THE ART OF CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY

THE ART OF LIFE When I shop at Aaron Brothers to buy my art supplies, I always see this slogan "Life is an art. Frame It." Yes, life beautifully lived is an art. So is a good and long marriage. Marriage is also an art or like a beautiful painting. A painting doesn't happen overnight. As an artist, before I begin a new painting, I take preparatory steps to get ready. I make preliminary sketches of the scene or object I am trying to capture. I prime my canvas. Then I mix my pigments to achieve the right colors. All of this takes time and work. Of course, you don't see the preparation when you look at the completed beautiful painting. You only see the entire vision. I am sure you don't like to see the trail of messy rags and brushes with drips of oil paints. In the same way, a good and creative marriage demands the price of discipline, hard work, eternal persistence and of course, a big celebration.

JUNE 12,1971-JUNE 12,2007 Today is our 36th wedding anniversary. We had a simple family celebration over the week-end. We only do a special celebration every five years. Last year, we celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary, with a grand family cruise to the Hawaiian Islands. Due to popular request, I am sharing many photos from our big celebration. Many friends and family members haven't seen those photos. We took more than 1,000 digital photos. Picking the best 35 photos isn't easy. It's like a photo exhibition where the curator have to be selective.

LIMOUSINE PICK-UP This limo ride was the creative idea of my husband. He figured out that the cost of transporting nine people to L.A.X. and back home would be more expensive if we took the airport shuttle. He discovered that a limousine would be more luxurious and affordable at $250.00 for the whole family/round trip. And with no hassle. This long and black limousine picked us at our home in Valencia. We had an early flight at 8:15 a.m. so we were up at dawn around 5:00. Everybody.......SMILE! Every body's hearts were beating with high doses of adrenaline's as we left for our cruise to the Hawaiian Islands- one we couldn't possible get to -
via the family SUV. Soon, the limo whisked us off to a relaxing ride to L.A.X. A perfect beginning to our flight to Paradise. For our 35th wedding anniversary celebration we invited the entire family to come along, including the grand kids. Even though my husband and I have traveled the world in search of perfect paradise, we'd rather be in Hawaii than anywhere else. There are many beautiful paradises and places in the world, but there is no doubt that Hawaii is a special paradise for us. We have a deep attachment to the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii is the background and scenes of many happy dramas and memories in our lives. It's my port of entry when I was a young immigrant to the United States. We honeymooned here. We spent many family vacations here. Celebrated our 25th anniversary. How could we not dream of revisiting the endless memories? Surely, this would be fun. So come along as we followed the echoes of our hearts.
HOW DO WE CELEBRATE AN ANNIVERSARY?
LET ME COUNT THE ARTISTIC WAYS?

1. SPLURGE ON A WEEK FAMILY CRUISE TO HAWAII. Its' more relaxing than planning the details of throwing a big party, that only last for five hours. When I am feeling uptight, I don't even even try to paint. But when I feel relaxed, creative juices flows quickly and easily.

2. SAIL WITH HAWAII'S EXPERT (NCL AMERICA). THIS COLORFUL CRUISE SHIP "PRIDE OF AMERICA" HAS A VIBRANT COLORS (RED, WHITE AND BLUE).

3. SAY "ALOHA" WITH COLORFUL LEIS. Before we entered the ship, the NCL staff showered us with fresh floral and shell leis. A symbol of Hawaiian hospitality and creativity.

4. SEE HAWAII THROUGH THE EYES OF GEORGIA O'KEEFFE. This beautiful, colorful and artful floral arrangement is wonderful to paint. Paint it like Georgia O'Keeffe and you have a masterpiece.

5. SEE HAWAII WITH A FRESH EYE LIKE THESE FLOWERS. No matter how many times we had been here, there's always something new to see and do. New buildings, hotels, malls, restaurants and entertaiments.

6. INDULGE ON A HONEYMOON ANNIVERSARY PACKAGE FOR ONLY $79.00 PER STATEROOM (Sparkling wine and strawberries in your stateroom upon embarkation, canapes delivered to your stateroom one evening, complimentary sparkling wine and cake party, a keepsake photograph, romantic dinner for two at Le Bistro with a complimentary bottle of wine, and serenade.) What a creative deal!

