My Flower Garden

I went straight here right after checking-in at Acuaverde last Saturday.

It was lunch, the heat was on, and I didn't mind.  Tita Cyn who knows me so well with regards to heat matters should read this.  She'll be shocked.  In most cases, I stay away from heat, especially summer heat.  I breath, live and stay sane within the confines of an airconditioned room.  Explains my adoration for the mountains. Here's another photo taken on the exact same spot but pointing to a different angle.

Besides the breathtaking seascape, I was rather more focused on the color of the bougainvillea against a scenic backdrop.  It had brought my thoughts back home where I had left my work in progress Flora collection.  But now, I'm done with a few pieces. 

Here they are.

White Heart

Blue Heart

In 3s black

In 3s Brown

More to come.



Happy Weekend

Before heading off far south over the weekend...to bask...to submerge...to stay away from beads and knots for a short while...to play with Bugsy on sand...and to finally celebrate six, I must give in to my urge of sharing this first with you.  Can't resist.  A proof of my weak skills in giving surprises.  I share too much ahead of time.

Blooming soon...FLORA 2012.

Hope you and I will be on the same boat...a happy weekend on the beach! 



Bead Journey

For one moment, I thought I would find myself locked up with the same old bead designs.  Though I had deliberately planned it this way due to the ongoing pain I feel on my right hand and arm, creative ideas just come out of the blue.  Like this year's Scarf necklace.

The wood beads with gold studs used in this year's Scarf necklace were sourced from New Jersey in 2009.  I had no intention to go bead buying while on that trip.  I was there for the purpose of family and relaxation.  Yet, fate beckoned.  So I returned home with one luggage filled with beads.

The gold dangling ornaments, on the other hand, were of different use previous to the scarf arrangement.  These were dangling earrings which I discovered and bought from a local souk in 2010.  But since then, all sets have  been tucked  in a luggage and momentarily forgotten.  Until the creative thought of tearing them apart  came about last week. I owe this to one rough day.

So bead and earrings have finally found its use years after.

But this year, I aim going beyond with what I have long been accustomed with--bead necklaces.  I  wish for: beaded bags, beaded purses, beaded home decor, and so forth. Obviously still with beads playing the primary role. WHY? I have worked on bead necklaces for a long time now, and I know for a fact that I will go on with this bead journey for as long as my hands and arms can. But it's about time to add  more spice and get hold of new excitement.  

So here you go, my first non-bead necklace offering.  Purple Purse.

To view the full line, visit us in Facebook.  Click HERE.



2012 Mother's Heart Necklaces

After a few social events during Mom's visit plus a heartbreaking turnover of my 3-year old pharmacy to its new owners a couple of weeks ago, I'm finally back into the bead-groove.  No deadlocks nor barriers this time.  Thank God!  But I take beading with a mega-dose of extra care.  One arrangement per day, and a maximum of three per week. Again, the right hand has caused me some sleepless nights.

Anyway, I'm so hyped up.  I have accomplished a number of Mother's Heart necklaces already, and are now ready for viewing and ordering via facebook. Click HERE.  To entice you a bit, here are two additional new designs from the Mother's Heart collection. 

Michael Archangel

Padre Pio

Of course, the popular arrangements like Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Perpetual and Our Lady of Mediatrix remain available.  So go and visit By Beaded Story in facebook now.  Enjoy your weekend!

By Beaded Story in Sonyas Garden 01/15/2012

Finally, I have mastered making slides via Smilebox.  The only concern I have is their limited selection of songs to choose from for background music.  But since I only opt for the "free" button, I have no right  to gag further about this. Lol!  I'm happy and grateful with anything FREE, so I'll live with whatever is available. 

Click on the play button to know what bead works are available at the Country Store of Sonya's Garden beginning January 16, 2012.

This free digital slideshow made with Smilebox

2012 WISHES

I refrain from doing resolutions. I WISH.  NO pressure.  If the wish is destined to come true anyway, I believe it will happen in a poof, but on the right time and at the right place.  Every single thing simply perfect. Yet, of course, it comes with hard work and an unwavering determination too.

So here  are my 2012 wishes in no particular order.

1. Just like my wish in 2011, LIVE HEALTHY.  There is no easy way of getting over and letting go of what happened in 2010, but lesson learned.  I have posted quite a number of hospital photos in previous posts, and I will continue posting so as to serve as a hounding reminder that health is wealth. 

2.  EXPLORE! 

I wish desire for two trips this year.  But INDIA holds the TOP spot of my list.

The reason why I crave for India.

3. Fine, I admit J. Bond hit it right.  He thinks boredom had set in with me and my beads, reason for my lull moments. So this year, By Beaded Story moves forward.  No details yet, but target roll-out is March 2012 and here are my inspirations.

Photo courtesy

I briefly talked about my 2012 By Beaded Story plans here.

Click photo to enlarge.

The nth time I have received the same query via email. 

The last was during this bazaar.

4.  Of course, I still wish for my LUSH LOT.  May this wish come true this year.  But first, more serious biking is needed.   I find it way easier to scout around in a bike than in a car.

