my darling
sunshine


Everyday inspirations that make you wonder, think, and smile.

Think of it as the bright side of things, because life is so full of Passion, Lifestyle, and Creativity! Don't you think?


Tuesday, December 28, 2010,2:00 AM
Belly Jammy


I've been meaning to put this up, but didn't get a chance to... but finally made the time for it!
These are some of mine and Keith's homemade Apricot Jam -- made FRESH from my parent's apricot tree! During the summertime around June and July, we get so many apricots that we couldn't even consume them all! When they ripen, they'll fall to the ground and usually the worms and birds eat them, so we had to think of a way to make use of the fruits and not get wasted before they fall to the ground! We even had some of our friends and my parent's friends pick them off the tree. We would say, "Get as many as you like!"...but then Keith and I had an idea of making the leftovers into jam. Boy..... that was a time packed crazy, stressful process! But it was worth it. Keith did most of the work making them, so I'd give more credits to him. What more can you ask for than jams made from fresh, organic fruits picked from our tree?! We made probably about... 8 small, low sugar jars and 8 big, regular flavor jars. We gave several to our friends and neighbors and the rest, we sold. Some never even had Apricots before or even heard of the name, and after we had them try the jam... they loved it! It was a success.

As for the label design, I thought of using my dog, Bella as the illustration because she LOVES ripe apricots. Believe me, she would only play fetch with our APRICOTS! Call her spoiled. You see the apricot on her head? She sure loves it! We call it the "Belly Jammy" Apricot Jam.

But unfortunately, we won't have another batch until next summer! So you'll have to wait until then to try it! That is if we decide to do jams again next year. :)





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Sunday, December 26, 2010,2:50 AM
Fresh Ideas


This design is suppose to be me and Bella, my dog -- a series in progress... if I decide to make a series.
Hope you like it!


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Wednesday, December 22, 2010,4:03 PM
Love & Forgiveness


Christmas is near and now is the perfect time to forgive and let go. Let's open up our hearts and show our genuine Love to everyone. Put all the sins and weight in a box and just hand it to God to take care of it. Know that He will take care of you if you forgive and let go. The feeling of Christmas is all about spending happiness and joy with family and people that we care about. Remember... Christmas is NEVER about the "presents" -- rather, the "presence" -- God's presence and the presence of Joy and Love.


It's amazing how people's words can have an impact on our lives or leave an imprint in our hearts. They can encourage us, strengthen, give us hope -- but they can also be hurtful and bring us down. The thoughtful words will always lift us up and give us the ability to learn. I learned a lot last night through just a small, encouraging talk. I learned Love and Forgiveness. We always desire a perfect family, but there is no such thing as a "perfect" family. On the contrary, we can build a "holy" family. When times gets tough, God puts us in that situation to test us and see how we would take care of it or fix the problem, whether we would be helpful or just make things worse. He would then take us out of that environment to learn. And when we do, He will put us back in the same tough spot to see how we would handle it the right way. Things always happen for a reason. Family is an interlocking bond. The bond is so strong that when one member falls out of place, it will affect the others -- just like a ripple effect. The words "I love you" and "I am sorry" are two very strong words that are magical. They carry togetherness and are crucial in building a family of love, to make sure that everything is going to be okay. When we bring Christ to the center of the circle, we will always find peace.

Keep these words in mind:

1.  Humility
2.  Compassion
3.  Kindness
4.  Patience
5.  Gentleness
6.  Forgiveness

Do we want to bring peace in the world? We should act now before it's too late.

I have been touched by many people, but I truly admire this girl whom I've only known for only a short time -- though I feel like I've known her forever! This girl is honestly a bundle of joy to be with -- a fire ball of love I would say. She is always full of happiness, energy, and positivity -- little did I know that she was going through a tough time in her life. What I mean by tough, is a tough, rough, violent way... but she would still stroll around with a big smile on her face and always has that glow and radiance surrounding her. I just don't know how she does it! Just... unbelievable. If I was in her shoes, I would probably break down. She has shared some personal things that really touched my heart. Not many people are able to let everything out for the things that she had been shielding for 15 years! She opened up and with her courageous self, took me on a journey of her life within only a few months of learning and realization that not only impacts her life, but also my life. She has given me hope. God has showed her the path and more path will be opened for her in the long run. It was her birthday yesterday and we had a special celebration that is deserving for a very special person. Couldn't have celebrated it any other way. She is an inspiration... I truly love this girl to death. There is nothing more you can ask for than a friend like her. (If you are reading this, "I want to thank you for giving me your love, hope, and light...!")  :)

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Thursday, December 16, 2010,12:19 PM
Self Discovery & Passion


I realized that being my own true self is as important as showing who I really am. The person I am. Being real is what builds up friendships and relationships. I have learned to ignore the things of what others may think of me... to accept and let go. It will only make me a stronger and better person. What's the point of putting negative thoughts in my head when I can think about the things that fulfills my life and happiness? Is it worth it? Look at the bright side, think about what's really important.

Other than my self-discovery, I have found what I am passionate about. I recently started drawing again as a personal enjoyment, and boy.. did I really miss my graphic pens! When I draw, I get so into the subject I am drawing. I get in the moment and become one with the pen! Seriously! You probably think I'm crazy. It may sound ridiculous, but it's so relaxing and really frees my mind from other things that are bombarding my head! One fine night, I felt like I wanted to draw so badly -- I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep if I don't. So I decided to make a self portrait. I haven't really done self portraits before. I had an idea in my head and just HAD to jot it down! This is what it came out to be.....




There are so many things I want to do, but so little time! With this, I mean creative wise.... AND other interests. I want to paint (I have a couple of ideas already), crochet, design personal greeting cards and posters, etc. I want to cook, bake, dance, learn to really sing, skydive, scuba-dive, snowboard, ski.... What can I say... I love to learn and LIVE LIFE! I would LOVE to be able to do all of these, if only I had all the time in the world! I'll get down to the list somehow... as time goes on. I get inspired -- from everyday things and people, so the list will only get longer! BUT I know I will be drawing more frequently. So you'll be seeing more drawings and designs!

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