A DRIVE, A BIRTHDAY & A PAINTING

"One starts to get young at the age of sixty and then it is too late."

-Pablo Picasso

WONDERFUL WEEK-END Last Saturday was one of those special time worth blogging about. This time, my husband and I had a leisurely drive on the 405 freeway. Usually we dreaded it due to the long traffic jam. We made it to Newport Coast in about an hour and a half. We were invited to a birthday bash by a good friend named Lisa. We celebrated her 65th birthday in their time share villa on Newport Coast. The ocean view was gorgeous on a clear day. There were many guests. Everything was good. We came home loaded with good food, desserts and friendships.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION WITH FRIENDS -Norma, Lisa (birthday celebrant), Ebb and Cristina. On the food table (by the right side) there was a mobile hanging on the chandelier with a quote: "Life is too short not to celebrate a birthday party." It's true and NOT too late......to celebrate and do something fun. Never mind if the economy is messy, celebrating 65th birthday is not the time to cut back our pocketbook and let our dreams hibernate. FRIENDS THROUGH THICK AND THIN- Say cheese! "HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!" The lovely floral painting was my birthday gift for Lisa.

The ART OF STARTING OVER

"It's never too late, or in my case
too early, to be whoever you want to be.
There's no time limit.
Start whenever you want.
You can change or stay the same.
There are no rules to this thing.
We can make the best or worst of it.
I hope you make the best of it.
I hope you see things that startle you.
I hope you feel things you never felt before.
I hope you meet people
who have a different point of view.
I hope you live a life you're proud of,
and if you're not,
I hope you have the courage
to start all over again."
Lines from the screenplay by Erin Roth-"Benjamin Button"

STARTING OVER?????' Last week-end, my husband and I saw the movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." It is a modern movie miracle story. Of course, we were also curious WHY the movie has 13 Academy Award nomination - BEST picture, cinematography, screenplay, film editing, costume design, production design, director, actor, supporting actress, and ensemble. Brad Pitt is one of my favorite actors and I can't say NO to his movie. He did a brilliant performance in the title role. The movie reminding us all the of the preciousness of each passing moment. What struck me about the movie is....... "the courage to start all over again."
WHEN TO START OVER?
1.The New Year is always a good time to start over w/ unfinished projects, to undo bad habits and to repair frozen relationships and friendships. It's not too late, although it's now February.
2. Milestones like birthdays are good starting point to re-do whatever stranded goals we had. Reviewing our goals from month to month, year to year is good. If our goals are not working, let's start fixing the engine, so we can move forward.

3. Here's an oil painting of mine depicting "BIRTHDAY MILESTONES".
Medium: Oil on Canvas - Size: 48" x 30"
This is one of my paintings shown during my solo art show last September.
Birthday celebrations are very important event among Filipino and Filipino-American families. They always have big parties and fiestas for birthday milestones, especially the "First Birthday, Eighteenth, Fiftieth, Sixty-fifth, Ninetieth and One hundred Years." They celebrate with many delicious foods not just cake and ice cream. In the Filipino custom and tradition, the birthday celebrant treats the guests to a big "blow-out." American style is the opposite. Friends treat the celebrant.
4.The month of February is another RED month for birthday celebrants in our family.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUSBAND,RHOD!"- (February 4th)

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR SON, ROBIN!" -(February 9th)
5. Additional birthday greeting to a good friend.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LISA!-(February 2nd)
6.When something life-shattering happens, it's an invitation to start a new life.
A traumatic event invites us to cultivate our relationship to God and we start
praying for his help.
7.Thought of the week- "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic."

