Back to Cali--Back to Reality

I'm back!!! 

Our Spring Break was spent up north in Seattle, WA and we had such a BEAUTIFUL time as always. Loved that even though the forecast expected rain for most of our stay, it was nothing but sunny blue skies and temperatures in the high 60's. It was surprising and even the locals were saying they think we must have brought them the sunshine. Ha! I'm just thankful that everyday during our stay we were able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest and do all the fun things we wanted to do without being wet from rain. Such a blessing!

Now that our break is over, its back to reality, back to the grind, and back to a healthy diet! We all know that when you're traveling and staying in a hotel, dining out is inevitable unless you have those hotel suites with a kitchenette so you can cook your own meals. But between all the activities, sightseeing, driving around town, and visiting with friends and family, I wouldn't have had the time or energy anyways. So yeah, I came home and weighed in to find that I had gained FIVE pounds. Oh snap! I don't regret it though, we ate some good food up there. Photos of my food journey coming up soon in another post!

Anyways, I am dreading tomorrow. Mondays usually suck, but tomorrow is probably going to be harder than usual as it always is after a nice vacay like we just had. But, I gotta do what I gotta do. We are all going to be in bed early (at least try) so we can actually survive getting up in the morning, get ready, eat breakfast, take the boys to school, hubby goes off to work, and I will need to seriously need to get down to business. Lots of ideas and goals I have for Makita Studio began to clarify while I was away and I need to stay focused and decide on where I want to take my art this year and the next 5 years, short and long term goals to be exact. :)

So, I hope to get the ball rolling and we'll see where this will go!


xo,

It's That Time Again -- Seattle Bound

Hello!

Just wanted to share how excited my family and I are to be getting on board a plane to one of our most favorite places on earth! Seattle is our home away from home. We love the Pacific Northwest and cannot wait to enjoy much needed time as a family there. It will be our 5th time traveling to Seattle, 4 out of 5 of those times were with our boys. Spring and Summer are usually the best times to go if you want to avoid all the rain, but its because of their rainfall, that Washington is such a heavenly green and so beautiful if you are like us, who love nature and the great outdoors. We also have friends and family that have come to expect us to visit almost every year, making us feel all the welcome. Yes, coffee is definitely a huge factor to why it is indeed one of the reasons that has made it a place we can call home. Seattle's Best, Starbucks, Peets are everrrrywhere!

Our agenda not only includes our usual hot spots like the Seattle Center, Pike's Place Market, and the surrounding neighborhoods, but also we hope to make it to their annual Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley, the Snoqualmie Falls, and maybe Mt. Rainier. :)

I hope to take lots of photos and if you'd like to keep up with live photo updates, please be sure to follow me on Twitter: @dahliaco or Instagram: dahliaco

xoxo

HOME IS WHERE YOUR STORY BEGINS

HAPPY MONDAY!!

I hope you all had a great weekend! 

HOME IS WHERE YOUR STORY BEGINS

 Just a several months ago, 6 to be exact, was when we suddenly realized we couldn't keep our home and had moved into a new place just in November of last year. A few weeks ago, we finally completed the process of selling our home to the new owners and said our last goodbyes to the place we loved so much. Having had this all happen in such a short amount of time has not only brought us through some really desperate circumstances, but also has given us a new perspective on life and in our faith. I wish I could begin to tell you in detail, all the moments that my husband and I have suffered such deep sorrow, emotional pain, stress, and a kind of fear that almost seemed paralyzing, yet only drove us to push ourselves beyond the limits to believe and place our trust in God. By His love and grace, we have seen miracles take place and have felt His love through the darkest moments. If I can describe how it felt, I would say it was almost like losing someone you loved dearly or having to let go and leave behind a truly special friendship. I know that there are much more painful experiences that people go through that cannot compare to this, so I can't truly complain that this wasn't like losing someone special to us and that it was just something material.  The impact of  this experience however, has really shown us how we are not invincible to life's challenges, no matter how big or small, nothing is promised forever on earth. Sometimes we have to let go. Sometimes we have to lose something, to gain something. Sometimes we need to be uprooted, to be planted somewhere else in order to grow... 

The picture above is of a paper weight I saw at World Market. My husband and I actually purchased it as a gift to the new homeowners who bought our home. It was our way of just making them feel welcome to a home that has been in the family for 3 decades where our lives have been blessed throughout those years. We wanted them to know how that home has been a beautiful place that holds so many wonderful memories for our family and that we wish the same for them....

