the happiest season / 2011

Title: Christmas Violin
Size: 24 inches in diameter
Medium: Mixed Media
Artist: betsisanders 2011

The Wreath ... symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases, like God's love which has no beginning or end. Its circular shape represents eternity, the unending cycle of life, everlasting life.

The Holly ... its branches has thorns which represent the thorns on Jesus' crown when He was crucified. The bright red holly berries symbolize Jesus' blood that was shed for us.

Santa Claus ... symbolizes the generosity and kindness we feel during the month of December.

The Candle ... symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see the great Light, we are reminded of Jesus who fills our lives with light.

The Christmas Tree .... tannenbaum, s German word for fir tree, is often translated into English as Christmas Tree. The fir tree's green color remains green all year round, represents everlasting hope of mankind. Its needles point upward or 'heaven' ward, which is man's thoughts turning toward heaven.

The Nativity Scene .. is a depiction of Jesus' birth in a manger, inlcuding His parents, Mary & Joseph. It may also include a shepherd, the three Kings,and an angel. In most cases, an ox and a donkey are included, which represent the people of Israel and the Gentiles.

The Angel.... announced the glorious news of the Savior's birth.












The Gingerbread Man... makes its appearance during the most wonderful season. The gingerbread man is a biscuit with a ginger flavor in the shape of a person. Our gingerbread men stuffed toys hang in our tree this season.

Tones & Colors / Nov. 8 - 28, 2011

Tones and Colors Group Painting Exhibit at The Art Gallery of the Philippine Heart Center, runs from November 8 to 28, 2011. A vibrant display of fifty pieces of paintings by different artists depicting varied themes and inspirations, is made possible by Mr. Fernando 'Nanding' Sena, in his pursuit of supporting fellow established artists and encourage newbies in the art scene.



Title: Ballet Dancer
Size: 3 x 3 feet
Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas
Artist: betsisanders
Price: Php 20,ooo



Title: Christ the King
Artist: Fernando B. Sena
NOT FOR SALE / Donation



Title: Ang Tatlong Burdadera
Size: 3 x 3 feet
Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas
Artist: Remy Boquiren
Price: Php 270,ooo


Title: Dawn Bamboo
Size: 3 x 3 feet
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Artist: Cesar Montano
Price: Php 60,ooo
betsisanders with Cesar Montano

betsisanders with Ms. Claire Malanyaon (sports artist and artist for Hollywood stars) Ms. Claire has an exhibit at The Manadalay Bay this week in Las Vegas. She paints portraits of sports superstars like Manny Pacquiao and Michael Jordan, Hollywood star Brad Pitt is also one of her clients.
She was Mr. Sena's art student.

... with my mentor and art teacher, Mr. Fernando B. Sena.

i know how it felt

Title: Nude
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas
Artist: betsisanders 2011

Overwhelming sadness...

I know how it felt, I know how it hurt.

I used to wake up in the middle of the night screaming, not remembering the dream. I wake up in the morning and realize that she is gone. I close my eyes and try to go back to sleep, but sleep evades me. I know that she in a better place, that her death is the end of her suffering, a relief. Yet it hurts to know that I will never hug her, ever again.

I cry in the shower so no one will hear me scream, I wait for everyone to sleep so I can fall apart. I hide my pain and pretend that everything is okay. I keep silent even when I feel like screaming. I put a smile on my face and pretend to be fine, but every breath I take is painful. It is not easy to be enveloped with overwhelming sadness.

Nude paintings based on originals. The text has nothing to do with the paintings. . .
... I just remembered and wrote how I felt. It still hurts, but life goes on.

My wishes...

To laugh as often as I can,
To giggle or chuckle
...and not whmper, sob or weep
... and hope to never shed another tear.

