February 26, 2010 (pm) where WE were

My bead and I were here in November 2009 . . . 

Pre-Christmas bazaars in Manila did not matter. 

Spent November 15  watching the boxing game of Manny Pacquiao

with my NY-based family.

Walked, Hopped, Posed,  Smiled,  Ate, Shopped, Watched, Laughed, Played.

Looking forward to 2011 NY trip! 

(plus sister R's wedding in Mexico. ooh la la!)

Good night . . . Enjoy the weekend! 

See you on Monday :)

February 26, 2010 HEAVEN and HELL

My husband received this email which he in turn forwarded to me. 

FW: Heaven and Hell
Date: Monday, February 22, 2010, 9:09 PM

One day, while walking down the street, a corrupt Philippine Senator was tragically hit by a car and died.  His soul arrives in heaven and he met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the Senator.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really?, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the Filipino people.

They played a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes.

They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.

"I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil smiles at him and says,

"Yesterday, we were campaigning ... Today, you voted."

Hmm . . . absolutely something that  need to be pondered upon. 

The street posts, walls, practically everywhere in the metropolis are clogged with campaign materials. Public transportation, like buses, jeepneys, tricycles, and private vehicles are new  campaign avenues for displaying manicured or younger-looking faces of candidates. Television ads and radio jingles are aired on an hourly (maybe half-hour or every 15-minute) basis.   Even some homeowners have posted campaign materials of the candidates they are vying for on their gates  (if you happen to live in BF Homes Pque, you must have seen it.  Could be the house (or headquarters) of the candidate?). All these are probably effective in creating awareness.  Results of surveys are regularly aired on the news anyway. 

But to me, one thing is for sure... the campaign clutter makes it more confusing!

BEAUTIFUL words, accomplishments, plans, promises, commitments are heard, watched and read every single day.  But how true are these?  The reality is---we will only know the true intentions after the declaration.  When expectations turn to disappointment, then  expect the events of the past to repeat.

The truth, I still have NO CLUE on who to vote for in the coming elections (???) ... and I seem to care less this time. Let's see what happens and hopefully I be able to make a firm decision soon.   At this point, I think the only option for me is to rely on what I believe in.

Beauty can be seen and heard anywhere . . . even at first glance . . . even with a single sound . . .

But I have always believed that TRUE BEAUTY LIES WITHIN A PURE, SINCERE AND GENUINE HEART~! 

If HE or SHE leads to inspire ... then, HE or SHE is the leader I am praying for . . .

February 25, 2010 TOP 1 on my Playlist

2 scenarios... laugh out loud ... or be shocked!







More Free Music at MP3-Codes.com

So which scenario did you choose? Are you done?

Ok! This is what I'm listening to right now. The thought and the urge happened while driving along the long stretch of Daanghari Road (faster route to Cavite from Alabang) and listening to Meryll Streep sing Mamma Mia.

Please do not ask me to translate the lyrics because I absolutely do not understand. Unless a reader from the Ilocos Region can help translate :) But, here are 2 short facts about the song . . .

Title: Manang Biday (in english Older Sister Biday)
Genre: Courtship

To know more, click on this link http://www.himig.com.ph/albums/289-pilipina-musikal/songs/2767-manang-biday.

The last time I heard this song was when I was still in Grade School. I loved watching old black and white films then. If I'm not mistaken, this song appeared in a movie which starred Gloria Romero.

Yup, I'm right. Did a quick research over the net and found this photo from http://www.video48.blogspot.com/.

You must be wondering now why I am listening to this 50s folk song. Well, it has something to do with the name Biday.

I wonder if someday . . . somewhere . . . someone will call me Manang BEAD-ay!!! Lol!

february 24, 2010 I WON THE LOTTO!!!

. . .  In my DREAMS!!!  I just wanted to catch your attention.

I was too deep in my thoughts that I have not even noticed the relaxing breeze last night. I did not even bother switching the TV on to catch the newest show of abs-cbn nor work on my beads.

My mind was just too pre-occupied on flashbacks and fast-forwards. In a nutshell, I wondered if there's truth to this theory,  the universal law of attraction.

I've had my share of answered prayers but I've also experienced disappointments.  If I analyze this further,  the answered prayers are those that my heart was truly set on.  These were life-changing moments.  

Although, not all were immediately answered. It took time and needed a lot of patience and perserverance.  There was no other choice but to be still and go with the flow.  It came unnnoticed but at the right time.

The disappointments, on the other hand, were the irrational desires. I may be persistent for some time but realizing later on that these were just a bunch of superficial whims.  Here, I become impatient and crazy :)

Applying this theory to present times . . . now that the race is over and now that my days are simpler . . . I finally enjoy a more diverse yet quiet life.  I see the connection of then and now.