Right now, we are starting to finally pick the pieces, dust off all the negative emotions, and taking it one day at a time. Already, we have found so many reasons that confirms how our move led us to this new place, which we would not have imagined would happen if we never moved. The blessings that have been flowing into our lives and the doors that have opened up to us is unbelievable. And of course, it is all because of how much my faith has grown due to having gone through the storms of life. It's a NEW SEASON... hopefully to prosper and gain new opportunities in both our creative and personal ambitions.

xoxo,

Little Artists

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." 

Pablo Picasso

***

My youngest niece, Ava, coloring with crayons. 

My niece, Arielle, drawing with me and creating Valentine's art.

Arielle drawing a big heart for her Mama.

Coloring in action.

Love this sweetie!

Asia, whom I call my Little Shadow, and I. 

Lucas got messy with Mommy's spray inks, paints and stencils.

Josiah also got to create his very first mixed media page using spray inks, paints, and stencils. 

***

I enjoy creating with my kids and nieces. It gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment to why I love being an artist. I not only enjoy being creative, but I also discovered that I enjoy teaching art as well. Hopefully, this journey will lead me one day to teach the youth to explore their creative gifts and grow as their own individual artists. It's a lot to hope for, but I believe deep down that it's where my destiny truly lies.

xoxo,

Love Day Recap

Love Day Recap

I know it's a week later and Valentine's Day has come and gone, but I just wanted to share a recap of the highlights of last week and to serve as a reminder to myself of how special it was.

I Heart Cheesecake | Discovered this lovely bakery in San Carlos, CA called Zest Bakery. All their goods are either gluten free and/or vegan. Love that!!!

 This one is a Blueberry Cheesecake. Delicious!!!

My first time trying a Vegan Chocolate Cupcake + the verdict is out of this world. I am definitely going back for these....

My own homemade, fresh baked, Chocolate Chip Cookies....Shaped in a heart of course :)

Picked up my youngest, Lucas, from Kindergarten and was excited to find him all covered up in this heart shaped paper decorated by him.

I decided to make handmade cards for my boys with a handwritten message of how much they mean to me. It's the beginning of a new tradition....

Josiah, who is now reading like a pro, reads it aloud. Such a sweet moment....

My oldest with his first Valentine's Card from Mommy 

Lucas, my youngest baby, doesn't quite know how to read yet, but as I read it to him, I saw his eyes light up with joy to hear my words of affirmation and love for him.

Lucas hugs his card.

***

Happy 83rd Birthday Great Lola

Another year to celebrate this woman that is who we call 'Lola' which means grandmother in Filipino. She is 83 years old and is still full of so much life, love, and faith. We no longer live in the same home, but there is no distance in our love for her. We visit her every week, cherishing her presence as much as we can and bringing her joy through my boys, her great grandchildren, which helps to keep her living life to the fullest.

Lolo (grandfather) is 90 years old, but don't be fooled because he has the energy and strength of a 20 year old. He still has his license and drives around wherever he pleases. All those morning oatmeal and banana breakfasts, soups with vegetables and fish, definitely has a lot to do with it. This photo is special because Lucas and Lolo have such a special bond. He always hugs him close and says that he wants Lucas to stay with him...

For Lola's birthday, Lucas gave his "heart" to his great grandmother and he is showing her that he knows how to spell his name. 

Lola with her great grandkids + my niece Arielle.

Every little kiss I can get from my kids is a gift that I cherish. I love being my kids' Mom and will never take these little moments for granted.

Lucas, is starting to learn how to write and this precious note is hanging on my fridge. I think I'm going to frame this for sure.....

***

As for my husband and I, we didn't have any time together alone since it was on a weekday and we wanted to spend it with Lola for her birthday. But, we do have a date night planned very soon. :)

Hope your Valentine's Day was special! 

xoxo,

He{Art} Canvas | SNEAK PEEK

::SNEAK PEEK::

He{Art} Canvas | FaithLoveHope

Hey y'all. Just wanted to share a little peek at my latest project. It was inspired by a dear friend. I think it's one of my favorite pieces so far and I cannot wait to share it with you. So stay tuned :) 

XOXO,

Pacifica Sunset | Love Is Constant | Family Time

Late Sunday afternoon, my family and I took a leisure walk by the beach and stayed to watch the sunset. I had been sick all week and wanted to enjoy time with my family. The weather was warm and breezy as it usually is sometimes in late October, which we call Indian Summer.  The view of the ocean was so peaceful and serene as the waves were so unusually calm. The sun cast this glow that made the entire ocean look golden. It was simply beautiful. 

