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Saturday, June 30, 2012

HAVE A SPLASHY WEEKEND


























Photo taken by me on this trip

I'm sorry I've missed these these past couple of days. Somehow, I convinced myself that yesterday was Thursday. Please don't tell me I'm the only one who does that.

My husband's side of the family is coming to San Antonio for Sunday and Monday, and I'm so excited. We'll be doing the tourist-y things like going to the Riverwalk, Sea World (and maybe Aquatica)...that type of roaming. :) I'm all in!

Oh! And fyi, Victoria's Secret is having an awesome sale with the cutest designs in bright colors: pinks, oranges, greens, and all. Right after I post this, I'm going to run over there so I can hopefully snag something from the semi-annual sale that I think one of my best friends would adore. Here's to hoping it's still there.

What are your plans for the weekend??

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

ON THE WALK












































I used to be pretty lazy when it came to waking up early, but I'm trying to remedy that. You miss out on so much when the sun is rising! Point in case:




































































I love how the camera can pick up the slightest variation in colors, like the differences in the hues of pinks in the first and second photos. Everything is so bright and alive in the morning (before it tops over 100 degrees).






































This cloud made me chuckle. Doesn't it resemble Bruce from Finding Nemo?? Or at least some giant fish...

Hope you're enjoying your morning so far!

Monday, June 25, 2012

A RECIPE FOR YOU

Remember when I promised to give you the recipe for a raspberry smoothie? I finally put it all together, and I just finished gulping mine up. Here you go:

Hope you all had a great weekend! Happy Monday to you!

Friday, June 22, 2012

CORPUS

Happy Friday, everyone! What are your plans for the weekend? My parents are coming in for a few days, and I can't wait to see them and actually do things instead of lying in bed since I'm finally finished being sick. I feel like it's been such a long time since I shared some art and a short story with you, and I'm so excited to share again.

Okay, I have to admit that I'm pretty much a 13-year-old girl for still liking Enrique Iglesias, but yes, I still do. The song that goes with this painting remind me of Enrique a tiny bit, and I heard it yesterday while I was driving around running errands. Don't make fun of me if you think it's corny. Sigh. I just love it.

This is the song to listen to while you read. :)















































Her frail hands, weathered from hard work, held the paintbrush that she stroked across the canvas. Those hands served her so well for eighty years. They allowed her to illustrate moments from dreams, gently hold new life, express love and happiness, and grasp the hands of those she loved.

With each glide, she was reminded of both of their hands, clasped tightly together: like the first time he gained the courage to hold her soft, tanned hand when they were barely teenagers; when they ran hand-in-hand in the sandy beach toward the crashing waves on their first summer trip together; when she stood in her white dress, he in his black suit, to promise to love and support one another until the end of their days; the times he spontaneously swept her up to dance while they cooked in the kitchen; and of course the thousands of hugs they were both blessed with from the dear family they had descended from as well as new generations they had helped create.

As she thought to herself, she felt the familiar touch on her shoulder. Turning toward him, she smiled as he held out his aged, but strong hand toward her, noticing that his blue eyes with flecks of green and brown beckoned her to take a break from the art and join him in the nature surrounding them. As her small, coarse hands were enveloped in his much larger, worn hands, she felt such love and security in the touch, remembering the realization of needing to spend the rest of her life with him as a young girl in her twenties. Despite her years, her memories about that trip were vivid; she remembered the swaying of the green palms with the wind, the bright colors of the vegetation, the white foam formed from the meeting of waves, and the soothing sunshine washing on her skin. Smiling at the thought she had felt so many years ago, she gave his hand a gentle squeeze as they walked in the soft, warm sand toward the rolling waves.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

FOR YOU

Okay, let me first say that I'm sorry I lied. I meant to "give" you this yesterday, which turned from delicious to horrible, then back to okay-ish again. Explanation? Sure.

So after I did my tiny post yesterday morning, I thought to myself, 'Hey! I kind of feel better...maybe I'll move around a little more past my bed.' Sooo, I cut up some delicious watermelon and ate WAY too much for one person alone to handle. That's another story of its own.

Since I haven't seen the light of day since about last Wednesday, I figured it was high time to finally sit outside and enjoy the sunshine (otherwise known as the 90 degree muggy weather). Of course I had to let poor Xenie outside also, as I'm sure it'll be a while until she forgives me for not walking her since a lightyear ago. I was sitting in my chair, enjoying every last bit of the melon, until I decided to finally look up from my plate and notice that the dog was nowhere in sight.

Remember when I mentioned that our house is backed up to the woods?? Yes. The dog squirmed her way through a hole in our back fence and embarked on her own exciting journey. I, on the other hand, was like a chicken with its head cut off running all over the place, hoarsely calling her name while clapping my hands and shaking her ball, all the while sweating too much for my own good. My husband even came home work and joined the search party, and after an excruciating half hour, we found her sniffing around in a huge, open field past the woods that I didn't even know existed behind our home. It's actually a beautiful place, but I was in no mood to take photos.

