Be Happy

One of the famous advertisements here in the Philippines is that of a multivitamin. I guess it was because of its tagline - Be Happy. Another known politician in this country used a similar campaign motto during the May 2010 elections - Gusto ko happy ka (i.e. I want you to be happy). I guess it's a common thought that everyone wants to be happy - may it be in one's personal life, love life, career or family life. I also share that thought - I also want to be happy. But I personally think that one's happiness relies on how one defines happiness. For one, I am happy with the simple things - lose 2-3 lbs, a 3-day weekend, good rest from a stressful week at work, digital scrapbooking, travelling to local and foreign places, and a simple hug and kiss from my little one Zion.

For my layout today, I feature my cousin Josie during our trip to Lake Pandin (as part of the Viaje del Sol trip) in the province of Laguna. To be honest (and she might get pissed with this comment), my cousin Josie is not really fond of smiling. She is normally the serious type, mukhang problemado sa buhay type of girl. There should be some good reason before she actually smiles, albeit laugh. It is during this rare occassions, during these more relaxing moments, when I actually see my cousin smile. And I am glad that I've got my camera ready to capture this kind of moments.

By the way, to my cousin Josie, belated happy happy birthday (last October 15)!! Hope to see you smile more frequently. :-D

Journalling: If you want to Be Happy, Be. - Leo Tolstoy

Credits for this layout: Citrus Twist Kit from Sprouting Seeds Studio; WordArt by Bethany Elegant WordArt.

In Your Eyes

It has been some time since I created a layout which featured my son Zion. I was busy creating layouts which featured my friends from my former workplace, the places I visited last summer, and some family layouts, but not Zion solo. So for my layout today, I am featuring my son Zion. The close-up shot used in this picture was taken during Zion's 4th birthday party last summer. It was taken by my officemate-friend Shy, who served as the party's photographer.

They say that all kids are beautiful, especially in the eyes of their own mothers. I know this may sound conceited, but I really do think that there is something in my son's stare that can make me really feel fulfilled as a mother, and as a person in general. Perhaps it is my mommy-side that is speaking, but everytime I look at those pair of small brown eyes, a certain feeling of peace, happiness, and fulfillment settles in me.

Journalling:
In Your Eyes
... i can see my dream's reflections
... found the answers to my questions
... i can see the reasons why our love's alive... You and I
... we're drifting safely back to shore, and I think I finally learned to love you more....

Credits for this layout: Mango Tango Kit by Delicious Scraps; Larger Mine, Segoe Script, and Howser fonts available Dafont.com; In Your Eyes song by George Benson; Shy Arizala for the picture.

Trust Yourself

Last Monday (April 26) was the start of my one-and-a-half vacation leave. Well, it was supposed to be a 2-weeks leave from work, and we were supposed to visit some relatives in Canada. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, we had to postpone the trip to next year. It would be quite a hassle on my part, since I wasted PHP6000 (approximately $120) just to get this Canadian visa. Oh well. I am hoping that I could still get one next year.

As a consolation, I still took my vacation leave. I just shortened it to a week and a half (instead of 2 whole weeks). I still have a lot of things to take care of, including my Solo Parent ID, my son's enrollment, and of course, a short trip to a local spot here in the Philippines. I took leave off from work, as a reward to myself - a much-deserved reward after going through some stressful and grueling things at work. Well, I hope that this long break from work would give me some time to unwind and spend some time for myself and my family.

Journalling: You can Trust Yourself. Other people's opinion are driven by their needs and emotions - not by magical insights about your worth.

Credits for this layout: Back N Why Kit by Caroline B. available at KreativeKreationsKorner; Photomasks Pack2 by Brouille; WordArt by Bethany Elegant WordArt

Your Smile

My 4-day birthday vacation is about to come to an end today, as I return to work tomorrow. Back to work. Back to 8am-5pm programming. Back to deadlines. Back to reality. Back to stress and tension. There are those times when I think back and regret having taken this degree back in college having known that my passion was really in writing and that the creative side of my brain was, more often than not, dominant than the logical side. I guess the only thing (or being) that keeps me from throwing in the towel is Zion, my son. At the end of a grueling day at work, I look forward to going home to see and hear my son's smile and laughter. His smiling face and naughty chuckle is a soothing therapy after a rough and tough day at work. I am thankful that I still have work that feeds me and my son. But funny (or cocky) as it may sound, I think my work should also be thankful to my son. He is the reason why I wake up early in the morning, why I try to complete my deliverables, why I exert maximum patience with my tickets, why I try to be civil with some unruly people, why I strive to work hard as I could.