I needed a creative outlet when I was working. By Beaded Story happened.  I had to unblock the creative bead-block and needed to stay inspired,  this blog happened.

I was hesistant to move from my Advertising and Promotions world to Operations.  I knew what was in my heart but I still went on and LEARNED.  Then, the Pharmacy happened.

Now, I want to do something relevant.  I rally for a beautiful Earth. This finally happened . . . .

But I never planned these to show up in the Pharmacy last Monday.  They were already on display when I arrived. This just happened.

Thus, the Universal Law of Attraction must be true.  With what I just listed, here's what I was really thinking of  ...I WON! I WON! I WON the LOTTO JACKPOT!!! ...  SOON☻. . . 

February 23, 2010 the WACKY team

We met in 2004.  They helped me run a mall. 

Or a better way to way to describe it is that THEY RAN THE MALL and I was just their conductor.

I palpitated to my reply when the move was discussed with me.  I said yes but I was not expecting the huge responsibility that came with it.  Aside from running the mall, I  also needed to lead the team.  I  wanted to back off!  But I did not and I'm glad that I didn't.

I never expected that this move would  lead me to a set of wacky characters.  Why I said wacky?  Let me put it this way . . . Individually, they have their own characteristics.  But when together, they  transform into one and can be described as: 

BUBBLY, FUN-LOVING . . . GORGEOUS???

NOISY.  I swear. They have this talent of  talking  all at the same time whether it be in a meeting or on lunch break  And yet, each one heard and understood what everyone said.

 

POKER addicts (not all).  There were plans of holding Friday Poker sessions.  It's still a plan to this day =)

BEACH-bums.  I prefer the mountains.  But with them, there's no other  choice but the beach.

frustrated SURPRISE PARTY organizers!  With the many times a surprise party was organized, they finally succeeded  with my bridal shower party held in the office!  Imagine how the office looked. . . all the sexy "tits and tats" displayed on the walls and tables at 10 AM . . . work hours and opening time of the mall.  Hilarious!

In my 12-year career life, this moment is what I cherish most.  I have learned that there was nothing to fear.  They just needed a friend to walk with them in achieving goals.

Now that we have gone our separate ways, we set get-togethers on a trying-hard regular basis.  They are still the same wacky team that I met in 2004 but this time living different passions and dreams.

The two finance officers, Den and Lei, are now living their lives abroad.  One working for a TV network, and the other, a full-time Mom.  

Our Advertising and  Promotions Officer, Rai,  has chosen a different path to take. She is currently taking up nursing. Yup, totally different!   The other officer, Kat, is still working for the mall and I'm pretty sure that she's having a blast.

borrowed Mike's photo

From a teeny-weeny sized mall, Engineer Ariel is now  assigned to the biggest mall. He has finally embraced his single status. I hope! 

Obi, my co-conductor, also retired young. . . younger than I am (in her 20s).  She now heads a newly renovated mall in the North, and is assisted by Engineer Earl.  Travelling to different countries is Obi's favorite pasttime, while Earl fulfills his Daddy duties on his free time.

 

This guy, Operations Officer Mike, is responsible for my beautiful bead photos from 2006 to 2008.  By Beaded Story made its mark because of his work. His two adorable kids are his mini-me.  I described them as "little mice" when they were younger :)   Their tiny whimpering and giggling voices were our sounds in the office on weekends. 

Chiqui, the friend I talked about in this blog http://bybeadedstory.blogspot.com/2010/02/february-5-2010-do-i-study-again-no.html, is currently working for a well-known insurance firm.  All I can say is that she was born to lead.  A great and true friend. We celebrate February 4 together.

I, in case you still have no idea, am living my bead dream and busy rallying for affordable yet quality medicines.

Last Friday, we met because of a very special occasion . . .

Borrowed the photo from Mike.

Roni, the girl who I relied on when I made the move in 2004 and the one who introduced to me the world of bazaars in 2006, got engaged a week ago.  Like the "Kim Possible" she is in work, she is almost DONE with organizing her wedding set in 2010. Only Roni can do that! I am so happy and truly looking forward to celebrating February 4 with her too.

Instead of photos from work, I chose to show photos of our coffee sessions and beach trips. Though we met in work, we are now way beyond that ... We may have gone our separate ways ... building on different passions and different dreams.  But we still SHARE  the same "deep" WACKY FRIENDSHIP :)

2009 Beach trip with our familes :)  Hopefully, the plan in April 2010 pushes through.

February 22, 2010 TALA SQUARE COLLECTION

It's Monday again.  Have a long list of things to accomplish this week.  Before I begin with my tasks, let me share with you a few photos of my 2010 Tala Square collection.