As the sun lowered in the horizon, I thought about how the sun sets and rises every single day. We know that when night comes, that the morning is inevitably going to come the next day. It reminded me of two things. One, how some things in life are CONSTANT, even when a lot of things seem to change. Time is constant. The sun and moon are constant. The waves are constant. And it soon made me realize how so many times, through so many seasons that I've gone through, God's love has always remained constant. So whatever seasons I go through, I know that nothing can change His love for me. Secondly, I was reminded that every day is a NEW day. The moment the sun goes down, I have to try my best to leave my past troubles or worries behind, and start the next day with a new and fresh attitude that I can make it a better day. I know, it's never that easy to do and I may not always accomplish it, but sometimes when I stop to look at the world around me and the wisdom that comes from His creation, I can't help but to remember to live each day as if it were my last. I don't want to waste time, spending my life carrying unnecessary baggage or resentment. I don't want to keep questioning my past and continue to live in regret. I don't want to let life slip by while I'm too hung up on feeling sorry for myself or caught up in thinking 'what if' I did this or that. I want to enjoy my life regardless of the disappointments and mistakes that I or other people have made. Each day is a gift and I intend to receive each day as another chance to make better choices and become a better person. 

We live and learn. And in everything we go through, we have a loving Father who "works everything out for good, according to His purpose and plan." Wherever the road leads me, I know that if I stumble and fall, I know that I'll find my way back on track again and the Lord will guide me where I need to go, because GOD'S LOVE IS CONSTANT.

[At the cliff side]

[Walk on water = step out in faith]

[Stay Gold]

[Shadows of Time]

[Colors of Heaven]

[Like the sun that rises and sets, His love is CONSTANT]

[PRECIOUS: A Father + Son Moment | My hubby & youngest son, Lucas]

Be Blessed,

He{Art} Journal | Let It Rain...

My recent He{Art} Journal -- LET IT RAIN...

Its been over a month since we realized the fact that it's time to sell our home and move. Most of my art supplies were already boxed up to get our home in order for the open house showings.  I was dealing with so many emotions that I needed to paint and express it through art. It was a cold and rainy week, so it only added to my depression. But, in between those days I had caught a glimpse of a rainbow which reminded me of God's promise in the Bible, only to remind me of the promises He personally gave me a long time ago... So, I went and dug through my art box and got what I needed to create this page. 

Rain.

So many times I forget how important it is for us to have RAIN. Rain makes things grow and washes the earth. Rain cleans the air and refreshes it. Without rain, there are no rainbows. :) To me, I relate it to the moments that I struggle with problems and go through trials. But, then how could I appreciate my blessings if I have never suffered grief or felt pain? If we had a perfect life, how can we be thankful for what we have? Could it be that God puts us in these situations where we're cornered by our worldly problems only to find ourselves in desperate need of Him AND to not take anything for granted? I believe so. At least, that's the pattern I've recalled in my past experiences. The times that I've been most vulnerable and broken, were the times that I felt the closest to God. He would show me in ways through loved ones, strangers, through unexpected places or things that I am loved and not alone in my suffering. I've also found what it means to exercise our faith, how to live a life of hope, and most of all, how to receive His perfect love. He promised us He would never leave or forsake us. I sometimes think to myself, "God, do you even care? Where are you when I need you, God?" But, as always He does come through. Just not on my terms or my timing, because His plans for me and His timing is always perfect.

Real life lessons are never learned the easy way, at least for me, it was always the hard way. If being shaken up by our circumstances causes us to stop and wake up from complacency and indifference, I know it's only because He loves me too much to allow me to live a life apart from Him. So when troubles arise and I'm stuck between a rock and hard place, there's only one place I can run to... to Jesus. As much as my stubbornness wants to tell me, I don't need ANYONE to fix my problems, I can do it ALL. BY. MYSELF. (Something my kids tell me all the time!) Ha! But, what do you know, I don't have all the answers and I don't exactly have all the strength to fight a battle that is bigger than I. So, if God is bigger than my problems and His power and strength is greater than mine, than I need to surrender it all to Him. 

So although, I am still human and life will never be perfect, I have to choose each and every day if I'm going to trust in Him or give up, even in the most precarious moments. Rainy days are blessings in disguise and when it rains, I have to remember that I need the rain as well. I need to be tested and walk through valleys if I want to gain a heart of wisdom and increase my faith. And when the rain ends, I hope to see the growth in my life. When I've finished the test, I hope to see the rewards. When I've finished crossing the deep valleys, I hope that I'll reach the mountain top and have a clearer understanding of the big picture. Then, I can testify that GOD is GOOD, not sometimes, but ALL THE TIME. Most of all, I will know that I was never alone and that God's grace has carried me through it all, and it was only to get me to a better place and to become a better person.... Selah.