5.  That my team may find their true happiness even with our soon-to-come parting ways.  Like what I have repeatedly said, for discipline, for stability, for growth and for better opportunities. 

6.  May Bugsy's hair grow back to the way it was FAST. 

Bugsy on New Year's eve

I arrived home Monday afternoon shocked and deep in thought as to what I should do with the dog I have brought back home from the groomer. Momentarily, I thought  I had the wrong dog.  But a few tests pretty much did the trick.  First, SIT.  Easy. Most dogs know this trick.  Next, PAW.  With Bugsy, he readily gives his paw even without a command.  Place the hand underneath his chest, then hola, he lays his paw on the hand.  Check.  Lastly, scream "CHEEEEEEEESE!".   And like always, he jumped, ran and went crazy. 

Thank God! Bugsy alright. But, oh hair, please grow fast.

6.  Here's a wish that I know will remain unfulfilled this year.  I wish that J. Bond and I may finally have the chance to celebrate our bliss on  the exact day we exchanged I Dos, without any interruption, not in advance, and with no delays.  Really!!!  On our 1st year, I spent the day in panic while J. Bond subjected his left arm to a half day surgery due to his damned evil knievel bike accident. 

Then, a wedding happened which I could not pass up on.  My friend thought of my wedding date as perfect.  So, she followed and assigned me the task of Church commentator. Wise move. 

On my anniversary day while being briefed by the wedding coordinator.

Family gatherings have happened on the same day as well.  Of course,  excuses strictly prohibited.  Otherwise, there will be no end to a very dark tunnel.

And, February is my Mother's preferred month of visit. She is arriving soon.  So, there you go. 

7.  And lastly, J. Bond had asked months ago if I was interested to catch the ongoing local version of The Sound of Music.  I said no. But I am strongly wishing, with fingers crossed, that one day I get the chance to meet the cast and the real VonTrapp family in the flesh.  How's that for a wish, huh? =)

Let's see what happens by the end of this year.  I'm looking forward.

2011 WISH update

I cracked up while going through my January 2011 posts a few nights ago.  J. Bond had repeatedly asked, "what's funny?".   A reminisce of the past, dramas included, can be amusing. Really!

Last year went by very fast, and here I am faced once again with exciting and  "scarier" happenings. First of which is bound to happen by end of this month.  A new management will be taking over the pharmacy, and I'm gasping, grieving and feeling excited all at the same time.  The move happened in a blur, but one thing is for sure, I have prayed for this since October. Call it luck, fate, destiny or an answered prayer, things  fell on my lap days before Christmas. So, there was no letting go of this bestowed upon opportunity.  One day, I will expound.  Emotions of everyone are still tangled in a ball.  But I'm glad that acceptance has set in.

What's next? Plans are lined up, but still on the drawing board. For sure, all related to By Beaded Story.  I go back and give more focus to what makes me truly tick and leaves me high -- beads, handmade crafts and kuchi-kuchi things. So to those who have inquired about 1) showroom, 2) bead workshops and 3) export, YES! these are my what's next. Sewing included.

But before I dwell on what else are in store for 2012, my 2011 WISH post deserves an update.   This got me started writing this post anyway. 

First 2011 wish

LEARN TO PLAY THE PIANO

Update:  STILL A WISH!

Second 2011 wish

STAY AWAY FROM HOSPITALS

Update:   WISH GRANTED!!!

(the same wish remains for 2012, and the years to come.)

Third 2011 wish

MAKE MORE MOTHER'S HEART NECKLACES EVEN WITH A PAINFUL HAND

The first prototype made in 2010.  I tested it here.

The latest Mother's Heart necklace

Update: WOW! WISH GRANTED.

2011 was its year.  All stocks sold during the recent Christmas bazaars.  I'm making more and this will soon be available at the Country Store of Sonya's Garden.

Fourth 2011 wish

HONE INSPIRATION

Update:  I wouldn't know.  But with the major change coming in less than a month, all I wish for is for everyone's BEST.

Fifth 2011 wish

A LUSH LOT HERE

 Upate:  STILL A WISH.
 But I've been scouting while biking around. 

Sixth 2011 wish

THIS CAR

Update:   A SPUR-OF-THE MOMENT 2011 WISH.  I QUICKLY FORGOT.

Last 2011 wish

HER

Update:  Unmatched stars :(  One day, I hope. 

In the meantime, BUGSY finally came true (10 years after).

What do you think?   A lot more have been granted over the past year.  Yet, a handful remain unfulfilled.  This I know of, those that came true were coupled with hard work and determination  The rest just sort of floated.  Anyway, let's see what's in store this year.  I'm excited and "scared".  A tangled thread ball, really!

Round for LUCK in 2012

From where I am, it is believed that anything round displayed, eaten or worn on New Year's eve helps bring good "financial" luck.  I wore mine red with silver round beads, in threes, and tightly strung around the neck. 



Crossing all ten fingers plus ten toes for a dose of luck this 2012, and here's hoping that the force of luck be with you too!