Overview of the Tala Square Collection

This was a 2009 Collection. 

Due to queries, I decided to make a few more pieces this year.

The design highlights a square-shaped glass pendant

with small round glass beads used as accent and as lock.

It is bound by an 8-strand wax cord.

Each piece comes in limited quantities (2-6 pieces only).

Note:  Save the Earth by donating P50 when you purchase any By Beaded Story bead work.  This will be donated to World Wild Life Fund Philippines and your order will be delivered in recycled packaging.  For more details, visit www.bybeadedstory.multiply.com.

February 20, 2010 SAVE MOTHER EARTH 2

It's been a week since these boxes were personally brought to my house.

I asked my B=RAVE dude friend  to construct boxes for By Beaded Story a couple of weeks ago. Early last week, he posted a message in my personal facebook account informing me that the boxes were ready.  I was so excited to see his work and therefore decided to host a dinner at home last Saturday. 

I cooked and served a home cooked meal.  Haha!  Well, not everyone knows  I cook.  Even B=RAVE dude friend was amazed.  The only people in my life who know are my husband, mother, aunt, brother, and  sisters (do they know? lol).   There was a time in my life when I cooked and baked a lot.  But life changed and perhaps because of health reasons, I stopped.

But yes!  Cooking from the ♥  happens when I get excited.  These boxes are so special . . . Why?

1.  because these  are handmade

2.  because these are handmade by a good friend

3.  because these are handmade by a good friend using recycled pizza boxes!

In my previous blog http://bybeadedstory.blogspot.com/2010/02/february-16-2010-save-mother-earth.html, I committed myself (and By Beaded Story) to help SAVE MOTHER EARTH.  Instead of using my usual pouches for packaging, I made a choice to use recycled materials this year.

Yesterday afternoon, I spent my time thinking of how to spruce these up.  I requested for bare boxes so that I can add a few touches of my own.

So, I gathered all these materials that have long been kept in my storage. . .

a 2004 Calendar

Un-used stickers supposedly for my wedding 4 years ago

Then, I ended up with this.

I treat the box as a symbol of MOTHER EARTH . . .

The butterfly or flower are all the living and breathing species on earth . . .

A scent reminder of the urgent need to Save Mother Earth through a eucalyptus leaf is placed under the  lid . . .

I wrote one-liner handwritten notes on top of each box . . . This represent  my commitment to help save Mother Earth!

February 19, 2008 CAT WOMAN and her pet Tiger-Bear-Cat

I picked these up from my Aunt's place yesterday . . .

6 beaded cloth necklaces due for delivery next week

When I entered the gate, a guest relations officer greeted me.

Ta Da!!!  Meet Marmalade tiger-bear-cat.  If Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt continuously adopt children, my aunt continuously adopts marmalade colored stray cats.  They start thin and eventually evolve into tiger-bear looking cats (if there's such thing).  There's 3 of them in the house, not counting their  older siblings who are exact replicas of these youngest batch.  Hmm...I think they need to go on a diet.  Sad news... their Mother Cat recently passed away (+) probably due to her frequent kitty-birth.  It was just too much. 

Marmalade tiger-bear-cat only stood when he saw cat woman (as seen in the next photo).  Or probably, he had too much photos for the day.  Took a dozen photos and he just kept posing for the camera :)  Good cat!

I realized only yesterday that my aunt's help at home is actually cat woman. Just like this Cat Woman we know :)

borrowed from http://www.comicvine.com/forums/gen-discussion/1/the-comic-vines-top-30-female-comic-book-characters/527873/

Truly a SUPER HERO!!!  My aunt's cat woman maintains the house clean...cooks healthy cuisine...a handyman...spends her afternoons in the garden and makes sure that everything is in bloom whole year round...very loyal...

...she breeds and takes good care of  tiger-bear cats. you should see the cats when cat woman is on a month-long vacation. they go crazy! thus,some of them go on a vacation too and return when cat woman is back. lol!...

and SHE SEWS...

Ok!  I admit. The only sewing technique I know is running stitch.  I learned this in my home economics class when I was still in grade school.  So for all my sewing requirements for my beaded cloth necklaces, cat woman does it .  The credit belongs to her.  BRAVO :)

P.S.  Just like Marmalade tiger-bear-cat, I ♥ ribbons too. 

February 18, 2010 WHEN I PEEP OUT A WINDOW

I have this habit of peeping out  a window to check what's happening outdoors.  Early mornings and late afternoons are the best ♥☻♥

In the morning, I see folks, mostly in their senior years, from my living room window walking back and forth in their exercise outfits.  Some even do their stretching on a coconut tree in front of my house.  They finish their routine by 8:00 am.

