ART OF CRUISING THE CARIBBEAN - 1

"AS THE MIND CLEARS, THE EYES SEE MORE." - From Four Seasons Resort

ENRICHMENT AND INSPIRATION As an artist these are my main goals in taking a cruise or vacation. As I said before, I get my best ideas and inspiration for my painting while on a vacation. I get energized and inspired that I could hardly wait to get back to my easel and paintbrushes. Although painting is not my primary source of income, it's my passion. I feel fulfilled and happy, when I am painting or creating. On the other hand, if I don't travel, routine depletes me of my creative energy. So I need to travel to clear my mind and spirit of clutter, tension and routine. But most of all to enjoy a creative life.

CHARMING CARIBBEAN Last February of this year, my husband and I took a cruise to the Southern Caribbean. Although this was our third cruise to the Caribbean, indeed it was still an exciting trip. As you know, we are island addicts and never got bored visiting as many islands. Prior to our seven-day cruise aboard the Crown Princess we stayed in Puerto Rico, where we embarked on our cruise.
HYATT HACIENDA DEL MAR IN PUERTO RICO This is the vacation club where we stayed to re-energize our bodies and refocus our minds. It is true that as the mind clears, the eyes see more. Life is gracious and unhurried at this beachfront destination located on Puerto Rico's famed Dorado Beach. Hyatt Hacienda del Mar is the perfect place to call home away from home - on the water, surrounded by tropical splendor and steps away from a wealth of relaxing activities and amenities. Come and join us and see this place through the imaginative eyes and point of view of an artist.

H....................HOSPITABLE, HANDSOME, HAPPY, HEAVENLY
Y....................YUMMY
A....................ALIVE
T....................TANTALIZING
T....................THRILLING


D....................DAZZLING
O....................ORDINARY (NOT)
R....................RADIANT
A....................ALLURING
D....................DARLING
O....................OPULENT

HOSPITABLE Think outside the box. See and look at a vacation place beyond its number of stars. Being a Hospitable Host outshines even the finest -five -star hotels like Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton. Hospitality is subjective. Welcome to the Hyatt Vacation Club! Yes, this luxurious vacation club chain is very hospitable, friendly and not too formal. They go out of their way, to pamper their guests without being robbed of too many tips.

HANDSOME Of course my husband couldn't surpass the "handsomeness" of this Hyatt Vacation Club. As they said......"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." If you ask me what I think about this guy, I'd say..."Si! (YES!)..... he's handsome. He would be a good subject for a portrait painting.

HAPPY According to research the happiest people in the world are those who build sand castle. Where else do you build a sand castle but on a white sand beach? Then invite Michelangelo and Rodin in your imagination. Play and sculpt sand castle together for hours. I bet, you'll be the happiest people in the world. It's an artistic adventure worth your time.

HAPPILY and merrily pose beside a sand castle. If you can't own a real Castle, this is the next best thing to having one. Living in a castle is not a guarantee that you'll be happy. Building a simple sand castle will bring you more happiness, because you'll not be burdened with a huge mortgage payment. You'll have more time to enjoy a creative life.

HOSPITABLE RECEPTION...........and of course very attractive lounge. The receptionists have romantic tones and musical voices with Spanish accents. Most Puerto Rican's are bilingual. Part of the task of the arts is to overcome border (language barrier).

HEAVENLY VIEWS Having a heavenly time from our balcony. What is more inspiring to an artist than a heavenly views with countless swaying palm trees and azure ocean beyond. I don't know about you, but this is my idea of Paradise. I am itching to paint, but when on vacation, it's my break time.

HEAVENLY PANORAMA Am I DREAMING? NO!!!!!!! This is a living colorful paradise set in Hyatt Dorado Beach.

YUMMY Indulging and craving for Japanese Food? This is Paradise but we get hungry too. Time to feast our bodies. Let's have teppanyaki dinner at the Zen Garden Restaurant inside the resort. The food is so...... ......yum....yummy. The cooking show was entertaining and the service ...... so good.