Now I know what it must be like when people lose their pets, let alone their kids. I think my child will be wearing one of those monkey backpacks with a leash attached. No, kidding...sort of. After all the commotion, my body decided to go back to being limp and unproductive.

So! That was enough excitement for one day, but this is what I meant to tell you yesterday:





















































Wish this could be a real card you could touch, but consider it my gesture of appreciation for your kind words and the huge amount of support you show me every day.

Here's to you!

Monday, June 18, 2012

HAPPY LATE FATHER'S DAY

Oh, all of you sweethearts! Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words while I was dragging myself all around the house. I thought I would be rid of this weird thing, but it's managed to linger around, especially at night. I woke up my poor guy about 2984754 times by violently coughing and clutching my little trash can filled with crumpled Kleenex. Just when I finally fell back asleep after a fit, HE woke me up from a nightmare involving snakes in the bed. He said, "Danie!! Get up! Snakes!" So of course, I stumbled after him in my pajamas; both of us disoriented...then he realized he was in real life instead of his dream after wandering down the hallway, stumbling back to the room and feeling the wall above the bed. Ha! Maybe we shouldn't read fiction before bed?

Anyway! I'd say I'm about 75% good by now, which is at least good enough to thank you all and wish all the dads a Happy Late Father's Day. I totally realized that I didn't have a little illustration for Mother's Day...but I feel just the same way about all you mamas!








































(Those are supposed to be a dad and his two little girls)

Okay! Be back later to show you something you all deserve for your sweetness. :)

Thursday, June 14, 2012

I MADE IT THIS LONG

First off, thank you all so much for your comments on yesterday's post. It always brightens my day to read the sweet things you say! I try to make it a point to respond to your comments because it means the world to me that you took the time to voice your opinion. I'm feeling a little under the weather today, and I just wanted to let you all know that I truly appreciate you, even if some of you may not have been responded back to just yet.

Miraculously, I've made it about a year without getting sick, so I almost forgot the feeling (except that one time my dad had to drive over two hours to save me from food poisoning!). This isn't half as bad, being that I'm just hoarse and achy. I know also that I'm blessed to be able to work from home and take a day off when I really need it, so I can't complain.

I'll be seeing you all soon after hibernation! Hope you have a good day. :)

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

SORRY I'M LATE

My sister and I were making our way back from:


















































Oh, guys!! We had such a good time. I don't want to bore you with 50,000+ pictures, so here are some favorites from the trip:
























































































I need to start off and say that my sister is AWESOME for landing us this hotel downtown. Thank you, Priceline, for making luxury affordable. Thankfully, this hotel wasn't inside an airport.

1) This was the north view of the hotel lobby from the second floor. I was kind of freaking out about this design. Just a little, you know. I am in LOVE with the clean lines and palm trees.

2) This is the south view of the lobby from the second floor. All you have to do is turn around and enjoy yet another stunning view. Exposed brick interior? Yes, please.
























































































These were all downtown, just minutes from the beach.

3) I loved this building with the black and beige combination.

4 & 5) The architecture of the mansions and churches weren't too shabby either.



















































6) ...I even liked the alleys.


















































7) My sister and I were wondering why people weren't walking on the beach below these rocks...until I stepped on one hiding underneath the waves. THAT'S why.
























































































I didn't care about my foot, because we mostly walked or sat under our umbrella

8 & 9) on either of these

10) while enjoying this view.

Thanks for bearing with me on my missed day! What did you do over the weekend??

Friday, June 8, 2012

ROSA

It's finally Friday! What do you have planned for the weekend?? I'll be with my sister outside of Houston and in Galveston for the weekend. Weddings + beaches, here we come. :) SO excited!

I feel like it's been forever since our weekly drawing + short story. Remember this? I know you'll recognize her. This story references a dear friend of mine, but for the most part (like 90%), it's purely fictional.

I think of this song when I look at this drawing and read the story.

















































The tinge of the awkward silence sliced the air like a freshly sharpened blade whipping through soft butter. Her soon-to-be ex-boss stared as she blew a stray hair away from her face and proceeded to cover her mouth with her right hand; a gesture she never failed to unconsciously use in times anxious thought or confrontation.

“Are you positive about your decision?” he proded.

She felt her cheeks burn and knew all too well that they now matched the flushed color of the cushion she was sitting on.

Noticing that her hand was covering her red lips, she lowered them to her legs and straightened her back. She hated how she always slouched. Her correction of posture would be one of the many changes in a new life.

“I’m sure,” she said, eliminating the tremor trying to creep into her voice.

“That’s fine, then. You can clean out your desk on Monday.”

Ahh, Monday! The thought of this day usually brought so much sorrow and disappointment, but now, it marked a new beginning; one that she had somehow managed to survive without for years.

“Just to let you know, I can’t say you’ll ever find a job that comes close the caliber of the one you just recently used to hold.”

She nodded in his direction, knowing all too well his annoying need to add in the last cutting words to every degrading conversation. Her cheeks were still bright, but this time, not because she was afraid. Instead, she felt full; full of energy, happiness, accomplishment, and excitement.