7. HAVE A SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY DINNER CELEBRATION AT THE LIBERTY RESTAURANT AND POSE FOR A FAMILY PHOTO ON THE SPIRAL STAIRS.

8. HAVE A DINNER LIKE THE "KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE". Two head waiters and two assistant waiters, serving us. That's a royal treatment.

9. LIVE LIKE HAWAIIAN KING AND QUEEN. Life is beautiful in Paradise. Don't blame us if we like to stay forever.

10. INDULGE ON DELICIOUS DINNERS FOR A WEEK. Imagine no cooking for a week. That's a clever idea. Instead spend more time in creative thinking.

11. DON'T POSTPONE YOUR GRATIFICATION OR HAPPINESS, OFTEN CONVINCING YOURSELVES THAT "SOMEDAY" WILL BE BETTER THAN TODAY. Unfortunately that "Someday" never actually arrives. Eat , drink and be merry, for tomorrow you will get old. sick, and die.

12. RENEW YOUR MARRIAGE WITH A SIMPLE VOW UNDER THIS 134-YEAR-OLD BUNYAN TREE IN OLD TOWN LAHAINA, MAUI. Your marriage might not last this long but at least reaching your 35th is good enough. This Bunyan tree is the oldest and largest in Hawaii. It reaches upward to a height of about 50 feet and stretches outward over 200 feet area, shading 66 of an acre on a 1.9 acres of land.

13. SPEND TIME AND BOND WITH YOUR FAMILY, REVISITING AN OLD BUNYAN TREE. AS OFTEN SAID, "A FAMILY THAT TRAVELS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER". When we are too busy making "other plans", our children are busy growing up, the people we love are moving away and dying, our bodies are getting out of shape, and our dreams are slipping away. Life is short.

14. REVISIT OLD FAMILIAR PLACES LIKE HYATT REGENCY, MAUI.

We were on this same beach during our 25th anniversary. Seeing a familiar place makes us feel younger, happier and more creative.

15. POSE FOR CRUISE SOUVENIR PHOTO AT THE PORT OF KONA. The cruise photo is expensive but the memories are...PRICELESS.

16. TAKE NEW FAMILY MEMBERS TO PLACES YOU HAVE BEEN. They will appreciate you sharing this fascinating resort with them. In the summer of 1992, our family vacationed in Hyatt Regency Resort (Waikoloa), now Hilton Resort.

17. RECONNECT TO OLD PLACES YOU'VE VACATIONED. The memories will jog your imagination and inspire you.

18. ENJOY YOUR GRAND KIDS WHILE THEY ARE SMALL. This Hilton Resort is so big, it's possible to get lost. If you're lost, don't worry. Just ask Simon and Audrey for direction. They are smarter, artistic and could navigate the computerized map faster.

19. BE AMAZED AT THIS MAN-MADE RESORT. The waterfalls, beach, bridges, landscaping, architecture are all fascinating. Couldn't help but admire all the creative minds of the designers, engineers, architects who imagined and constructed this fantastic resort.

20. ASK YOUR BOSS FOR A RAISE AND BOOK A STATEROOM WITH A VIEW. IT'S WORTH THE SPLURGE. Here's the fabulous view from our balcony stateroom while in the Port of Nawiliwili, Kaui.

21. BE LIKE A KID AGAIN AND PLAY WITH "CHICKEN LITTLE". It's fantastic and funny to hear the chickens entertaining the tourists with clucking sound and symphony of nearby flowing water from Opaeka Falls, swaying palms, soft breezes, bamboo clapping, etc.

21. FORGET STARBUCKS COFFEE. IT"S HEALTHIER TO SNACK ON YOUNG FRESH COCONUT FOR ONLY $3.50 EACH. After drinking the refreshing coconut juice and eating the white flesh, you could use the husk to scrub off those white sands from the beach, sticking to your feet.