Journalling: Peaceful is when I see your smile.

Credits for this layout: Calming Down Collab Kit available at the following : Aprilisa Designs; Blue Orchid Digiscrap Designs; Nona's Creations; Pixeliliy Designs; Tritya Creations; and YantiScrap

Too Young

I was listening to some Eraserheads song, when my brother requested me if I could create a digiscrap layout out of some recent pictures of him with his girlfriend (yes, it's confirmed! tee hee!) Nella. I found the pictures quite cute since it's like one of those teen-romance flicks (ala Young-Love-Sweet-Love). While thinking of what word art or journalling I could use for their layout, the song "Toyang" (by the Eraserheads) played. The opening lines of the song "Toyang" were lifted from the song "Too Young" (by Nat King Cole, I think). I think the opening lines of the song is quite appropriate for my brother and his girlfriend. As my brother may say, they may be young, but they know what it means to be in love... Awww.. how cheesy... :-)

Journalling: "They try to tell us we're too young... Too young to really be in love.. "

Credits for this layout: Tranquility Freebie Mini-Kit by Andrea; Jane Austen font from Dafont.com. Too Young lyrics originally done by Nat King Cole.

November Calendar Layout

Of all the months in the year, I love November the most. Perhaps, because the anticipation for Christmas builds up during this time, as radio stations and malls play Christmas carols more often. Another reason would be the 13th month pay which is usually given towards the end of the month. But most important reason of all would be, November is my birth month. I won't tell when exactly is my birthday, but I am one proud Scorpio - embodying the strengths and weaknesses of that quiet arachnid. ;-)

Journalling: I am me. In all the world there is no one else like me. Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine, because I alone chose it - I own everything about me: my body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions, whether they be to others or myself. I own my fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears. I own my triumphs and successes, all my failures and mistakes... I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do. I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive, and to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me. I own me, and therefore, I can engineer me. I am Me, and I am Okay. - Virginia Satir.

Credits for this Layout: Serenity Kit by Stephinette and Gwenipooh; November calendar template from Miss Mint 2009 Calendar Stamps from Peppermint Creative;

A Letter to Zion

Zion and I were left at home today while the rest of the family went out to do the grocery. I was staring closely at Zion while he was busy playing with his PSP. How fast time flies. It was only today that I realized that Zion is no longer a baby (though I still call him "baby", and he still thinks he is still a baby). He is slowly growing up to be a little boy who's eager to explore the world. I know soon, he will ask THAT dreaded question. Sooner or later, he will notice how he's different from his classmates and from other kids who have a "normal" family setup. Oh well.. I guess I'll cross the bridge when I get there. Besides, I have been preparing for it since day1.

In my layout today, I created a personal letter to Zion. He may not be able to read it now. But I know someday, he'll be able to. Hopefully, when that time comes, he'll be able to appreciate everything and every effort I have done for him.

Journalling:

Dear Zion,

Time flies so fast. As if it was only yesterday when I learned that I will be given the chance to bring forth life. It was a mixture of fear and excitement. Fear because I know this will not be easy for the two of us. After all, we've only got each other to rely on. Excitement because I know we have a lifetime of smiles, laughter, and happiness to look forward to.

Now you are three years old. The glow in your eyes and that cheerful grin had always helped me get through every grief, sorrow, and heart ache. You are the reason why I look forward to every sunrise. You are the reason why I brave all hardships at work, and why I strive to do my best in everything I do. You are the fullness and fulfillment of my being and my existence. I thank God for sending you into my life. I love you Zion.

~ Mommy ~

Credits for this layout: Fall Collection 2009 by Kevin and Amanda; Strawberry Nirvana Kit from Let Me Scrap; Happiness WordArt from Feel the Love Collection - Petit Lips;

Of Siblings and Simple Joys

If I will be asked what are those moments that make me truly happy, I believe these are the simple things - some of which are a hug and kiss from son, losing a few pounds, long weekends, and the bonding moments between me and my brother Philip. Despite the 14-years gap (yup.. I'm 31 and my brother is turning 17 this August), everytime my brother and I get together, there will surely be no dull moments. Our pictures together can be considered full of fun and laughter.

Take the case of the pictures I used in this layout. These are some of the wacky pictures that were taken in HK Disney and the Wax Museum (also in HK). We don't actually talk about how should we pose, but when the two of us get in front of the camera, somehow, we know how to make those shots less boring and not the usual "smiling" shots.

Credits for this layout: Love All Year Long Kit from JadyDayStudio available at jadydaystudio.blogspot.com; WordArt from WordArts Crazy Circus by Pouyou designs available at digital-crea.ch.