PAINTING A SAINT

"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything? It will be a hard pull for me; the tide rises high, almost to the lips and perhaps higher still, how can I know? But I shall fight my battle, and sell my life dearly, and try to win and get the best of it." - by Vincent Van Gogh (1881)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you survived the first few weeks of January. Well, I did! Despite of the the endless gloomy economic news, I am still painting. Daily, I watch the economic news because I think it's very important to creative people. When times are good, artists, writers,photographers and musicians get the support they need, enriching city life in unquantifiable ways. But when the economic woes are getting global or the rich lose interest, artists are among the first to suffer. Today we we're hearing predictions of fewer arts, movies, books, plays, and exhibitions to support new works just when we need creative thinking. Of course, artists have had it rough for centuries, their livelihoods vulnerable to the whims of the powerful and wealthy patrons. Am I discourage to paint more and continue my art goal "Studio 65" this year? Nope! My goal is to keep on painting. Like Van Gogh, despite of hard times he never stopped painting and did the best of it. I believe good times will roll again.
REAL ARTFUL STORIES FROM 2008:
1. I planned and conceived my first solo art show when the financial outlook was rosier. About four years before the actual date September 27, 2008 came around. Little did I know that the stock market would be shattered the week during my art show but I decided to forge ahead. It was a successful event despite of the shaky economy. If you want to see my art show please go back to my older post and view my October 2008 entries.
2. Most of my oil paintings during my art show are NOT FOR SALE. However, I "SOLD" one oil painting that is not part of my theme. In this kind of rumbling economy, people buys painting? Yes! The price was so good and the money helped cover the huge expenses I incurred during my own solo art show. It was worth all the expenses and hard work.
3. This is the painting that I sold for a thousand dollar. I painted this for one of my sisters. Julie wanted me to paint this St. Petersburg cathedral in Russia, which she visited in her many previous trips. It took me almost 2 years to create this detailed painting. I knew every nooks and crannies of this saintly cathedral. I thought I will not be able to finish it because, I got so....bored painting the details. I put it aside for months and when the mood came back I worked on it again. I got a better view of things when I didn't work on it for sometime. When I see the painting again, it looks and seems fresh and new. During this time, I fall in love with SAINT PETE and decided to keep it. I didn't like to sell it anymore. But Julie was persistent. I gave in and she finally wrote the $$$thousand dollar check during my art show.

4. This is my sister Julie and I during my art show. This painting is now beautifully hanging inside her lovely home. "Thanks Julie for patronizing and loving my art. You're a wonderful and generous sister."
5. On October 25, 2008 my design for the cover of the Filipino-American Association 25th anniversary souvenir program was a winner. I was very happy even for a small reward like $50.00. It's not big but the publicity and recognition was more than rewarding.
6.Last November 4, 2008, during the 6th anniversary of KCS (Kalusugan Community Services) of San Diego, California, I donated my huge oil painting "Thanksgiving - Fil-American Style." In appreciation for my donation, this health group gave me a robust tax write off. Even in this jittery art market, surprisingly there is some monetary reward. I posted this "Thanksgiving" painting last November.
7. On November 9-15, 2008, I joined my husband during his annual conference to Longboat Key/Florida. After the conference was over, we were invited to dine with his relatives in a Thai restaurant at Sarasota. One of my husband's cousin has an American girlfriends who works at an art gallery in Sarasota, an affluent community. I asked her...Are people still buying paintings in this kind of bad economy?" Her answered was very encouraging..."Yes, they do. I am surprised that people here continue to patronize art and not holding on to their money."
7. I am confident that ART is a good investment for our money. How the sagging economy will affect the art world is a big question out there? When stocks, housing, savings bond, mutual funds, etc. fall apart..... ART..... is a sure thing....ART..... is forever.

SHARING TRADITIONS AND ENRICHING FRIENSHIP #3

"Friends bring to our world newness, regeneration, COLOR, and vigor."- Anonymous
"Without friends, the world is but a wilderness." -Francis Bacon

As always, some friends come and go. Sometimes we lost touch with each other. Some remains faithful over the years. It's true with some circle of friends. Here are more photos of old friends from the Filipino-American Association of SCV. Their presence during my recent art show and birthday celebration made my day. Good friends are also one of my greatest blessings in life. Yollie, Ebb Tide, Aurora and Fred
One of my favorite comments about my art show and blog is from Aurora. She said......"Warm congratulations for your heartwarming cover design and incredible art show. Your paintings are a mirror into your soul and gives everyone an opportunity to see your true being. I stop in to read you blog, every now and then. I am amazed by your tenacity, talent and on going enthusiasm to pursue your creative goals. You've proven that it's never too late to head toward your dreams. Thanks for the inspiration which I've sorely needed for my own work."

THANK YOU AURORA. This is the kind of gracious comment that encourages and keeps me going. I appreciate you taking the time to express what you think and feel.