22. SEE HAWAII THROUGH THE EYES OF PAUL GAUGUIN, A FRENCH IMPRESSIONIST ARTIST. He painted many local scenes and tropical fruits from Tahiti. These coconuts are great subject to paint back home. While on vacation, I take a break from painting, but gather lots of ideas and inspiration.

23. WATCH ELVIS PRESLEY OLD MOVIE "BLUE HAWAII" BEFORE GOING ON A CRUISE. It will refresh your memory of Hawaii. When I was a little girl, my idea of PARADISE was Heaven (God's dwelling place. In high school, after I saw Elvis in movies, PARADISE was seeing HAWAII. During college, PARADISE was reaching the mainland (United States). I had no idea how I would get to PARADISE, but GOD provided the way for me to get to PARADISE.

24. ENJOY A SING-ALONG OF THIS POPULAR "HAWAIIAN WEDDING SONG". Elvis Presley handsomely crooned this classic song in his movie "Blue Hawaii."

25. TAKE A ROMANTIC CRUISE ON THE WAILUA RIVER AND IMAGINE ELVIS PRESLEY SERENADING YOU.

26. ENJOY AN ENTERTAINMENT "ALA ELIVIS". These Hawaiian "Elvises "sang the beautiful "Hawaiian Wedding Song" dedicated to all honeymooners on board. When Elvis was alive, he crooned this popular song here in Kaui.

27. INDULGE ON A PRICEY PINA COLADA AND SHARE TOGETHER WHILE SOAKING ON THE SHIP'S HOT TUB. It's not FRUGAL but FUN.

28. FEAST YOUR WHOLE BEING NOT ONLY WITH BUFFETS ALSO WITH AWESOME VIEWS OF THE NAPALI COAST. This million dollar view is only accessible via cruise ship or huge boat.

29. SAIL, SAIL, SAIL YOUR SHIP GENTLY DOWN THE NAPALI COAST. MERRILLY, MERRILLY, LIFE IS BUT A DREAM. Yes, it's like a dream.

30. WATCH FOR A SHARK FIN. Sounds like Chinese soup, huh? Someone wrote this creative comment on National Georgraphic about Napali Coast, "A jagged succession of 3,000 foot-razor-backed ridges that seem like an immense green shark fin jutting from the pounding azure sea."

31. DISCOVER A NEW BEACH BEYOND WAIKIKI AND HAUNAMA BAY. It will keep your imagination fresh.

32. ADD COLOR TO YOUR LIFE WITH AN AUTHENTIC LUAU AT THE PARADISE COVE. It's interesting to see all the artistic Hawaiian arts and crafts. The movements of the hands and swaying hips of the hula dancers are fascinating and colorful. You'll emerge like a vibrant Van Gogh painting.

33. BE FRIENDLY WITH YOUR COMPETITORS. Look at these alluring Hawaiian dancers.
My future competitors? No way!

34. SPLURGE AND CELEBRATE WITH A DELICIOUS FAREWWELL DINNER AT ROY'S RESTAURANT. It will leave you pennyless but the memories are.....PRICELESS.

35. ALOHA AND BEST WISHES TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE ALSO CELEBRATING THEIR WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES THIS JUNE AND IN THE FUTURE. LET'S KEEP WORKING ON IT AND MAY YOUR MARRIAGE BE ALSO A MASTERPIECE. SEE YOU AGAIN IN PARADISE NEXT WEEK. MORE TO COME.

PAINTING PARADISE (GARDEN OF EDEN)

WELCOME BACK TO PARADISE! This time, I'd like to share my favorite Paradise on earth(Hawaii). A stunning paradise treasured for its slow pace, tranquility and spectacular scenery's. I am gratified to enjoy the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. I never get tired nor bored of its dream landscape, no matter how many times I had been there. Every trip was so magical that I became an island addict, collecting memories, postcards, photos and shells.

COLLECTING HAWAIIAN POSTCARDS. I am passionate about collecting postcards of
tropical flowers like bird of paradise, hibiscus, and orchid. This is one of my orchid collections.