To grab every chance on happiness,
To dance to the music that life plays,
To sing or hum along with life's melodies,

To receive all that life gives me,
To accept, even if it could break my heart,
To learn from these heartaches,

To grab every opportunity to make myself a better,
more caring and more loving individual,
To gain and benefit from life's blessings,

To endure the suffering caused by failed relationships,
To bear the pain from the holes in my heart,
To allow others to mend and fill up these holes,
To heal and forgive fast,

To never be angry, hurt or lonely,
To never despair and lose hope,

To love more those beautiful persons who love me back,

To not fear death,
Instead ... to start living,

To want or desire some things,
.... and let the universe help in obtaining all these wishes,

To pray and always be thankful,
To someday be with those loved ones who have gone ahead,
To take my place, my reserved seat, beside my Creator,

To be remembered by you,
To be kept in your heart always,
To know that my purpose and journey
Has brought some meaning in your life.

So dear friend, stay safe
When the time comes that I cannot b e with you,
Keep me in your heart...
.... and remember that every drop of rain
is a teardrop from my heart.

/ betsisanders 2011

i'll keep them in my heart but not in my life ...

Title: Nude
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas
Artist: betsisanders 2011


I have been hurt, disappointed, frustrated. I've had failed relationships and find it difficult to forgive others, those who have wronged me. I have missed numerous opportunities. Some of my dreams & aspirations have died. I felt guilty for what I had done wrong or for those things I failed to do. I am shamed. While guilt is about something wrong that I had done. Shame, as I have learned in a life class, is something wrong with who I am.

For a long time, I blamed myself for everything that had gone wrong in my life. It was all my fault and I cried buckets. I thought I was not smart enough, not pretty enough, not rich enough, not good enough,.... not enough.

At one point, I blamed others. It wasn't all my fault. It takes 'two to tango', two to fight and two to make things right. That was what I thought.

Maya Angelou said "When people show you who they are the first time, believe them."

I had seen them, seen their true faces,
I knew she was self centered, selfish, narcissistic,
I knew she was user-friendly and immoral
I knew that her past time was gossiping.
I knew she was a social climber.
I knew that she was good for nothing, a liar, a leech, a cheat
.... but I gave excuses for her behavior.
I wished that maybe, in time, she will change.
I gave her permission to be in my life.

When I was betrayed and hurt by a loved one, a friend, a sister,
I went into self doubt, felt unworthy and 'not enough'.
I asked ...
"Why didn't I see that? How can I be a dolt?
Am I really that stupid?
Why did I allow them to hurt me ? "

I learned that...
"I am responsible for what others bring into my life.
I am the only one who gets to say what goes on in my life.
If people hurt me, it is because I allowed them. "

I also learned that "When crazy comes into your own family, or within your circle of friends, is it okay to walk away and never have a relationship with them? As a child, I had to stay. As an adult, I have a choice. I released my story. I can have a good relationship with them within myself, not necessarily have a physical relationship. By continuing to be angry means I still care and wish to go back to the way it was."

So, I shall forgive them. I have made peace with them within myself. I have released them to God, Who is the ultimate judge.

How do I know I have forgiven?
...when I don't feel anything anymore
...when I have no more emotions
...when I can talk about the past and not be upset
...it is just as it is.

Finally, I will forgive myself for judging myself. First, let go of the guilt that I did something wrong. Then let go of my shame... That there is something wrong with who I am. ... Just let go and let God.

"When I turn my back, walk away, close my door and keep them shut, it is because I value my peace of mind and myself more. They are not worth my time and my love. I'll keep them in my heart but not in my life." / betsisanders 2011

wake up, get up, show up

Title: Nude
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas
Artist: betsisanders 2011


Who you are as a person is what matters ... not where you studied, your diplomas or degrees; not where you live or what cars you drive; not the designer clothes, bags or jewelry you flaunt; not where you shop or dine; not the "who's who" in society you rub elbows with; not even the church where you worship.

When stripped of all these things, what defines you?