Here is a video that my dear friend, Juby (thank you Juby!), shared with me that has blessed me immeasurably. Listen to the words and take time to know that you are blessed, even through the raindrops and the tears:

"Blessings" by Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

P365 | WK 9 : Day 57 | Theme : Things You Wish Never Happened

Hello Friends,

Today is Day 57 of my Project 365. Since it's Monday, I also would like to share my weekly theme--Things You Wish Never Happened. I know, it's kind of sounds a bit melancholy, but it's real life and that's what this project is about. If all we did was take pictures of flowers, sunsets, and happy faces all year long, I think I've defeated my purpose of even joining this group. And quite frankly, I think it would make my P365 album seem quite boring if you ask me. Every life has it's ups and downs and moments that are not perfect. So this week, I choose to focus on the disappointments, painful memories, the mistakes and imperfections that I might encounter and/or have endured....

DAY 57

09/19/11

Location: Woodlawn Cemetery

Camera: iPhone 

My mother's birthday was over the weekend, but as much as I wanted to pay her a visit, I had to babysit my nieces and also needed to do a photo shoot with my hubby. I finally went today after I dropped my boys off at school. I cut some of the dahlia flowers that grew in our garden to place at her grave. 

Even though it's been 25 years since she passed, I still get emotional. Most of the memories I have of her are just bits and pieces of our lives in my old childhood home where I would see her cooking in the kitchen and the delicious food she would make. I can still envision her brushing her hair in the bathroom mirror, sitting at the dining room table talking on the phone or doing the bills. I also remember how she got mad at me and chased me around the table with her slipper so she can spank me after I threw a pillow at her, but then we both ended up laughing together in the end. I remember her laugh and her smile. She was very soft spoken and kind hearted towards everyone she met. At night, sometimes she would sing us songs to sleep and tell us stories about Jesus. Her faith in God was not just through her words but her actions as well, so very giving and unselfish. I remember her hands, how rough they were from all her hard work around the house, but those hands were also very gentle and willing to do whatever she needed to do to keep our family and our home a happy place... 

There was one vivid memory I had of the time I was playing with some kids on my block and we had a bike race downhill from the top of my street. I was in the winning lead until my bike crashed to its side and I lay there in pain crying. My friends helped walk me back to my house and my mom was doing laundry in the garage. She stopped to pick me up and carry me up to my room and took care of whatever was hurting or bleeding. I knew she was worried, yet she was calm and made sure that I was okay and she would pray over me. I remember when she found out the news that she had Leukemia and I had just walked in the door from school. That was the day she left home to be hospitalized for most of the next 6 months until she lost her battle with cancer. And that was the beginning of a long, scary, dark road that led me through some of the most insidious and traumatizing experiences as a teen and as a young adult. But, thankfully and graciously, I found refuge, freedom, and hope in God's love. It took years for me to really recover from my past and I'm still a work in progress, but God has been faithful to continue his work in me. Somehow, as time passed by, it all made perfect sense how my past has brought me where I needed to be and gave me the capacity to really appreciate life and the blessings I now have. Ironically, even though I wish all the time that my parents would've never passed away so soon, I honestly am grateful for how much it has built my character, my faith, and love for life and my family.....

Until we meet again, Mom and Dad. 

He{ART} JOURNAL | Home Is....

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the Managing Editor of a well-known publication company which I choose to not disclose yet, not until I find out if my art work does or does not get selected to be included in their January 2012 issue. But, the fact that my work had attracted interest, has surprised me because I have never been published, nor did I even expect the opportunity to come knocking at my door. I am truly humbled and blessed. Whether or not I will see photos of my art journal printed and sold on the shelves at bookstores, it has motivated me to never underestimate my creativity or ability to inspire others. 

Here is the most recent page that I completed before I shipped my journal out, called "Home Is...". The quote says, "Where we love is home--home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts..." I chose this quote because I've moved so much in my lifetime, yet every place I have lived has left me with fond memories especially my childhood home. And in the present moment, 1132 is our house number and it is the home that both my boys are growing up in. So many precious memories are made here for all of us and we hope to live in this house for as long as we can. However, with the economy crisis and so many people on our block moving due to financial hardships, it worries me that one day we may face the decision to move as well. Only God knows what will happen, so we continue to have faith in His plan. 

He{ART} Journal | Home Is...