ALIVE This place is sooooooo.....alive with beautiful and colorful tropical flowers. Think complimentary colors (red and green) with tint of yellow. Complimentary colors will make you feel alive. No wonder, while on vacation, everything look brighter, bolder, and more beautiful.

THRILLING Whoever designed this waterfall is a very talented person. What is more thrilling that hearing the sound of running water from this exquisitely man-made waterfall? In Japan, the running of water is a ceremony. Everybody would listen. The sound of the falling water would be almost overpoweringly thrilling. I think of how many people run water in the sinks every single day and never hear it. When was the last time you listened to water and looked at a waterfall? It's thrilling! If there's no waterfall around, open the faucet in your home and listen. Isn't that thrilling?
TANTALIZING Electronic engineers could design a powerful water-dam but only an ordinary landscape designer or architect could built a tantalizing and wonderful water-fall like this?

DAZZLING See........ a dazzling display of natural beauty - dancing blue-green ocean, swaying green palms, blue sky, and white waves. What a dazzling and colorful scenery for future landscape paintings!
ORDINARY? NO way! The countless native palm trees and fresh green coconuts look ordinary but not here in the Caribbean. When you see acres and acres of palm trees they look amazing in huge numbers. This island is surrounded with countless of extraordinary palm trees in all kinds of heights, sizes, shapes, colors, postures and perspectives. I can see great beauty and inspiration on palm trees. It's not an ordinary subject to paint. I have seen lots of good art works about the palm trees and they are inspiring and wonderful.

ORDINARY? Nope! The palm trees may look ordinary but I find the them fascinating subjects for my paintings. The palm trees have many slim and creative lines with angles that could be twisted anyway I like to paint them. I could paint the palm trees as colorful as the Caribbean, with many vibrant colors. This is the impressionists way of painting a palm tree. You paint it not as you see it but how you feel about it.

RADIANT On a clear day............you can see forever. What do you see when the mind is clear? Blue sky, turquoise ocean, azure waves, green palms, red hat, tropical red blouse, white sand, and radiant smile. Learn to see like an artist. Notice the colors around you and you'll have a radiant life bursting with creativity.
ALLURING What is more alluring to an artist than relaxing on a secluded and serene beach? At this time (February) it was less crowded. This kind of setting jump starts my creative juices and gives me many ideas for future paintings.
ASTONISHING! Would you believe that there is natural gigantic rock on the beach awaiting for us? This is really an astonishing beautiful Caribbean hideaway. This is a perfect place for seclusion. I crave this kind of seclusion to be able to focus on my painting. Wish I can take this rock back home to California but it's only a fantasy. Wake up Artist!

DARLING Yes, this Hyatt Vacation Club is a...... darling including the artist standing before you.Oh my darling! Oh my darling......Ebb Tide! What will we do without artists in this world? It will be a dull world, huh?

OPULENT Yes, this vacation club has 3 huge swimming pools and two huge Jacuzzis. We preferred this secluded Jacuzzi with covered patio. A tired artist and a stressed-out husband needed all the pampering and relaxation from this kind of paradise before embarking on a cruise and then going back to reality. After four days in paradise, our minds are cleared and our eyes are ready to see more of the beauty of the Caribbean.

FAREWELL TO A PAINTING

"In my paintings, I try to touch you personally. I try to draw you into each scene so that you can share my dreams and my emotions. I want you to wander with a sense of wonderment through majestic landscapes and in flights of imagination......and bask in the warmth of inner light." - Thomas Kinkade

NOT ALL ARTIST ARE THE SAME I may not be as famous as Thomas Kinkade, renowned "Painter of Light" but we have the same creative aspirations and dreams as artists. Like him....."In my paintings, I try to touch you personally and to draw you into each scene so that you can share my dreams and my emotions. "

SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! - "REFLECTIONS BY THE LAKESIDE"
ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING ON CANVASS (16" x 20")
On my older blog dated (April 6, 2007) I posted this beautiful painting on the Internet. I didn't expect that, two weeks later it will be sold. Imagined my delight. Nothing makes an artist happier than to see her artwork getting sold. But at the same time I felt sad at having to say farewell to my painting. This was not the first time, I parted with my other paintings. As always, every time my paintings and me are separated , I felt the void and missed them.