Some are defined by their parents, siblings, partners or their children. ... I watched a show where they featured a man, a medical doctor, whose wife and two daughters were raped, murdered and burned to death. He said that his life revolved around his family and now that they have passed, he is lost. He is stripped of everything that defined him.

What matters? What counts?... when everything is gone, when all that's left is you. ... bare, naked, stripped...

What matters is one's personal integrity, honesty, truthfulness, values and principles.

So, when there is nothing left to define you... "Wake up, get up. show up to the world ... with integrity... kindness and gratitude".


/ betsisanders 2011



[ my version of original nude paintings ]

an expression of my life's purpose

Title: 'an expression of my life's purpose'
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas
Artist: betsisanders 2011

"an expression of my life's purpose"

A benefit of age, of being golden,
... is knowing how to ignore what others think or say;
... is being courageous to stand up on my own
and not be intimidated with other people's opinions;
... is doing what my heart desires;
... fulfilling my dreams now;
... realizing that there isn't much time left
and that my end is near.
So, dear friend ...
... I leave you my art,
for you to keep in your heart,
where I shall remain forever.

LOL lots of love, betsisanders 2011

Say it with flowers ...

Title: Say it with flowers
Medium: Acrylic
Size: 3 ft x 3 ft
Artist: betsisanders 2011

What follows is a poem by Fernando Pessoa. [Pessoa was a Portuguese poet, writer, literary critic and translator described as one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century and one of the greatest poets in the Portuguese language. (June 13, 1888 - November 30, 1935)

A Poem by Fernando Pessoa

Listen, Daisy, When I die, although You may not feel a thing,
you must tell all my friends in London how much my loss makes you suffer.
Then go to York, where you claim you were born (But I don't believe a thing you claim),
To tell that poor boy who gave me so many hours of joy
(but of course you don't know about that) that I'm dead.
Even he, whom I thought I sincerely loved, won't care. . .
Then go and break the news to that strange girl Cecily,
Who believed that one day I'd be great. . .
To hell with life and everyone in it!

>>>>>>>>

I found the ending of the poem quite funny. The poem has nothing to do with this blog. I just thought I'd quote it. ... and let you analyze it, or perhaps, not analyze it at all. Just laugh at it like I did.

>>>>>>>>


Forgiveness .....

I have experienced pain from a relationship with a friend from high school. The memory of the pain sits deep and gnaws inside me. I do not forgive because I feel that if I do, I am setting her free or I am forgetting the wrong that has been done. She has to pay for the hurt, the damage, the anguish that she has caused me. She betrayed my trust and disrespected me.

This evening, after I watched a movie with my boys, Alvin and I were walking leisurely at the mall, while I savored the frozen yogurt... I chanced upon the husband and daughter of my 'frenemy'. She is back in the country. My smile quickly turned into a frown; I found myself walking fast and walking away; my tranquil heart started to beat faster; there was turbulence deep inside my chest. Adrenaline and norepinephrine surged. It was either a fight or a flight. I chose to flee and run away.

I kept on repeating these words in my mind. "If you don't like something, change it, If you can't change it, change your attitude." This was posted in one of my friends status updates and I memorized it. It has been six hours since, and I am still saying these words in my head.

I was very upset. I wanted to paint, but it was past midnight. So, I opted to read instead... to keep myself busy, to distract my mind, to try and be calm. I read Marianne Williamson's Facebook status. She wrote and I quote, " Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. This isn't theory, it's an unalterable fact, a law of the universe. So don't worry if you can't see the result of your forgiveness just yet; know that any mental breakthrough from fear to love generates a cosmic engine of miraculous breakthrough as sure as the sun's rising or setting. That faith on your part, your knowledge of spiritual law, will be a force magnifier that brings the miracle into manifestation more powerfully and quickly." This is from ACIM , A Course in Miracles. .... I posted it on my 'wall'., turned off the computer, prayed the rosary and forced myself to sleep.

Sure... forgive... I still battle with forgiveness.