CORRECTION PLEASE: I apologized that the Aurora who wrote the wonderful comment above is not the Aurora in picture. Aurora2 dropped me a comment today and said: "As always, your blog lifts my spirit. However, in regard to your favorite comment, it was written by me, a different Aurora. Glad you like it, although we've never connected. Despite that, I bet your friend has better heartfelt words to describe your special camaraderie. You're lucky to have so many supportive friendships." Rose, Romy, Ebb and Edgar
Letty, Ebb and Rose
Rose is one those friends who is always appreciative and lavish me with honest compliments.Thanks Rose.Jun, Cora,Ebb,Art and Letty
Raffy, Cely, Zony First Row: Letty, Myra, Zeny and Rhod Second Row: Nanette and Ebb
Pete and Nanette
Fatima, Ebb, Marilu and Tess

SHARING TRADITIONS AND ENRICHING FRIENDSHIP #2

"Creativity never stops, that what you have to offer to other and share is only richer as time goes by"- Roberta Wolin-Manker

RICHER AS TIME GOES BY- Photo was taken last October 25, 2008 during the 25th anniversary of the Filipino-American Association of Santa Clarita Valley at Hyatt Valencia. My husband was one of the past presidents of the association. TITLE OF PAINTING: "SHARING TRADITIONS AND ENRICHING FRIENDSHIP" MEDIUM: OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS SIZE: 30" x 24" - Last week, I posted a detailed description of this painting.MORE PHOTOS DURING THE CELEBRATION.................
THE ARTIST WITH THE PAINTING
THE ARTIST WITH HUSBAND
THE ARTIST WITH HER SISTER OFEL

SHARING TRADITIONS & ENRICHING FRIENDSHIP

"Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold."-Anonymous

SILVER ANNIVERSARY - Last October 25, 2008, we celebrated the special 25th anniversary of the Filipino-American Association of Santa Clarita Valley at Hyatt Valencia. The meaningful event was filled with beautiful memories. Prior to this event, I was hesitant to join the design contest for the cover of the souvenir program for the upcoming 25th celebration. I was extremely busy and rushing many oil paintings for my first solo art show. I was running out of time. One day, I went for a leisurely walk in our paseo and an idea was born for the cover. I based my oil painting on the anniversary theme "Sharing Traditions And Enriching Friendship." To make the story short, my painting won the coveted cover page by majority votes. It was a delightful experience. My prize? Not much? I was given a complimentary gift certificate from Goldilocks (a famous Filipino bake shop). I plan to indulge in their many delicious goodies this holiday. Another bonus, an opportunity to have my painting published on the lovely and glossy souvenir program.PAINTING FIRST SHOW This painting is among those new oil paintings unveiled to the public during my recent art show.

"SHARING TRADITIONS AND ENRICHING FRIENDSHIPS" This oil painting is 24" x 30," done on canvas. It is my winning entry for the cover of the the SCV Fil-Am 25th Anniversary souvenir program. It is about the happy times and traditions shared by the association for twenty five years here in Santa Clarita Valley. This is my artistic conception about the theme. For me celebrating twenty-five years of togetherness should be a very colorful event like this painting. This painting has many meaningful symbols.
1. The coconut tree brings to mind our beautiful country, the Philippines. The coconut tree is very graceful to paint. I bended the coconuts and shaped them into S & C letters-representing Santa Clarita.
2. Oak trees abound around the city. Someone said that Santa Clarita have more oak trees than Thousand Oaks. I painted them into the scene because it is a symbol of Santa Clarita. The city logo is dominated by a huge oak tree.
3. City of Santa Clarita - I painted this beautiful emerald city with many rolling hills. The six main areas are Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, Newhall, Canyon Country, Castaic and Saugus.
4. Huge yellow sun ----the symbol for leadership. The 25 sun rays represent the 25 presidents of the Filipino-American Association.
5. Hyatt Hotel and OLPH Catholic Church-----VIP (very important places) where many Filipino-American events were traditionally celebrated and will be celebrated.
6. Banquet of Food- Sharing food is a very important part of any Filipino tradition and celebration. Presentation is also very important. Food should be colorful and visually appealing. Most Filipino foods are monotonous with brownish tint. I pick-up foods that are not only delicious to look at, but to paint, such as Lechon (whole roasted pork), palabok (noodles), lumpia Shianghai, pot of rice, sinigang na hipon (shrimps) with vegetables, and tomato topiary. Desserts are halo-halo, leche flan, puto and kutsinta. Also native fruits like pineapple, bananas, avocado and American grapes.
7. Three-tired 25th anniversary cake---Highlights of the banquet table painted in silver tone with red roses and cascading silver drapes.
8. Traditional folk dances and guitarist add to the festivity. I painted "Fandango Sa Ilaw" and "Subli."
9. Filipino-American Association logo-It is painted below the party table.

