... if an old girl is quiet ...

Title:  If an old girl is quiet

Size:  5x7 inches

Medium:  Acrylic on Canvas

Artist:  betsisanders 2016

... if an old girl is quiet, she's either reading, writing,

painting or praying.  Take care everyone.

Let's pray for each other.

My "cheery" Cherry Blossoms 2016

Title:  My "cheery" Cherry Blossoms 2016

Size:  5x7 inches

Medium:  Acrylic on Canvas

Artist:  betsisanders

• During our trip to Seoul, a couple of years back, we chanced upon seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom and the festival was moved a week early.  The Flower Sermon

  “One day the Buddha silently held up a flower. This was the famous “Flower Sermon.” In the story, Śākyamuni gives a wordless sermon to his disciples (sangha) by holding up a white flower. No one in the audience understood the Flower Sermon except Mahākāśyapa, who smiled. The Flower Sermon signifies the direct transmission of wisdom without words.        “Pick up flower … subtle smile.” 

• 💛 💛 💛 🌸🌸🌸🌼🌼🌼

Flowers 2016

Title:  Flowers 2016

Size: 5x7 inches

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Artist: betsisanders 

• 
  

•  💛 💛 💛 🌸🌸🌸🌼🌼🌼

  The Flower Sermon

  One day the Buddha silently held up a flower. This was the famous “Flower Sermon.” In the story, Śākyamuni gives a wordless sermon to his disciples (sangha) by holding up a white flower. No one in the audience understood the Flower Sermon except Mahākāśyapa, who smiled. The Flower Sermon signifies the direct transmission of wisdom without words. 

  "Pick up flower, subtle smile."

Two "Ducks" 2016

Title: Two "Ducks"

Size: 5x7 inches
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Artist: betsisanders

Early this morning, I watched a video of two male swans that got stuck together while probably fighting for territory and how two photographers helped untangle the swans. These swan fights usually end in tragedy, when these male swans end up biting each other.

But what I noticed was how each swan walked in different or opposite directions and flapped their wings vigorously. I remember writing about how ducks who get into fights would separate and float in opposite directions,then flap their wings vigorously, as if releasing pent up anger left during the fight and walk away as if nothing happened.

May I quote:
"When two ducks get into a fight, which never lasts long, they will separate and float off in opposite directions. Then each duck will flap its wings vigorously a few times, thus releasing the surplus energy that built up during the fight. After they flap their wings, they float on peacefully, as if nothing happened." (Taken from the Power of Now)

I often write this quotation on my blog when I post paintings of swans, who aren't really ducks, but I still refer to these beautiful creatures as "ducks'. The "ducks" represent me and people/ friends who have become my frenemies. I used to tell myself to think and act like a duck after a fight, a misunderstanding or a "falling out" of friendship. Going on opposite paths and "flapping of wings" are easy to do. But floating away as if nothing happened is difficult. Being at peace, forgetting or forgiving is even harder.

I end the blogpost with these few words ...Let us be like "ducks"... flap our wings and fly in opposite directions to be at peace. Be quiet, be still, be alone... and heal. (betsisanders)

Click on the link below to watch the video.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/…/150331-animals-video-…/

Here are my other Two "Ducks"  paintings.

***

I love February

I love February...

not just because it's my birth month,

or my alma mater's foundation day

or it's Chinese New Year,

or it's Valentine's ... but because I get to

see a lot of balikbayan friends and relatives.

First get together for balikbayan friends at Tipsy Pig

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2016/02/tipsy-pig-capitol-commons.html

***

Second meet up with a balikbayan sister in law

at XO 46, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2016/02/xo-46-estancia-mall-capitol-commons.html

***

Monthly lunch after mass with my First Saturday
Mass Prayer Group at Italianni's and also
my birthday treat for my dear old friends. 

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2016/02/italiannis-eastwood-mall-with-my-first.html

***

Chinese New Year & Pre-birthday Lunch at Matam-ih

with the Sanders Clan.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2016/02/matam-ih-fontana-cake-shop-clarkpampanga.html

***

Spent my birthday with my two boys in Eastwood.

Decors in Eastwood were for Chinese New Year

and Valentine's Day.  If they knew it was my birthday

... wala lang. hahaha! Asa ka pa !!! 

HubB gave me flowers...

since prices of roses haven't gone up just yet.