.... I still hold on to anger. This anger that takes away my joy, my happiness... disturbs the calm that I have worked for and achieved.

I need to forgive and forgive fast...NOW!

Jesus, please help me.

>>>>>>>>

I have this tiny white teddy bear angel with a small halo on its head, with its front paws together and rear paws bended, and when you press on one of its paws, it would start saying its evening prayers.

"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
and if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. "

>>>>>>>>
The poem, the blog, not even the teddy bear angel, have anything to do with the painting. It's just one of those days when some things do not make sense. Remember the sermon of the flower? keep it in mind, it helps.

Goodnight everyone =]=]=]

The Cheerful Ballerina

Title: The Cheerful Ballerina
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 3 x 3 feet
Artist: betsisanders 2011

Amidst conflict and chaos, surrounded by the noise of life and living with uncertainty, the ballerina sits, is cheerful, content, blessed and secure.

********

Living in a chaotic world, in the middle of uncertain times and raging storms in life, I have learned to cope with the unhappiness that surrounds me. I have no major health issues at the moment. I have learned to deal with diabetes, chronic pain syndrome, cervical spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, chronic gastritis. Have been in pain management for the past five years and a diabetic for twenty two years.

I have learned to cope, to not complain, to suffer in silence and to count my blessings instead of sulking and crying all the time. I am beyond playing the victim, the suffering patient. I have learned to alleviate the pain, to transform my pain into paintings, prose and cakes. I have learned to be quiet, not bother those around me with my troubles...and by doing so, I have lessened the load that I carried. I thought .... "if life hands me lemons, I will make lemonade."

It was my 25th wedding anniversary last August 17, and I spent it with my two boys. A quiet day with them and dinner. I was happy... and prayed that my days would always be this way, dearly loved by my husband and my son, these two beautiful people whom I live for.

A few good people greeted me in Facebook, sent me emails and texts, some of them do not even know Boyet personally, yet they were happy for us. They are good friends who share our triumphs, who appreciate and are generous with praise, such loving individuals. Thank you =]

LOL... Live on Love... betsisanders 2011

ballerina in pink

Title: Ballerina in Pink
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Artist: betsisanders 2011

This painting is my version of an original painted by a Foot & Mouth artist. The ballerina in the original painting was in blue. I made a watercolor painting of this ballerina and wrote that she was deep in thought, while tyeing her shoelaces; she was probably rehearsing her steps in her mind; or simply resting before she starts her vigorous training; or quietly enjoying the peaceful moment, in silence.

This time, she is thinking of her own mortality.

Death..... everyday, we die, we sleep, we regenerate, like the caterpillar who builds a cocoon , hides himself and 'sleeps' for days or weeks... only to come out more beautiful, majestic, elegant,,,, have become much better than its old self.

This is how she sees death.. a metamorphosis. a rebirth... we will become 'butterflies' with beautiful wings, who can fly and soar...
be an inspiration for writers, poets, musicians , painters,

We are near the end of our lives, just like the caterpillar in “Alice in Wonderland', who said.... “I'll see you in my next life. “ One day, we shall fly and soar up high, and be with our Creator.

betsisanders 2011

ballerina... dream!

Title: ballerina ... dream!
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Artist: betsisanders / July 2011

On dreams... other people cannot make your dreams come true. ...
..... only you can .

betsisanders 2011

ballerina ... dance!

Title: Ballerina... Dance!
Medium: Acrylic in Canvas
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Artist: betsisanders / July 2011

Being liked by a lot of people is popularity;
Being significant in someone's life is more important.
Be an inspiration to others;
Inspire others in Art.
....being happy is not as important as making other people happy.

Dance ballerina! ... your art inspires. By expressing yourself, you not just make yourself happy, but make others happier.

Live, love and dance =]

ballerina... shine!