ARTIST'S NOTE: This painting was inspired by many past trips to Lake Tahoe. Last Easter (2007) my husband and I plus out two sons saw and enjoyed Lake Tahoe. We saw this beautiful lakeside resort area before it was devastated by wild fire. I get my best ideas for my paintings during a trip. The feeling of fresh breeze, serene and soothing evergreen mountain landscapes always inspired me. I could hardly wait to go back to my easel and paintbrushes.
I painted this painting when I was feeling blue about my long and difficult hearing problem. I always have a good fighting spirit. I moved forward and didn't allow this obstacle and limitation to stop me from using my creative gift. Thank God, I could paint with my hand and heart and not with my ears. My difficult situation became a blessing in disguise because I was empowered to be more creative. So this painting was created and many more paintings.

MY BEAUTIFUL BUYER I am sure she looks familiar to most of you. I featured her on my older blog (April 4th) during her birthday. She loves and appreciates art. I am picky where my paintings go. I don't just sell it to anybody. I screened my buyers. I want my paintings to be in good hands and homes of people who will take care of my them. I am happy that this particular painting is now owned by my cousin Cely and Dave. I know it will give them many pleasures in the years to come. It will also enrich thier home in Maryland, U.S.A.

A MILLION THANKS! What a consolation to know, that this painting and me are not finally separated. Someday, I will be reconnected to this painting, when I revisit Cely. "A million thanks to Cely and Dave, for being the proud owners of this beautiful painting. Thanks for believing in my artistic talent." This painting may not have the million dollar pricey tag of a Kinkade's painting but mine is.........PRICELESS. Because there are some paintings you can't put a price on. So long, until we meet again!

THE ART OF LIFE

"Life is a work of art-shaped by the subtle shades of patience and creativity, faith and truth, hope and love, and when the everyday activities at home and work become infused with these qualities, the hidden art that lies beneath the surface begins to shine through. What is the secret of such a life? To be creative genius? No. It is only to know the Creator - to love Him, to know His presence in our lives, to walk in His way. And as we draw closer to Him, the most ordinary events are transformed by His power and presence into a work of art that will shine forever" - Edith Schaeffer
BIRTHDAY GIFT FROM A SISTER One of my favorite birthday gifts was a book given to me by my sister Ofel. In September 29, 1987 I received a book entitled "The Art Of Life" written by Edith Schaeffer. My sister wrote in the front page this unforgettable words: "Dearest Ebb- I hope that this book will be a blessing to you as you learn more about Him who is the Greatest Artist.- Lovingly, Ating Ofel. I loved this devotional book. This book taught me to lean and to learn from the Greatest Artist, GOD. I have donated many books to the Goodwill, but this book is special. For about eighteen years I still read it over and over and never get bored. This book became a lasting heirloom for me.
BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR A SISTER Today (July 14th) is the birthday of a favorite sister named Ofelia. Now it's my turn to give her something beautiful. I'd like to show my appreciation for her loving kindness to me in the past and I am dedicating this blog space to her. I know this gift is something that will not add clutter her life and her house, since she almost have everything a sister could wish for."
"HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH MANY MORE YEARS TO COME.