"RED AND WHITE ORCHID" OIL PAINTING - (16" x 20")
This lovely painting was inspired by the above postcard. I painted this beautiful orchid to remind me of Hawaii. It cheers me up when I am having a bad day. Every time I look at this painting, I am immediately drawn back to Hawaii, that signified happy times - celebrations, anniversaries, family, friends, and fidelity. However, I don't have this painting anymore. I donated it to our local hospital -Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital for their fund raising event. I have a weakness for charitable group. So far I painted only two orchids. I posted my other orchid painting "YELLOW ORCHID" on my blog last Mother's Day. You can go back to my archives on May 13th, 2007.

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE! ALOHA! Last year (June 10 -17, 2006), our whole family
took a week cruise on board this new ship "Pride Of America". We celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary, island hopping in Hawaii. Photo taken at the Port of Hilo.

HAWAII TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN This was the highlight of our trip to Hilo. It was like seeing and walking on the "Garden of Eden". My husband and I enjoyed a tour of this botanical garden dedicated to preserving a spectacular Hawaiian rain forest. This beautiful garden is a sanctuary and nature preserve for rare and endangered tropical plants from around the world, endemic Hawaiian plants and endangered tropical wildlife.

THIS WAY TO PARADISE...........LET'S WALK AND ENJOY PARADISE.

I LOVE ORCHIDS! Posing among the beautiful orchids, glowing in a rainbow of colors.
Many orchids are displayed in a tranquil setting of cascading waterfalls, streams and ocean vistas. Very inspiring and worth visiting. We took hundreds of digital photos of many orchids and tropical flowers, that captured our hearts. Here are some keepers:

SEE THE GARDEN'S BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY OF ORCHIDS In a natural setting. A nature
lover and photographer's paradise, the Garden has over 2,000 species of flowers, palms and plants growing in an unspoiled environment.

UNIQUE YELLOW ORCHIDS BURSTING WITH BEAUTY
Wanted to take this yellow orchid home as souvenir, but...... no stealing please.

PURPLE ORCHIDS This "Quintet" invited us to stay in "PARADISE FOREVER". The orchids are one of the loveliest ambassadors of Hawaii. "Thank You, for the invitation". Why not? Maybe I can live in Paradise and sell orchid paintings to wealthy tourists. Just dreaming.....?

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WHITE AND PURPLE ORCHID!
SOMEDAY, I'll paint this orchid. I have a big collection of orchid postcards and photos to be painted. I'd like to paint this small orchid the way my favorite artist Georgia O'Keeffee, painted thousands of flowers...BIG! Georgia O'Keeffe, is one of the most esteemed American artists of the 20th century. She painted flowers with an impact no one one else had achieved. She drew in as close to them as a bee and painted them to make people pay attention. Georgia said...."But one rarely takes the time to really see a small flower. I have painted it BIG enough so that others will see what I see."

A BOTANICAL GARDEN WITH OCEAN VIEW This beautiful garden is located at Onomea Bay seven miles north of Hilo. It is the only botanical garden in Hawaii fronting the ocean, with natural streams, cascading 3-tier waterfall, lily ponds and palms as tall as 100 feet. This is a nice spot where we spent minutes or more looking at the ocean view, closing our eyes and breathing fresh air. It relaxed us and helped us be more focus and grateful. Not only is the garden spectacular but the ocean view too. The color of the ocean, from aqua, azure, cobalt blue, turquoise, to ultra-marine blue, electrified and fascinated me.

EXIT FROM PARADISE...................................AND NOW IT'S BACK TO REALITY.

SEE YOU AGAIN IN "PARADISE" NEXT WEEK.

PAINTING IN PARADISE

WELCOME TO PARADISE! Every time my husband and I vacationed to Hawaii, or the Caribbeans, we always hear those words. We loved it. We are not strangers in Paradise.
But on this blog, I will not focus on these earthly Paradises. Let me tell you of a different Paradise, where many artists dwell.