In the afternoon, I gaze at the sway of the trees from my bedroom window as the sun is about to rest.  Absolutely one of the most serene sights I have ever seen.

A peep from my bedroom window.  By the way, I use my shawls to tie my curtains during the day.

And at night, I look out the window and pray that my husband arrives home safe from his long day at work.

Have you ever thought of a window as a beautiful artwork? 

I DO.

A photo I took from a local trip with my former work colleagues in 2009.  This trip is known as Viaje Del Sol:  The Way of the Sun.  To know more about it, visit www.viajedelsol.org.

But unlike the artworks we know, this 4-sided frame makes you see, feel and breath what is real.  Nothing is still and sights change. I see life when I look out a window.  I SEE ... Children laughing and playing ... Lovers strolling ... Ice-cream man ringing his bell ... Cars passing by ... Neighbors with their pet dogs ... A group of teenage boys about to play basketball ... Three Indian ladies,  in their colorful outfits, leisurely walking and talking at the same time ... folks from a nearby shanty village busy working on their livelihood program (they sew colorful rags and repair jeans) ...  Fresh laundry being naturally dried from the warmth of the sun ... the sun rising  ... and the moon peeping.

I have been taking photos of my bead works beside a window.  I love the natural light that comes through it. My photo becomes alive and colors are more vivid. This is the very 1st photo I took from my bedroom window.

2008 bangle collection.  The colors of the bangles are so vivid.  The bangles were literally tied on the window frame. But  this is a not-so-good photo.  See the window handle on the right?  Lol.

This  next photo of a window I took after a massage became an inspiration for my Flora 2009 Collection.

The inspiration

The result =)

How about you?  I hope you see life in your window too.

February 17, 2010 Wish these were beads

more of wish these were beads . . .

Fallen Flowers

Happy Sunflower!  My favorite flower. 

Hot Pretzels.  Yum!

Thailand's Lotus flowers

Side street Vintage pop art.  Pretty!  Wanted to bring them all back home to Manila.  But my luggage can  no longer accommodate even one =(

Endearing moments.  The nth birthday and thanksgiving party of my former boss. I had to to crop this photo.  Otherwise, my "mother" boss will scold me.  Lol! This moment was truly special to her, to her family and to everyone who loves her.  Not only did we celebrate her birthday, we also celebrated her healing.   Remember my February 5, 2010 blog about studying again? Well, she is the one who persistently persuaded me to study or take a few masteral units.  http://bybeadedstory.blogspot.com/2010/02/february-5-2010-do-i-study-again-no.html

February 16, 2010 SAVE MOTHER EARTH

Whew!!! The HEAT is on.  A drastic change from our usual cool February climate. 

Signs that summer 2010 is fast approaching. . .or signs of climate damage!

The truth is, I never really thought of the environment's deterioration until the day my husband and I celebrated 4 in Tagaytay.  I was expecting the same cold weather from previous years.   Instead,  a scorching heat greeted us.  Even my friends from Sonyas Garden, Divine and Fernan, confirmed that the cool February weather is gone.

Alarming!!! It is a reality that we are  facing.

In my own small way, I have committed myself to help save Mother Earth.

Instead of buying storage boxes, I re-use tin cans, pots and bottles to store my beads.

Remember this blog http://bybeadedstory.blogspot.com/2010/01/january-25-2010-flower-garden.html? My thumb is doomed.  So intead of  re-using my pots for plants, I use them for beads.

Tin cans were former containers of ice-cream, moon cakes and wafers. I use them now for my big glass beads and storage for office materials like scissors, ruler, pens, pencils, stapler and more. 

Recycled bottles are now used as vase

On bottles, I discovered ways of sprucing it up from the internet.  Here are a few inspirations which I hope I can develop on my free time.

handpainted empty bottle

bottle transformed into a lovely vase

wind bottles for the garden

add spice to your evenings with colorful bottled lamps.  love this!!!

Celebrate Christmas with a one-of-a-kind tree.

My uncle and aunt's Christmas Tree made of empty wine bottles.

Or convert bottles into a necklace.  Whoa!  Great idea!

I also use pages of old journals as gift wrappers or bead packaging.

My 2009 journal.  I tear off sheets . . .

. . . and use them as packaging for my necklaces.  The necklace in this photo is the 2010 beaded cloth necklace which highlights a big turqouise pendant bound by a scarf .

Every living and breathing being on this planet must do something FAST to save Mother Earth.  Keep in mind that every saving act we do, whether tiny or large, is for you, for your loved ones, for everyone and for the generations to come. Always remember that Life is Beautiful . . . so, let's not ruin it.

P.S.  Heard from "boyfriend" that Al Gore is coming to Manila in April to share his sequel of An Inconvenient Truth :) Hope he can get tickets for all his south-gimik buddies.