Life Is Worth Living

It's a four-day vacation for us. Whooohoo!! After some very stressful days at work, I was able to take some rest and relaxation and spend time with my precious Zion.

I devoted most of my layouts for the month of April to my son Zion. For my layout this week, I chose a layout which features my son and I while we are walking at the Boardwalk in Subic. The journalling I used simply expressed my happiness and feelings in having a son as lovable and as precious as my Zion.

Journalling: Life has given me my share of joys and sorrows, good and bad times, success and failures. It has opened my eyes to the ugly and beautiful. It has allowed me to reach the highest peaks. But it has also allowed me to feel pain and defeat in their purest forms. I was able to taste heaven and have been through hell and back. All these life has thrown at me. Despite everything, life is still worth living... Worth living because of you... my Zion.

Credits for this layout: Sweet Envy Kit 5 from scrapmalin.com.

February Calendar Layout

To keep up with my plan at the start of the year, I am now posting my calendar layout for the month of February. Since February is know to be the month of love and Valentine's Day, my calendar layout for this month features my friend/kumpare Pao and his finacee' Mau. I will not tell how Pao proposed to Mau but these lovely couple is set to tie the knot this coming June. They are considering my son, Zion, to be the ringbearer or coinbearer during their marriage. I am hoping it pushes through. I am happy that despite the commitment-phobic generation we have nowadays, there are still couples who pass the test of fire and exemplify the true essence of Valentines - Love.

Credits for this layout: Mi Amor Kit from shineangel.canalblog.com; Tendrement kit from sevdesigns.net. WordArt from About Love wordart set at elisja.blogspot.com; Calendar template from MissMint 2009 Calendars at PeppermintCreative.com.

Sunset

I'm feeling sentimental today. Allow me to keep the reason to myself. I'll just let out the feelings and the thoughts via digiscrapping. I chose the sunset picture taken at a beach because I always associate sunset with the thought of leaving. It's something nice to watch, but not too nice to think about. I just hope this not-so-good feeling also leaves me soon. =(

The picture used in this layout features the sunset at Bohol Beach Club. My brother and I were just lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it while strolling at the beach.

Credits for this layout: Grace Kit from SweetDigiScraps

Sleeping Child

If one asks me to define or describe peace and serenity, the best way I could describe it is to ask that person to look at a sleeping child or baby. I don't know why, but there seems to be something peaceful and calming everytime I look at a sleeping baby (like Zion's picture above). Looking at my son sleeping helps me ease out whatever troubles or worries I have at work or in my personal life. It sort of silences the inner noise in me. Somehow, it takes me back to time when my own mother (and grandmother) tried to calm me by assuring me that they are always there by my side and everything will be alright. So the next time you feel that the world around you is in chaos, try to look at a sleeping child. Just like me, you may find peace and comfort in them.

Picture used in this layout was taken when Zion was about 5 or 6 months old. I was actually experimenting with the color features of my new digital camera that time. Though the entire layout was created using Photoshop, the sepia color in the picture was done via the color feature of my digicam. I'm still figuring out how to do it (i.e. change the picture's color to sepia) using Photoshop (CS3). Any suggestions will be appreciated. =)

Journalling:

"... Sa aking pagtulog na labis ang himbing

Ang bantay ko'y tala, ang tanod ko'y bituin

Sa piling ni Nanay, langit ang buhay

Puso kong may dusa, sabik sa ugoy ng duyan..."

- Filipino Song - Sa Ugoy ng Duyan

Credits for this layout: Java Joe Kit and Endless Ephemera Collection 1 and 2 from raspberryroaddesigns.net.

You Complete Me

If there's one thing I realized when Zion arrived is the sense of fulfillment he has brought into my life. Prior to having Zion, I must admit that I'm a happy-go-lucky type of person. Yes, I work hard and earn a decent living, but the reason and the purpose why I work hard is not that clear to me yet. During that time, I work to spend, and sometimes I spend on things that I don't necessarily need. During that time, I really had no definite goal in my life. Zion's arrival had caused a 180 degree turn in my life. For one, I learned the value of responsibility. I live no longer for myself. There was another being who's dependent on me. Today, I know I need to strive for a better future not only for myself, but for Zion as well. Today, my goals are no longer centered on myself, but it already involves a tiny being with a big importance in my life - Zion. Somehow, despite the consequences that surround his arrival into this world, Zion completed me.

For this layout, I chose a picture of me and Zion which was shot in a studio. Zion was only about 3 or 4 months old when this picture was taken.

Credits for this layout: Serendipity Kit from Mandy Mystiques at elementalscraps.com.