ON THE SIGNAL This morning my son Ryan e-mailed me that I am on the SIGNAL, our local newspaper. That sounds exciting! I have never been on the newspaper before. At 10:00 a.m. I am driving crazily around town looking for a copy of the SIGNAL. We subscribed to the Los Angeles Times, so I wanted a copy of the SIGNAL so badly. I plan to buy as many available copies. I am disappointed that the SIGNAL are mostly gone. My last bet is the Ralphs supermarket. I dig into the file of newspapers and happily I found two copies. Then I open the paper on page #5 and so delighted to see myself and the above painting. The SIGNAL came out today with an article about the SCV Filipino-American Association 25th anniversary. If you are interested to know more about the event and see my painting please check the SIGNAL website: http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/5935/

SOLO ART SHOW #5

"Human love and the delights of friendship, out of which are built the MEMORIES that endure, are also to be treasured up as hints of what shall be hereafter."- Bede Jarrett

HOME SWEET HOME I am now back home after a refreshing and wonderful trip to Tampa and Longboat Key/Florida. Still jet lagged but feeling great. Every year my husband attends an ethics conference in Longboat Key/Florida and I tagged along. Prior to the conference, we did a side trip to Tampa. My husband and I toured the Henry B. Plant Museum. Formerly, the Tampa Bay Hotel, the most astonishingly magnificent hotel of its day, then filled w/ treasures from around the world. It has a splendid Moorish architecture, opulent furnishings, and spectacular tropical gardens. While our other destination, Longboat Key has a different and opposite atmosphere. Its a secluded and quiet island. The resort suites are more contemporary. The enticing part is the magnificent, clean, white-powdery sand beach just steps away from our suite. While my husband was in the conference, I walked everyday on the beach barefooted. The beach is so clean and abundantly blessed with so many lovely shells. I hauled as many as my luggage could carry. I had so much fun like a little girl. I lost track of time while there and forgot all my problems in life. I also have lots of time reflecting, meditating and searching for ideas for my next painting projects. After my recent art show and other exhausting events, I was almost depleted. This get away trip restored me. No wonder, I am raring to go back to my paint brushes and hopefully complete my "Studio 65."

SPECIAL THANKS To my blog mate Daniel Palma Tayona. When I open my e-mail today, I smiled because he featured me on his latest blog. I am very impressed. I'd like to share it with you. It's about my recent art show and some paintings. Please check out his blog:

http://visualviscera.blogspot.com/

THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES. Here are photos of relatives during my recent art show.
ARTIST FIRST COUSINS Bon standing on the left side. Noemi standing on right side. The painting in the background is my largest painting- "Reflections Of My Homeland #4"

THE ARTIST WITH AUNTIE LYDIA AND ONLY BROTHER. Hector and wife Lynn (not in the photo) are the proud owner of this painting above.
SPECIAL NUMBER During the celebration some of my sisters and other relatives sang my requested favorite hymn of praise "How Great Thou Art" I love this song because of the word ART.

ARTIST SISTERS AND RELATIVES AS THEY PREPARED TO SING.

Left to right, Didi (sister), Olive(friend),Noemi (cousin), Julie(sister) and Lois (sister).
BEN My brother in law was the guitarist during the special number. Thanks Ben!
"THANKS FOR THAT WONDERFUL SONG"

SURPRISE GUEST? During the celebration, Julie's new dog was the celebrity.

ARTIST-IN-LAWS The other Resella clan

Top row: Lucy, Ben, and Ebb First row: Dita, Clarissa and Aaron IN-LAWS MARRIED TO OTHER RESELLAS
RHOD WITH NIECES (Adelaine), grand daughter (Audrey) and Katherine