Title: ballerina... shine
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Artist: betsisanders / July 2011

.... "to start a day is just like painting
draw the lines with prayers
erase errors with forgiveness
dip the brush with lots of patience
color it with love" (Jayeeta)

I read this in Paolo Coelho's blog. A certain Jayeeta posted this comment. ... beautiful.

ballerina

Title: ballerina
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Artist: betsisanders / July 2011

While watching the biography of Vincent Van Gogh at the Bio Channel, one tranquil morning, the narrator said ... 'Van Gogh never sold a painting and gave away all of his paintings. One recipient even used his paintings for target shooting.' =[ I found myself in tears, again in tears.

Some people... small minded, unappreciative, ... do not see the goodness, intentions, aspirations, dreams of artists. The artist's creations, may be a photograph, a poem, a song, a casserole dish, a cake, one's Christmas tree, a table setup, fruits in a bowl, a painting... all these ,however simple... are expressions of the artist's soul.

“Art is the power aimed at developing the soul.”

the naked ballerina

Title: The Naked Ballerina
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Artist: betsisanders 2011


This ballerina... 'the naked ballerina'... stripped of all pretensions, bare, naked, taken apart, where only her truth is revealed, where only her soul exists; she dismantled all the walls she built in her entire life; is free from the dictates of other people; found solace in being; is tranquil; is content in being simple, or simply being; where grief, anger, loneliness, discomfort and pain are things of her past; has overcome her fear of aging; lives a full happy life; ready to face the inevitable, that thing which is certain.... we came into this world naked and shall leave the same.

betsisanders / july 2011

Two Fishes

Title: Two Kois
Size : 12 x 14 inches
Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas
Artist: betsisanders 2010

'there were two fishes in a bowl. one day, one fish died, the owner was astounded to see that the water in the fishbowl had doubled. now how did this happen?...it’s the tears of the other fish. That’s called Friendship. (from someone named Jayeeta).

Friends ... they are your husbands or life partners, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, classmates and schoolmates, travel buddies, office mates, org mates... those people you love and love you back.

Value them, keep them, make them feel needed and wanted, treasure them, tell them that you love them... life is short.

betsisanders 2011

The Pink Ballerina

Title: The Pink Ballerina
Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Artist: betsisanders 2011
Date: May 6, 2011

“today is a good day as any other to leave this world...”(Paolo Coelho)

*************************

'the desire for perfection' ... aren't we all driven by desire? to be different, to stand out, to succeed, to excel, to be perfect? we live very stressful lives, always in competition mode. .. and to compete with whom? mostly with ourselves. in the process, we hurt, we ache, most often, manifested in physical and emotional pain.... burning, piercing, stabbing, gnawing pain... slowly consuming our minds and our bodies.

you find yourself crying alone, ... and no amount of medications can ease the pain. in the stillness of the night, you quietly sob, so no one can hear, no one can know how much you suffer, sleep evades you. ... sleep comes because the body had to shut down, only to wake up a couple of hours later at the wee hours of the morning, staring at the ceiling, with only the four walls of your bedroom looking back at you.

this is the calm... the quiet stillness of the night. this is when you create, paint, write, or simply sit still like the ballerina on the painting. how you wish you can make time stop and be still, sit quietly and linger longer in this calm, before life sets in again. this is the calm after every stormy day... after a storm, you hear the birds sing, you see a rainbow, a new beginning....but after this calm, there will be another storm... another day...

in life... we say "I'm not good enough, smart enough, thin enough,pretty enough, rich enough.... I'm not enough." Or ..."I'm not perfect." Some give up, choose not to participate, quit... because they can never be as pretty, as smart or good enough... or perfect...

Fr. Orbos says, “Be kind to others, but be kinder to yourself.”.. so, who cares if I'm not smart enough, nor thin enough, nor rich enough....”

Anthony Doerr said, “Anyone who has spent a few nights in a tent during a storm can tell you: The world doesn't care all that much if you live or die.