WHAT OR WHERE IS PARADISE? The dictionary defines "PARADISE" as Heaven, Garden
of Eden or any place of great beauty and perfection. My favorite definition of "Paradise" is - a state of bliss or condition of great happiness. As an artist, when I am painting it feels like being transported to Paradise. I can always go to Paradise via painting. It exists where ever I paint and find creativity and inspiration. I can enjoy Paradise at present, with all the vibrant colors and beauty around me. No need to wait beyond the graveyard, to experience Paradise.
Sometimes I get to Paradise through cruising, traveling or imagining. But for me,
painting is the best way to be in Paradise without going the distance and spending a fortune.
Try it. You'll experience lots of pleasure and happiness. If you don't paint, spend a day in an art museum. You''ll be inspired by those masterpieces that will transport you to Paradise. Believe me.

WHAT DO I PAINT IN PARADISE? My early art works are mostly still life. I like to paint flowers such as roses, sunflowers, orchids and bird-of-paradise. The bird-of-paradise flower captivated me because it is very colorful and artistic.

BIRD-OF-PARADISE FLOWER Is a small plant of South America with orange and blue flowers and banana-shaped leaves. The leaf which carries the flower looks somewhat like a boat. The flowers have three sepals and three petals, and resemble birds-of-paradise on the wing.
The bird-of paradise flowers are grown in the tropics and subtropical, mostly in Hawaii, California, and Florida.

"EXOTIC BIRD-OF-PARADISE#1" - Oil on Canvas (16' x 20")
This is my first bird-of-paradise oil painting. It is inspired by the above
postcard which I bought during one of our trips to Paradise (Hawaii).
I donated this oil painting to the Men's Group at The Grace Baptists Church
in Saugus, Sta. Clarita. It became a gift to one of the men who attended their retreat.

"EXOTIC BIRD-OF-PARADISE#2" - SECOND PAINTING
Oil on Canvas (16" x 20")
I was filled with happiness when this painting was finished.
The feeling of being in Paradise.............. Priceless.

ANOTHER VIEW OF "EXOTIC BIRD-OF-PARADISE#2"
A close-up view of the framed painting.
It was a pleasure to give this oil painting as a wedding gift to a beloved couple.
These friends are active members of the Filipino-American Association of
Sta. Clarita Valley.
This painting is now on display in their lovely home in Stevenson Ranch.
I am sure this painting enhanced their home to look a bit like paradise.

DIFFERENT VIEW OF "EXOTIC BIRD-OF-PARADISE#2"
WE ALL LIKE TO GO TO "PARADISE." DON"T WAIT! TIME DOESN"T.
NEXT TIME, I'LL SEE YOU IN PARADISE.

CARICATURE

MARDI GRAS Last week, my husband and I had the pleasure of enjoying an appreciation dinner for members of Household Group. The theme was Mardi Gras, complete with colorful mask, glitzy necklaces, outrageous hats, delicious buffet, amusing magic show, raffles and a free caricature.
WHAT IS A CARICATURIST? A caricaturist is an artist but not all artists are caricaturists.
A caricaturist refers to an artist who can imitate or represent a person or thing, in drawing, that ludicrously exaggerates its distinguishing features or mannerisms. Sometimes the likeness is so distorted or inferior.
There are variety of artists. Some are good in oil painting, watercolor, chalk, pen and ink.
Others specialize in landscaping, still life, portrait, children, anatomy, cartoon, animation, graphic art, calligraphy, etc. Not all artist can be the "Jack -of- all -trade."
I am a good artist, but honestly, I couldn't do a caricature. I enjoy laughing at caricatures and cartoons, but I admit, its a special talent or skill. It's not a piece of cake to capture and exaggerate the image of the person as fast as the speed of light.

WITH ADMIRATION I was shocked at how fast Dave sketched my caricature.
He was so relaxed while doing my caricature for only five minutes. Wow!
While sitting on a chair, facing him, here's our short talk:
Dave: "What do you do?"
Ebb: Amused, I said, "I am an artist too, but I couldn't do caricature."
Dave: "Ha, you're an artist too? That's very...... good. I better do my sketch well."
Ebb: "Thanks Dave. That's very good. I will put it on my art blog."

WELL, HOW DO YOU LIKE MY CARICATURE?