BOUQUET OF ROSES FOR A SISTER This lovely long steamed-red roses were given to me by my husband during our 25th wedding anniversary. I'd like to share these roses with my sister. I know she's always busy and I hope she will take the time to slow down and smell the roses.
Of all my sisters, Ofel is the most successful in terms of achieving her many goals in life. She accumulated multiple scholarships, awards, grants, recognition and many more. It will take a book to write all her life achievements.
So many news were written and published about her. On my blog, I'd like to dwell on the simple beauty of family-sister theme and tidbits and commonplace family scenes in our ordinary and extraordinary events in life, as we are touched by the Supreme Artist and Creator.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME! I have no idea why our mother picked this name Ofelia for her second child. Ofel for short. But I call her "Ating Ofel," as she's older than me. Our mother probably had an instinct that someday this daughter will be an outstanding woman and will bring her many honors in the future. As an artist here's my sketches and perspectives of a sister named........OFELIA:
O...................Outstanding
F...................Faithful
E...................Enthusiastic
L...................Loving and Lovely
I....................Intelligent
A...................Admirable
OUTSTANDING............Yes! Ofel is always academically outstanding in our family. We are all proud of her many outstanding achievements. In return, our family became popular because of her. She has been a consistent scholar. She graduated with honors in high school (PWU) and was a college and university scholar at the University of the Philippines, where she obtained her BS Degree - RD (nutritionists/dietitian). She won the UH (University of Hawaii) East-West Center Scholarship in graduate study and finished her Masters. She was a scholar of the FilAm Alumni Association at UCLA and received her doctorate. WOW! She did it all on scholarships and fellowships. What a great blessing to our parents who were struggling to give good education to six more children!
THE DIRIGE FAMILY This beautiful and memorable photo was taken during the 50th wedding anniversary of our parents (Atty. and Mrs. Gregorio Dirige). Ofel was standing on the left side, third row (in blue gown). Ofel is the second daughter while I am the third. Our family have a good equation (3 daughters + one brother + 3 daughters = 7 children). Since our family is mostly dominated with daughters, with a strong mother, of course they are the "Speakers of the House."

FAITHFUL............? Yes and always! She's smiling right there on the center. She reminds me of the "Old Faithful" in Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in the park and erupts faithfully on an average of every 73 minutes. The geyser sends a stream of boiling water more than 100 feet into the air. Ofel is as faithful as this geyser but without the volcanic outbursts. Ating Ofel was my maid of honor when I got married. Like my faithful husband, she is also faithful and devoted but........to her career, calling and most of all, caring for our elderly parents. She's never complain nor the critical type. No wonder our mother loved her so much.
Oh come all ye faithful..... and oh yes, she faithfully adores the Supreme Artist (God). Before she came to the United States, she served as missionary in the Philippines. She has a big heart for spiritual mission. Today, her mission is more on the secular level, but she's very faithful no matter what mission or vision God wanted her to do. She is dynamic and versatile community advocate whose expertise in several fields has benefited thousands of people. She is a teacher, grant writer, project director, health educator, researcher, nutrition consultant and author. Filipinos are exceptionally fortunate to benefit from the ongoing contributions of this outstanding, professional and compassionate person, who has given so much of herself to the university, community and the world.

ENERGETIC! Retirement is not in her vocabulary. She's so busy with her many health projects. Maybe someday? When limping and exhausted, she continues to be an energetic woman, trying to live at the age of 65 +, as though she is only thirty six. It's good to be energetic and enthusiastic and continue to live a full life after 60 +. What's the secret? Ask her. She's an expert in health and nutrition.

LOVING.......No one has given greater love and devotion to our parents than our sister Ofel. She postponed her love life and romantic life and remained single for the sake of our elderly parents. She supported and took care of them. What a great love!
LOVELY.......? Of course, you can't have everything in life. She may not be as lovely as Lindsay Lohan, but what matters most is what's inside. Inner beauty is more lasting than external beauty. Having a lovely heart is more lovelier and will last forever.