After closing the thick glass door to the cold office for the last time, she made her way across the slick concrete floors straight toward the silver elevators. She pressed the smooth, convex button indicating the heavy box’s descent down the building, relishing in the thought of finally wrangling herself free from this large dungeon of a skyscraper. She wasn’t even aware of the smooth ride in the elevator and her brisk walk through the murmuring lobby as she neared the fresh air.

Before she knew it, she was out of the structure that had squashed her dreams for so long. She shielded her unready eyes from the staggering sun, turning around only once to look back at the towering blue and green panes of glass above her.

Her eyes were almost completely shut against the intensity of the sunlight, and her cheeks flushed a bright coral pink. She had always hated these two characteristics about herself: her thin eyelids coated with thick black lashes always threatening to close against her intense gray eyes, and her cheeks continually burning with fury. In fact, it was a family joke that her eyes were shut in just about every childhood photo, and her parents had named her Rosalinda due to her uncommonly rosy cheeks as a newborn. They had planned on naming her Melinda beforehand, but those cheeks didn’t allow it. So, Rosa she was.

Noticing her squinting eyes and rosy cheeks, Rosa smiled to herself, no longer treating her funny characteristics with contempt. After all, she carried her name proudly, and although her eyes more often than not closed against the rays of the sun or flash of a shutter, a flurry of happiness encompassed her. She was wide awake to the exciting future ahead of her. 

Thursday, June 7, 2012

SHE'S ON MY MIND



























Meet my sister and I from 23 years ago. Don't be jealous of our innate sense of fashion.

I am waiting (okay, very impatiently waiting) for the arrival of my big (and only) sister. She should be here in about a few hours! Can you barely make out the background in this old photo? It's an overexposed image of a gorgeous beach in the Philippines. We'll be seeing the water again this Sunday on our first-ever sister vacation, albeit a short one on a different side of the globe in Texas.

We never really fought as kids, but our relationship seems to have blossomed since I graduated college. Guess age has that effect on siblings. My husband and I have a small date planned for her short time in San Antonio, we our have hotels booked for a wedding night and beach stay, and I'm sure she'll stare me down once she realizes how much beach gear I need to load into her car. I'm leaping toward the window at every car I hear, thinking it just might be her.


























Photo by Chic Shot Studio

Are you waiting on a visit from your sibling also?

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

SNAIL MAIL







































































These are just a few items from a package that are now dear to my heart, sent from a friend via snail mail. Lately, some of my closest friends plus new connections have showered me with kindness, generosity, and encouragement through regular mail. It makes me rather emotional. In a good way, of course. Some people have told me that post offices are on their way out. I really hope that never becomes reality. These pretties are added to my list of treasures, for sure.

Are you as excited and emotional about tangible mail as I am?

ILLUSTRATIONS BY FI



















































































Top, Bottom

I adore Fiona's work over at illustrations by Fi. I think what gets me most is that silky hair. Don't the drawings make you want to reach out and touch them??

I also love that the facial features aren't completely shaded in. Such a beautiful effect, in my opinion.

What do you think?

Monday, June 4, 2012

IT WAS A GOOD TRIP


Thank you all for your sweet comments while I was gone. :) They always make this little girl happy.

The move went well, and it felt like it flew by...for me, anyway. The boys probably beg to differ. We constantly managed to squeeze in time to relax. All in all, this trip felt like a vacation.

1) After hours of moving furniture and boxes into the new home, we took a break at the hotel pool before dinner. While a few people decided to swim, I ran around and snapped photos. I'm always mesmerized by the sun hitting water. I have a lot more water shots to share with you! Oh, and those little beauties are my new favorite shoes, since these sandals are about to fall apart. 
























































































2) This adorable little guy (our nephew) hated the pool. It was so weird...we would put his feet in the water, and the usually happy boy would start to frown and clearly let us know that he didn't like us introducing him to the chlorine-filled water. He kept himself happy wandering around the concrete while following his tummy instead. My friend and I call this the "dino stage," short for "dinosaur stage." You know, it's where babies stick out their stomachs, hover their arms above the ground, and strut in a semi-balanaced walk similar to that of a t-rex. It's my favorite stage! 

3) Ohh, guys. The skies were always gorgeous. This was on our way back to Dallas.


















































































4) Once we were back in Texas, we decided to treat ourselves to a nice hotel and used Priceline to get a good deal. Problem is, the hotel we got ended up being INSIDE the DFW airport. We were quite the sight to see. Picture a big truck pulling an even larger trailer driving around the airport (in a lost manner) and finally rolling up to the entrance. Needless to say, the truck + trailer had to be parked a shuttle ride away from the hotel. I don't think I've seen my in-laws laugh so hard! Well, except for that time our family reunion ended up being held at a truck stop. This is the other side of my family. You have to love them! 

Anyway, the hotel was amazing. Seriously. Just to prove where we were, here's a photo of our view of the parking garage. Look at that sky, though! That's what we woke up to. Before we left, we were able to enjoy extra time together, and I flipped through this Dallas magazine before packing my stuff to take the shuttle back to our truck + trailer combo. 

So how has your week been??
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