I say, “it is only in death that one can achieve perfection... can there be lasting peace and everlasting calm.” Death ends all suffering... the black swan, frail and obsessive, fell into madness, blurred her perception of reality, driven by her desire to attain perfection... attained perfection in death.

I always say, if no one appreciates, there is always One Who does, and that is good enough for me.

In the meantime ... when death hasn't come your way, sit like the ballerina, sit still, be still, be calm.... and you know what? it is in this stillness that God is present.

[Painting inspired by a photograph of Natalie Portman in the movie “The Black Swan”. This movie is one of the most intense movies I've watched so far.]

/ betsisanders 2011

the sunny ballerina ... on friendship

Title: The Sunny Ballerina ... 'on friendship'
Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Artist: betsisanders 2011
Date: May 6, 2011

What is a friend? A single soul, dwelling in two bodies" - Aristotle

The sunny ballerina, is still at the springtime of her life, as I hope to still be in my mine. (In reality, I'm at the autumn of my life.) it is at this point in my insignificant life that I value friendship more than anything. . Friends can be husbands or life partners, children ( my fabulous son), travel buddies, high school and grade school classmates, colleagues in dentistry, and some FB cyber friends.

So what is friendship? It's an interpersonal relationship. According to the Roman philosopher Cicero, “In order to have a true friendship with someone, one must have complete honesty, truth, and trust. He also thought that friends would do things for each other without expectation of repayment.

The following are just some of the basic requirements for true and lasting interrelationships with our so called precious friends.

• desire what is best for the other

• Sympathy and empathy

• Value, be free speak the truth, even if it hurts. only a true friend can do it and dare to risk losing the friendship.

• Mutual understanding and compassion ; which sometimes we forget or fail to deliver.

• Trust in one another,
  

• Positive reciprocity - a relationship is based on equal give and take between the two parties.

If one is missing, friendships tend to wane , drift away and lost. What a loss, you might say.. No dear, because there are others who are more deserving of your love,your time , your resources... those people who love you back .

>>>>>>>>>>>

The different kinds of friends, where do you belong?

Best friend (or the closest friend): A person with whom someone shares extremely strong interpersonal ties with as a friend.

BFF ("best friend forever"): Slang used primarily in the USA by teenage and young adult women to describe a girl friend or close best friend.

Bro: Slang used primarily by teenage and young adult men to describe a boy friend or close best friend. This term is currently used to describe the modern generation of college-age male party-goers. The name is typically associated with attention-seeking males who like to get drunk and party constantly.

Sis: Also slang used primarily like "Bro" but for women and girls.

Buddy: Buddies are also acquaintances that you have during certain events, like travel buddies

Family friend: A friendship extended to family members of the friends.

Cross-sex friendship: A person having a friend of the opposite sex with having little or no sexual or romantic activity: a male who has a female friend, or a female who has a male friend. Historically cross-sex friendships have been rare. This is because often men would labor in order to support themselves and their family, while women stayed at home and took care of the housework and children. The lack of contact led to men forming friendships exclusively with their colleagues, and women forming friendships with other stay-at-home mothers. However, as women attended schools more and as their presence in the workplace increased, the segregated friendship dynamic was altered, and cross-sex friendships began to increase. Cross-sex friendship has once been a sign of gender deviance, but now it has been loosened because of the increase of gender equality in schools and the workplace, along with certain interests and pastimes such as sports.

Frenemy: frenemy refers to someone who pretends to be a friend but actually is an enemy—a proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing in the world of friendships. This is also known as a love–hate relationship. Most people have encountered a frenemy at one time or another in the same places one might find friends—school, work, the neighborhood. A frenemy is a potential source of irritation and stress.

Fruit flies,fag hag or fag stag : denotes a person (usually heterosexual) who forms deep ties or close friendships with gay men. Men (gay or straight) who have lesbian friends have been referred to as lezbros or lesbros. The term has often been claimed by these straight members in gay-straight friendships, however some feel that it is derogatory.