INTELLIGENT...............This is our beautiful family without my parents. They both passed away many years ago. Here is our family at present - still six sisters, one sister-in-law, and one brother. Ofel is wearing green t-shirt. I am standing second from the left. Our family is blessed with many different personalities, talents and IQ's. Of course, Ofel is still the most intelligent among us based on IQ's and achievements. Here are additional highlights to her many more achievements. Here's the most recent than I can remember. She was one of the recipient of the (TOPA) Twenty Outstanding Filipino-Americans in the United States and Canada (2004). The TOPA award is given to individuals who have improved the Filipino American image through their professional success and excellent community services. I missed the award ceremony because it was held in in Washington D.C. Later she also won the UPAA (University Of The Philippines Alumni Association in America) - Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award (2005). I was very happy and proud to be there with some members of the family. When I saw my sister Ofel received this pretigious award, it was a great honor and thrilling experience.
What is Ofel like inside our family circle? She's intelligent but very humble and not opinionated. She's not self- centered although she's often on the limelight. She has the mark of real intelligent person. Intelligent people don't have to be outspoken, to impress others. Their achievements and awards speak volume about them.

ADMIRABLE.......Ofel has that kind of personality that is amicable and likable. This photo shows part of my family, sisters and in-laws, during one of my birthday celebrations. I am wearing hot pink and my sister Ofel ( next to me in black top). She's my closest sister. I will always remember her kindness to me when I first came to the United States. She supported and helped me until I found a job and could support myself. At the urging of my mother, I decided to stay and live with her. It was a good decision that I never regretted. As far as I remember, we never had a single fight. We lived together for 3 years, before I got married and we got along pretty good. We clicked together and lived happily ever after.

DEDICATED..........Our family name "DIRIGE" was derived from the Spanish word "dirigir" meaning to direct. Ofel truly lives up to her family name as the Executive Director and co-founder of KCS (Kalusugan Community Service). This is her unique contributions in public health. KCS has impacted the Filipino-American communities and other undeserved groups in and outside of San Diego. KCS is a non-profit agency, whose mission is to improve the well being of Filipino-Americans by promoting positive lifestyle changes through proper nutrition, physical activity, and multi-faceted social programs. For her dedication , she also received numerous awards for community services from: June Burnett Institute for Children, Youth and Families, COPAO, Scottish Rite in Mission Valley. She is a recipient of congressional awards from Bob Filmer and Randy "Duke" Cunningham and was listed as one of the 150 notable Filipinos in Veltizesar Bautista's book entitled "The FilipinoAmerican - from 1763 to the present."
Kudos and congratulations to her. As always we celebrate together not only during award nights but also during Christmas time and other holidays. Ofel and I have many photos together over the years. This photo was taken one Christmas Day in her house in San Diego.

INGENIOUS............."Dr. Ofelia Dirige" - that is what she's often called outside the family. Dr. Ofelia Dirige has great abilities to make her goals and dreams come true. The founding of KCS was an impossible dream but she was endowed with ingenious mind and ability to meet the challenge by writing grants. In close collaboration with KCS founding president Dr. Riz Oades, Dr. Ofelia Dirige wrote winning grant proposal (over $3 million) for the organization. That's ingenious!
My sister shared me her vision and dream for KCS when we attended a women's retreat in Visalia, California. I remember, we prayed about it. What a surprise that in just a few years that vision became a reality. The God who gave her that vision had already prepared and gifted her
for that great task of pioneering KCS.
And now........ let's celebrate with a "lechon" (roasted whole pork). This was double celebration as we celebrated Christmas Day too.
RICH........Ofel is rich with abilities and talents but also in resources. She has musical talent and could play the piano and organ. Can sing too! Can cook! C'mon Ofel, you can't have it all. I still remember, when she came to to United States on a student visa, she worked part time with limited income. Despite of her limited resources, she gave me $40.00 for pocket money when I immigrated to the United States. I felt so rich because that was my first U.S dollar that I didn't work for. Today our lives have changed for the better. With bigger income, she often gives me $100.00 for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas gifts. This is now the house where she lives. What a progress from our small studio apartment in Westwood Village, California!

