betsisanders

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Bridge Over Calm Water, an acrylic painting by betsisanders

What do you see in this painting? Do you see the autumn leaves, the little flowers, the rocks or the red bridge? You probably noticed that big bright red bridge.

When you encounter a bridge, what do you do? You cross it. You go from one point to the next, in order to reach your destination. You don’t stay on the bridge for too long.

Two quotes:

Steve Maraboli wrote, “Stop telling me not to burn bridges. Some bridges are meant to be burnt, some roads are never meant to be traveled again.”

Fridtjof Nansen said, “I demolish my bridges behind me – then there is no choice but forward.”

I burned a few bridges and have no regrets. I am allowed to terminate toxic relationships. I’ve walked away from people who don’t love me back. Closed doors on those who hurt me. I’ve terminated friendships. Let relationships run its course. Drifted away from people because staying on will only cause more harm and damage.

So, cross the bridge, go forward. Burn the bridge and never go back.

I’ve learned many lessons. If I get hurt again, it’s because I allowed them to hurt me. By moving forward, moving away, I shield and protect me.

Another perspective … Notice the water below the bridge? It’s calm. I may stay on this bridge for a while and listen to the gentle stream of water that flows underneath. Tranquil.

Painting is many hours of silence, peace and bliss. That is always the subtle message in all my paintings.

“Be still, be calm, be grateful betsisanders.

Life has always been good to you because He loves you.”

March 18, 2014

Monday, March 10, 2014

Be still, Be grateful ... an acrylic painting by betsisanders

Title: Be still, Be grateful

Size: 30 x 24 inches

Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas

Artist: betsisanders 2014

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My favorite author, Paulo Coelho, wrote in The Alchemist, “When you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” He also says that the Universe is merely an echo of our desires, regardless of whether they are constructive or destructive ones.

Iyanla wrote this today, "Have you ever heard the sun come out in the morning? Did you hear the moon come out last night? We have been taught that power is loud, forceful, aggressive, and somewhat intimidating. It is not. In silence the Creator works.”

I ask, "What if I have stopped wanting or dreaming, and desire nothing? What if my present state of mind or situation is devoid of need?” I am contented with what I have, satisfied with what I have achieved in my life and career, and happy that I have loving and caring family and friends. The Universe has given me more than I deserve or have asked. I am grateful for calm, tranquil moments and thankful for everything that the Universe has helped me with.

I say, "Be still, be grateful, betsisanders … life is beautiful!"

Sunday, March 09, 2014

February 2014 Photo Gallery

Standing L-R Swanee Yayo Bubut Malu Me Jannette Aya Wennie

Sitting L-R Raffy Avic Gigi Debra Mel

Ufer joined us later in the evening.

Dinner for Balikbayan Wennie

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/03/fun-dinner-with-girls.html

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Standing L-R Jannette Angela Bubut Yayo Raffy Swanee

Sitting L-R Me Anna Ufer Maya Meg

Dinner for Meg & Maya

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/02/thank-you-ladies-for-fun-fun-fun.html

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Hubby and me

Birthday Dinner with Family

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/02/gloria-maris-araneta-center-gateway-mall.html

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/ betsisanders 2014

Friday, February 28, 2014

Persimmon, the divine fruit / November 2014

Persimmon is the edible fruit of trees from the genus Diospyros, (comes from Greek words Dios and pyros which means divine fruit). The persimmon, like the tomato, is not popularly considered as a berry, but both are in fact berries.

Enough of the scientific background / research on persimmons. The persimmon is my favorite fruit. The first time I tasted this fruit was in Hong Kong, about fifteen years ago. I was just strolling down one of the sidewalks in Nathan Road, when I chanced upon this orange colored 'tomato'. I bought a few pieces and was forever hooked. I patiently wait for the -ber months because these heavenly fruit is sold in Chinatown (Binondo) or at Rockwell Power Plant Mall.

Last fall, Hubby and I visited my Dad in Roseville and my sister bought about two crates of persimmon from Denayo. Thanks so much for these divine fruits.

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At a persimmon farm in Granite Bay.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/02/otow-orchard-granite-bay-california.html

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Lunch was at Source Global Tapas Restaurant.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/02/source-global-tapas-restaurant-granite.html

Fuyu Persimmon Field Greens with Pomegranate

Yummy!

Jamon Iberico & Serrano

Paella Balls

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Hachiya Persimmons

Perfect for baking!

Persimmon Bars with Pistachios and Dates

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/02/persimmon-bars.html

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Maru, the chocolate persimmoon

Hoshigaki

Japanese Hand Dried Persimmon

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Persimmon Heaven!!!

/ chicsanders 2014

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Napa Valley, California / November 2013

Day trip to the world famous wine country, Napa Valley.

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/02/napa-valley-california-november-2013.html

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Castello di Amorosa

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/02/castello-di-amorosa-napa-valley.html

Photo Opportunities :)

It was extremely cold and windy in the wine country.

Even the chickens wore leggings and boots.

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Lunch was at the CIA

Culinary Institute of America in Greystone

http://chicsanders22.blogspot.com/2014/02/cia-culinary-institute-of-america-napa.html

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/ chicsanders 2014

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Birthday Blog 2014

I turned another year older and I thank God for the years, spent with people I love and love me back. There are even some good friends who love me more and those two handsome boys who love me most.

More than half of my life is over. I don’t intend to sound grim but the bottom line is, I don’t think that I’d live for another ten, twenty or more years. Even if the genes that come from my father’s side of the family make it possible for my uncle, aunt and my Dad to live really long lives.

My uncle (according to my cousins) is a hundred years old. He lives in Nueva Ecija. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day GMA7 or ABS-CBN will feature him in their documentaries. An Aunt is ninety eight (98) years old and my Dad is eighty four (84). My grandmother died in 1983. She was probably ninety nine (99). She used to say that she was fourteen (14) when Dr. Jose Rizal died in 1898.

I've changed the color of the curtains in my bedroom to orange, yellow and red. Every morning (or noon), I am greeted by bright sunlight. I say to myself, “Good morning betsisanders … wake up, show up and be thankful for another beautiful day, another chance to make things right, another opportunity to create, and another moment to be happy. Be kind. Always be grateful and share your blessings. If you fail today, try again tomorrow.” As each day ends, it is one more day closer to the day that I will leave you all behind.

When that time comes, please… “DNR… no heroics for me please. Let me go with the flow of life. Let me follow where the light leads me to. Let me go peacefully through the night, with grace and dignity. Do Not Resuscitate. If you love me, you will do this for me.” [I think I wrote this. It was dated January 22, 2014, at dawn. I searched google if someone else wrote it but there were no matches. So, I probably wrote it during the wee hours of the morning. If I didn't, then thanks to whoever wrote it.]

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This was taken from a Facebook post of one of my favorite authors.

I am not afraid to be who I am. I try not to hurt anyone but if others are offended by what I say or do, then so be it. I will be happy, content and peaceful. A friend wrote to me on my birthday and she said, "In the end of our life, it will only be between you and God."

/ betsisanders 2014

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