Imaginary friend: a non-physical friend created by a child or even an adult. Sometimes they're human, other times they're animals like the life-size rabbit in the old Jimmy Stewart movie, Harvey. Imaginary friends are also created for people desperate for social interaction but are isolated from contact with humans and pets.

Internet relationship: a form of friendship which takes place over the internet. Some internet friendships evolve into real life friendships. Internet friendships are in similar context to a pen pal. These friendships are also based on the thought that the other person that they may not have ever met in real life knows them for who they are instead of the mask they may use in real life.

Pen pal: people who have a relationship via postal correspondence. Now pen pals has been established into internet friendship with the use of chat or social networking sites. They may or may not have met each other in person and may share either love, friendship, or simply an acquaintance between each other.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Friendship and Health

1. Good friends encourage their friends to lead more healthy lifestyles;

2. Good friends encourage their friends to seek help and access services, when needed;

3. Good friends enhance their friends' coping skills in dealing with illness and other health problems; and/or

4. Good friends actually affect physiological pathways that are protective of health.

>>>>

thanks to google, wikipedia and other sources of information thru the www, i was able to compile this blog about friendship....

when i asked an old friend to describe me in one word, he said, 'friend'... thanks sir =] i try to be the best friend i can be but if i sometimes do not meet your expectations, then, maybe i am not the friend you need. take care all =]

be well, be safe and have a nice life my good old friends....

love , love lots and truly love / (betsisanders - may 2011)

three is not a crowd

-->

Title: Three Friends
Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Artist: betsisanders 2011
Date: May 6, 2011

This was inspired by a painting I saw at the Marina Mandarin Hotel Singapore,where we stayed last January, 2011. Since I couldn't afford to buy the painting that was on exhibit, I decided to make my own version of the three ballerinas.

My thoughts.......

Three friends ... In high school, I had two lovely ladies as my constant companions, Aya and Mitchie. The three of us were always laughing at the corniest jokes or the most insignificant trivial things, simple fun. After college, they both left for greener pastures and I was left behind in Manila. I got reunited again with them last June 2010. I was at the PAL check in counter at the San Francisco airport , waiting for my flight back to Manila, ...when I heard girls giggling... My two lovely bff's were right there at the check in counter, waiting for me and 'giggling'. We only had a few minutes to chat and take photos. But those were very precious moments. As soon as I boarded the plane bound for Manila, I started to cry. I already missed them. I said " I left my heart at the San Francisco airport." =[

Three more friends.... Dr. Aimee, Dr. Olive and Dr. Joey. My personal physicians. They are not just friends but family. They helped me take care, manage, 'treat' my ailing Nanay. Nanay suffered all the complications of Diabetes Mellitus.

These wonderful individuals , accomplished renowned physicians in their fields of expertise, were always around to support and help me, even listen to me cry all night. Thanks my dearest doctor friends... I miss you so much !!!! { i hope to find a nice photo of the three of you together , please send me one} =]=]=]

>>>>>>>>

Dr. Sandy Alinas (ninang of Alvin), Dr. Lilet Galban, & Dr. Susan Academia... my dearest truest friends in dentistry. I used to go out with others, but through the years, I have dropped some from my 'real friends' list'. Only these three ladies have stayed on. They understand my moods, have kept a comfortable distance , accept and love me warts and all... fats and all. Hope to see you girls soon. {no picture of Susan here... maybe next time}

There are other friends, travel buddies, fb friends, schoolmates from st paul,..i'll write about you guys next time ...love, love lots, truly love....

>>>

So what is friendship?... til my next blog ...

betsisanders 2011

The Ballerina

Title: The Ballerina
Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Artist: betsisanders 2011
Date: May 4, 2011

"the classic ballerinas are always on tiptoe because they are at the same time touching the earth and reaching for the sky..." (Paolo Coelho)

This painting was inspired by Madam Alita, mother of Gigi Acuna.