INSPIRING............ Who wouldn't be inspired by her many achievements? Others might be intimidated or get jealous by her success but not me. My sister became my inspiration and model to have positive goals in life and to use my artistic talent and creativity for God and others. It is commendable to inspire others to be creative and useful with their lives. I may not surpass my sister's achievements, but I am happy to share in her successes. I practice this verse from the Bible- "Rejoice with those who rejoice."
GENEROUS............ She's always a generous sister and auntie. She's generous to the whole family from the youngest to the oldest. Since she is unmarried with no children nor dogs, her generosity flows toward her own family. She's very thoughtful and generously remembers me during my birthdays and Christmas time. What a GEM !
EXCELLENT............ My sister Ofel appreciates art and collects paintings. She is also a great traveler. During her trip to Spain she bought me an art book entitled "Picasso and Cubism."
The "Girl Before Mirror" is one of my favorite paintings by Pablo Picasso. He is an excellent artist and famous for modern and cubist art. When I look at the above painting, I could see the reflection of my sister Ofel. Like the painting, she's a symbol of the modern Filipino-American woman. She's not afraid to be different. She's liberated, bold, competitive and excellent in her field of expertise.
LIFE IS AN ART......Let's make our ordinary lives into a work of art that will shine forever like a beautiful "MASTERPIECE."

THE ART OF CARING

IN THE BEGINNING THE GRAND DESIGNER (GOD)..... CREATED MAN AND WOMAN IN HIS OWN IMAGE. AND GOD ALSO "CARED" FOR HIS CREATED CHILDREN. Yes, God is very creative but he's also caring. I like this hymn "God Will Take Care Of You."

"Be not dismayed what-e'er betide, God will take of you
Beneath his wings of love abide, God will take care of you."
"Thru days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you.
When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.

This song speaks to us of God's providential care. We shouldn't worry because He will provide all our needs. Nothing we ask will be denied. No matter what may be the test, we should rely on God because He cares for us. Because God cares, we should care for others too. Caring is a heartfelt emotion that delivers loving-kindness to everyone it touches. You may be surprised how much each act of kindness rewards you with positive feeling. If we all do our part, pretty soon we will live in a nicer world.

COVER GIRL One day, I received on the mail a beautiful Christian magazine called Mission Mosaic. What a surprised to see a familiar face on the cover! My sister Julie was featured on the cover as the present president of BNF, a Christian organization of professional nurses that promotes continuing professional education and growth for members of nurse missionaries. supported through the WMU (Women Missionary Union), BNF offers an opportunity for nurses across the United States to participate in the work of nursing while serving as part of various mission projects.

PROUD TO BE HER SISTER This blog space is specially dedicated to my sister Julie on her birthday today (July 4th). A memorable and happy day, bedazzled by fireworks at night while we celebrate America's Independence Day with an all-day-barbecue bash. As always, I am proud to be an American citizen but most of all I am proud to have a sister like Julie who is hard working, smart, caring and very independent.

"WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULIE! MAY YOU HAVE MORE BIRTHDAYS AND SUCCESSES TO COME."

A TREASURED MAGAZINE I have many magazines that I thrashed or gave away, but not this particular issue. Julie personally autographed it, and so it's one of my collections.

SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE (June 2005) Julie was featured in this magazine as one of the women who move the city. Julie is a R.N. (Registered Nurse) with MBA. She owns the state-licensed, Medicare-certified home health agency, based in San Diego, which was formed in 1996. If you need rehabilitative care in the privacy of your home, the best choice is:

We Care Home Health Services ( http://www.wecarehhs.com/ )
The home health agency helps people get back on their feet through combination of experience, professionalism and dedication.

The agency's mission statement puts it best: "We are committed to providing the highest quality health care in the home, making the comfort, dignity and recovery of our patients and their family the primary goal of our existence."

DESIGNER'S LOGO I designed this simple but beautiful logo for We Care Home Health Services, Inc.

BIG FAMILY OF SEVEN When I play slots in Las Vegas, I always pick up the one with "Blazing Seven". Why? For me, seven is a lucky number. I had won $200.00 on a quarter slots at the Mirage, another $200.00 on quarter slots at the Hilton and $75.00 in nickel slots at the MGM Grand. So seven is a lucky number based on these few winning experiences.
I have five sisters, one sister-in-law and one brother. Julie is the sixth sibling. On the above photo, she's standing second from the left. I am the one with the red dress. Our family is blessed with many different gifts, talents and abilities. Most of my sister have musical talents. They could play the piano, organ and sing well, but not me. I have no musical talent.