Hmmmm ... thank you soooo much !

  

We had early dinner at .... Italianni's, where else?

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2016/02/my-birthday-2016.html

***

Dr Angge aka Tita Angel was also in town for

our alma mater's foundation day celebrations.

She met up with me the night before she flew back

to Malaysia.  She always makes time and spends time

with me.  I really appreciate that a lot!

Thanks for the pasalubong from Ikea too!

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2016/02/dinner-at-shinjuku-with-dear-friend.html

***

Two more balikbayans were here ... Susan and Weng.

We met up with them at Sentro 1771, Capitol Commons.

Drs. Joy, Tess & Alex (also balikbayans) joined us

for merienda cena.  I love getting together with

friends from UP Diliman.

My first two years of college at the University of the

Philippines were the happiest, most fun and care free

time of my life.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2016/02/up-pre-dental-association-at-sentro.html

***

With Wennie and Swanee for a quick lunch.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2016/02/quick-lunch-at-kuya-j.html

***

Valentine's Day celebration and despedida for my

sister in law with the Sanders clan.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2016/02/impromptu-despedida-merienda-with-lots.html

Thanks for all the birthday greetings and

for all your gifts.
But most specially ...
Thank you to all those who shared their precious time
with me and with our balikbayan friends.
Thank you for replying to my texts,
FB messages, Viber calls ..
you all know how kulit I can get whenever
I organize these dinners or parties.
See you all next year!
***

UP Pre-Dental Association's Get Together at Tipsy Pig

UP Pre-Dental Get Together at Tipsy Pig

LtoR: Watty Babbette Cookie Betsi Tess

Alan Ditdit Roy Ding Ranny

We are always early!

That's the loving couple Ditdit & Roy.

Thanks Alan for bringing me home and figuring out

how to open our small gate. I have pala a key to

the small gate!!! Hmmm... I really felt sooooo old!

***

Aren't we lovely?

***

It's always good to see you Tess!!!

With Her Excellency Madam Cookie Feria.

***

That's Alvin... my super reliable, always available,

most helpful anak. Oh.. I only have one anak.

Thanks for bringing Mom to Tipsy Pig.

***

I am really blessed to be born in February.

Most balikbayans come home 

during this timeof the year.

So ... I see a lot of them and get to 

"celebrate my birthday" (sort of) during these reunions.

Alam mo naman ang Pinoy, basta may balikbayan

magexert ng effort to be present. 

Pero kung birthday-birthday lang, busy-busyhan.

Hee hee hee

See you next year!!!

Sun, Sand. Wind. Water.

I loved how the water's reflection of sunlight

 looked like bits of glass. 

This was taken at around two in the afternoon

shortly after we arrived in Subic.

Cool wind. Calm water. 

There's no one at the beach the next morning.

We were all having early breakfast at The Sandbar.

***

The next morning, the sun was out early.

Blue skies, Cool breeze, 

More people  at the beach. Sunnier day.

***

HubB and I spent a couple of days in Subic

to attend the wedding of Maybelline and Nathaniel.

We were principal sponsors.

My sister told me to enjoy the ceremony

because not everyone is asked to be Ninang and Ninong,

not everyone gets married. LOL

***

We were early. HubB having fun with our selfies.

Wedding reception at Ocean Adventure Beach.

Modern Hula Dancers

Fire Breathers!!!

***

Our weekend in Subic was a welcome respite

from the pressures of life. It was  a leisurely drive,

a short break from my mundane existence,

quiet time with the HubB.

***

This photo was taken exactly one year ago.

This is an islet in El Nido, Palawan.

I wish to be back with the HubB and Alvin ... someday.

Today is the 27th death anniversary of my little angel.

The mom of my best friend in dental school passed yesterday.

No wonder I am being a bit sentimental, emotional,

intense, deep, profound....   hmmmm 

***

 I love the ocean.

I don't really bask under the sun.
I don't even like the sand on my feet.
I used to stay in the water for hours
and dance with the waves,
but not anymore.
I have aged much and feel so old.
But I still love the sound of the waves.

The wind hugs me and heals my tired soul.

Sun. Sand. Wind. Water.
The horizon seems endless.
I used to think that ...
He is at that endless horizon.

Tears.

Joyful tears heal the wounds in my heart.
With a grateful heart,

I rest in peaceful solitude.

(betsisanders 2016)