I never met Alita. I only saw her twice. First, was in a newspaper article about Zoricho. She was seated amongst her children. The article said that most of the recipes in the restaurant were Madam Alita's. The second time was during her wake at the Mt. Carmel Church.

After the mass and prayers, we approached Alita's remains to say a few personal silent prayers. As I looked on, I noticed a painting of a young woman, in a tutu and toe shoes. The painting was done in 1961. It was Alita at her prime, a young lovely ballerina.

I asked permission from Gigi if I could take a photo of the painting and if I could make my version of Madam Alita, the ballerina.

I never knew Alita, but she inspired me to paint and write this blog (from her grave).

Madam Alita Acuna, the ballerina

" ... dream on and follow your dreams
.......live your dreams...
be yourself and catch that star,
don't stop at dreaming, make life happen.
... if you fail today, try again tomorrow.
if no one likes what you do, never mind
........because He does.
you've left a mark, a remembrance,
if no one cares, it's alright.
... live your life for you, that will suffice..."

blog written at 4:20 am / April 27, 2011

>>>>>>>>

it's Mothers' Day on Sunday. I miss my Nanay. She was a pharmacist (Graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas; a medical technologist (graduate of St. Johns Hopkins, a Ford Foundation scholar); a dedicated wife; and my Nanay.

This is my Nanay, Angelita Africa Tolentino. (1931-2000)
Mahal na mahal kita Nanay !!! I'll see you soon =]
Happy Mothers' Day

you don't have to read this...

Title: Flowers

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Size: 5 x 7 inches

Artist: betsisanders


YOU DON'T HAVE TO READ THIS!

But I have to write this. Journals used to be called diaries, which were kept in camphor chests, hidden, locked in. ... but not anymore.

Singers need to sing, dancers swing, painters paint and writers blog.

We don't just 'blog' about our lives or we will run out of material. There are all sorts of bloggers, picture bloggers, food bloggers, travel bloggers, art bloggers.... name it, we are everywhere.

Journaling or blogging is an outlet, an expression of one's personality or art, a way to release emotions. Why do we do it? Most of us don't get paid for it, but we still do it and do it often.

In today's technology, we can track down our readers, our followers. We can even track the number of times our blogs are viewed. ... and this is quite gratifying. Some of those who have viewed my blogs have even written personal emails and say they appreciate what I do. Some say they get amused and I put a smile on their faces =] some laugh, LOL...

So my dear friends, readers, followers, Thank you for your expressions of appreciation, your support, your kind words... you really didn't have to read this blog, but you did.

I always say that if one person appreciates what I do, then it is enough. If no one appreciates, I know there is One Who does, and that is more than enough.

HAPPY EASTER !!!

TODAY'S BLOG..... entiendes? entiendo!

I understand why our relationship has been severely damaged.

I understand the irreparable damage.

I understand the pain that you have caused me.

I even understand the lies you've told about me.

I understand why you blame me... or why you did it.

I understand why you didn't love me back.
I understand that my kindness wasn't enough,
..you didn't need a friend, you needed and wanted more than I can give.
I understand your greed.
You grabbed my whole arm when I offered a helping hand.
I understand your selfishness, self love , is it?

I do understand... but that doesn't mean I accept.

The hurt, the bad memories still remain. it just takes a small nudge and it resurfaces again.

If I die before you do, it is freedom... my liberation from understanding you. It is difficult to always be walking on eggshells , to always be understanding.

Entiendes? Entiendo!

......................

I love flowers. I love painting flowers. I also love receiving flowers.
Give me flowers when I can still touch and smell them; when my eyes can still see and appreciate their beautiful colors. Do not send flowers when I die. Send them now, when I am well and able to thank you.

{Dear readers, I do not write solely based on my life. I write what others feel, yet fail to express.}

/ blog written on April 14, 2011 / My little angel would have turned 24 today.
/ blog published today April 24, 2011....Happy Easter everyone!!!

love, love lots, truly love.... betsisanders 2011