JULIE WITH YOUNGEST SISTER Of course Julie has more than musical talent. She has a gift for leadership. She is detail-oriented and concern with policies and procedures, but also as someone who enjoys being with other people and caring for them. No wonder she named her home health care agency "We Care." What a fitting name! Her mission in life is: "There's nothing better than helping people recover their strength and get back to doing the things they love, If there's a more rewarding business, let me know.

At present Julie has a new goal. She's working diligently on her doctorate. She plans to teach someday. She's a beautiful nurse and in the future will be called "Dr. Julie Conte."

A CARING HEART Yes, Julie exhibits a genuine passion for nursing but she also have a good human side known mostly to family members. She's a very, very generous and caring auntie. This photo was a memorable moment when she was surrounded with nephews (Rodney, Mike, Chris) and niece (Joy). During Christmas and birthdays she would shower and pamper them with many wonderful gifts. She's the kind of auntie every nieces and nephews would have dream of having. What a nice auntie!

CARES FOR DOGS Here's one of our best photos together. This was taken one Christmas Day. Julie has no kids but she's very devoted to her dogs. These are her ..... loving pets.

CARES ABOUT GLOBE TROTTING One of her passions in life is traveling. She had been and seen many places all over the world. Here are some highlights:

1. "Hi there!" Happy hour while riding on a colorful camel.

2. JULIE IN EPHESUS (TURKEY) AMONG THE RAVISHING RUINS

Something old but also something new if you haven't seen ancient and interesting ruins that stood the test of time.

3. "WISH YOU'RE HERE!" IN FRONT OF BALI HAI IN MOOREA ISLAND (TAHITI- 2004)

4. JULIE WITH A NATIVE TAHITIAN IN RAIATEA (SEPTEMBER-2004)

Sounds interesting, huh? Meeting a new a guy in "paradise?" Does he looks like "Arnold?

5. JULIE IN TAHITI UNDERWATER SAFARI (Sept. 2004)

Can you see what the future holds? I am sure Julie will have a bright future like this underwater scene. Let's watch and see what the future holds for her????????????

PAINTINGS FOR JULIE She is one of my sisters who appreciated my paintings and admired my art talent. She loves to travel and requested me many times to paint places that captured her heart. Over the years I had painted two paintings for her.

ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING IN CANVAS (18" x 24")

TITLE: "EIFFEL TOWER"

ARTIST NOTE'S This is the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. Very inspiring city.

CARES FOR ARTS I gave her these paintings as birthday gifts. These paintings were labors of love. I wanted to make her happy. She had enough problems and I am sure my paintings brightened her life when the going was rough.

ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS ( 18" x 24")

TITLE: "TOWER OF PISA"

ARTIST'S NOTE: This is a famous tower in Italy. It's an interesting historical subject to paint. My family enjoyed visiting this tower. Every time I look at this painting it reminds me of that happy trip.

A CARING SISTER The paintings are now on display in her home in San Diego. Always appreciative and grateful for my paintings, she never failed to thank me. A thank you card is more than enough but I was delighted to get more in return. One Christmas ago, she gave me a beautiful triple string-pearl, a reproduction of Jackie Kennedy's famous pearl. She also gave me gluco-devices, books and free medical advices. She also took me out to nice restaurants for dinners. What a caring sister! Imagine a world without sisters. It will be dull without them. So, let's shout and make the world know "We Care" for our sisters. If you have no sister, adopt one. Your life will be blessed.

SHE CARES FOR MY ART WORKS Lately Julie bought one of my original oil painting "St. Petersburg." I will feature this painting in a later blog. Thanks to my sister who appreciates my paintings and raised the prices of my art works. Life is too short to take our sisters for granted. Let's show "We Care" by thinking of them.