Bonz! What a cutie pie!

Oh beautiful Guahan.

This was the path we took to get to the cliff line.

I was trying to take a picture of Drea but moved the camera and ended up with this crazy shot of the trees.

And there is my intended subject. All worn out from the hike back up.

I had so much fun and enjoyed the beauty of nature, and managed to keep up with a few resolutions. I exercised. I did my best not to rely on my friends too much for help during the hike. Most importantly, I made an effort to do something that would make me happy!

Now, here's the Art of the Day:

DAY 2, January 2, 2010
Title: Accidental Trees
Medium: Water color and Acrylic

This piece was inspired by the crazy accidental photo of the trees as seen above. :)

First Light

2010-01-01T17:46:00.003+10:00

I am a little hesitant to start a project at the beginning of the year, in fear that I might not keep up with it. In fact, right now, I am blogging as my mother is telling me how late we are going to be for a party tonight. However, I am determined to do this. I had a rough 2009 and I am trying to ring in the new year optimistically and proactively.

Hello. I am Nella. I am in the healing process of a failed relationship, a college student whose diploma is a few years overdue, and a refugee of retail employment. They previous year brought on a few slightly unwelcomed changes in my life and this year, I am going to take it upon myself to steer it in to a different direction. I am going to make this year a happy one, and not rely on external forces to make it a good year. Last year, as an attempt to stimulate creativity, I started a project called 365 Days of Art, in which I did a pieace of art daily. Due to my flaky nature, I barely completed a month's work of art. This year, I WILL complete this project, along a few other resolutions in hopes of making changes in myself for the better (which I will share with you all in the next post, when I am not in a rush).

Now, before I start sounding like a dishonest politician making empty promises, I leave you with this year's first art of the day:

DAY 1, January 1, 2010
Title: First Light
Medium: Vector Graphic

Yes, I'm a little vain, but there is also a reason why I did a self-portrait for my first 2010 Art of the Day. I wanted to enter the year positively and what better way to do it than to paint a picture of what it is I want to be?

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!