Rains, a Bruise and a Kaftan dress

I pray for the rains to stop, for floods to quickly subside, and for everyone's safety (and sanity).

The floods surrounding my Mom's place (in the Philippines) are way too minor compared to what is yet going on in the north.

  Pasay Road corner Amorsolo, Makati City

I am not in any way entitled to raise even a few sentiments. I am safe and so are my family, friends and Bugsy. Thank God!  News updates show the horrible damage of these rains to Filipinos, properties, and pets.  Yet,  I feel frustrated over the firm refusal of many  to evacuate homes situated in critical areas.  Both little things and hard earned belongings are hard to let go. I know. 

On my end, I slipped and badly bruised my left knee prior to meeting a bead client and a pleasurable window shopping spree two rainy days ago.  The photo shows the cleansed aftermath, but prior was all about a muddy and bloody scene. I remember having  skipped over a muddy path. Unfortunately, I slipped and bruised my knee. And as soon as my senses came to life, (in a hush tone) I had said three seemingly important words ..."Save My BAG!!!".  Oh yes, the bag came first before my own rescue.  I can laugh hard over my crazy mindset now, but I was tremendously dead serious about prioritizing the souvenir sack bag from Monaco given by Tita Cyn last year.  Ergo, there's zero difference between me and those who refuse to evacuate. And now, I am frustrated over my bruise, the limp way of walking and the pain caused by a slight bend. My bag, on the other hand, is back to its brand new form.

This photo was taken hours after the slip. Momentarily, I had forgotten all about the bruise while drooling over my new kaftan dress and  its amazing embroidery. I had posted an order days prior, and that unfateful day was the day I was scheduled to pick up.  Hidden behind was my wound. 

The dress with embroidered floral pattern was designed by my friend, Pinky.  A long time aficionado for arranging floral bouquets and sculptures, and from whom I have gotten my inspiration from for last year's lace  necklaces, Pinky has recently discovered her wonderful skill of designing Kaftan blouses and dresses. Given the time and labor  entailed to embroider flowers, her works remain exclusive within her circle of friends.  But the good news is, she  plans to accommodate orders online soon.   In the meantime, should you wish to inquire, you may send an email to bybeadedstory@gmail.com and I can surely relay your queries to Pinky.  It does feel great to support a friend who handmakes crafts  with hard work, passion and love.

Anyway,  we cannot control rains from coming, but we have the choice to stay safe.  Right?...lesson learned from the bruise I am currently nursing.  And when a bit of cheer and "healing" are needed, go and find for whatever can bright brighten your day.  In my case, my Kaftan embroidered dress :)  Stay safe and dry!

2011 Inspiration...Pinky's floral arrangement

I honestly thought  that my long overdue bead design for 2011 would be stirred up by my visit to the casino a week ago, same as what happened in 2009.  Nothing happened. 

Rather, it was Pinky's valentine floral arrangement for Mother that helped break the laziness and lull. 

The flowers were delivered to Mother two days after Valentines Day, supposedly as a surprise.  Having lived in Baguio for years, Mother chose to spend valentines by visiting her childhood homeland.  So, the harvest of roses and delivery schedule depended on Mother's return. Thanks to Dad2's  involvement, the plan was easier to manage even if we knew of Mother's ability to discover and unearth secrets sooner or later. Of course, she did find out, while Dad2 was asleep. 

The  final text message I sent to "snoring" Dad2 led Mother to hear, read and reply. Ergo, I ended surprised!

Mission accomplished. Thanks to Pinky for her beautiful arrangement and for her flexibility in working around spur-of-the-moment changes in schedule.  I would have definitely gone bonkers if I were in her shoes.  But given her love for arranging flowers,  I knew she'd be patient enough to hang in there :) For friendship's sake!

I've known Pinky for more than a decade now. We began our Ayala Malls adventure on the exact same day, with the exact same designation as Advertising and Promotions Officer.  She handled Greenbelt, while I handled Glorietta.  Later on, we switched assignments.   On our twelfth year, I left and opened new doors, while Pinky stayed on and assumed a larger responsibility.  Yet, we have constantly kept in touch, latest of which was last January's garage sale.  By the way, the next round will happen on March 20.

Despite the different paths we have now taken, I believe that we are still bound by one common knack.  That is, venting out stress on creativity and working with our hands.  Pinky on flowers, while I, on beads.

Pinky has done a lot of floral arrangements for individuals and special occasions like weddings.  And I'm sure she's exhausted from  all the orders and deliveries for Valentines.  If only the  Ikebana ladies can see her now, they'll surely be so proud of her.  Arrangement aside, I like her style of using boxes as flower holder instead of the usual vase.  Something different.  She further accentuates the arrangement with little berries(?) that add color and plants that can be transferred to pots later on. That's the sustainability in her.

After experiencing zero inspiration from the casino, I have psyched myself out on  setting  aside my bead works for the meantime and focus on relaxation instead.  Little did I know that  Pinky's floral work would inspire me and would lead me to rush home with a bunch of newly bought materials to work on last night.  I am thrilled and excited.

Finally, I have found my inspiration and have grasped the direction I will take this year. I am thinking dainty, warm colors, flowers yet simple and classic.  I am thinking bride, maid of honor, bridesmaid yet corporate.  I am thinking vintage, yet modern. I am thinking LACE... it captures all that I have thought of. And I know, it will answer your longtime query by showing what beads I use for By Beaded Story's bead cloth necklace.  Definitely not marbles.

Pardon the watermark. I have to start doing this. To folks who consistently ask, touch and study MY works  due to "copy" and "imitation" purposes, I openly share this with you.  But I am hoping that you'll be respectful and decent enough to create your works that you can  truly call your own.  May your love for beading and creating your very own rule!  Good luck!