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