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?

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?

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Welcome to My Darling Sunshine!

First and foremost, my name is Renata. I embrace the creative things in life--from art & design, photography, music, to the culinary art of cooking and baking. Sometimes I like to be able to do many things, especially things that inspire me. I love to learn something new and be challenged. With that, I would like to share the creativity that exists in life.

Now, you might already have an idea what this blog is all about, but you will find things or objects that are inspirational that I will share with all of my readers. You may even find things that are unrelated to those topics. They could be something that are simply... unique. All you have to do is subscribe, tune-in, and get INSPIRED! :)

Loves / Insipirations /
Axioo ♥ Amedeo Tessuti Photography ♥ Bonbini! ♥ Hello Naomi ♥ Love On Print ♥ Momiji ♥

Friends /
Adam Mulyadi / Axioo ♥ Adrienne Allen / NomNom-Nation Blog ♥ Alex Bruno / Design ♥ Amedeo Tessuti Blog ♥ Amie Maulit / Love On Print Blog ♥ Benjamin Rocha / Achor Design Blog ♥ Caitlyn Gibbons / Design ♥ Colin Wright / Branding ♥ Colin Wright Blog ♥ Derek Smith / Design ♥ Jayde Cardinalli / Design ♥ Jeff Quebral Blog ♥ Keith Dolezel / Industrial Design ♥ Marek Djordjevic / LandAirSea Design ♥ Tyler Adams Blog ♥

If you don't already know, we are now in the season of Lent.

In the Catholic tradition, Lent is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. Lent is a time of sacrifice for Jesus. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer -- through prayer, fasting, self-denial, Christian growth, penitence, conversion, and simplicity.

Lent, which comes from the "Teutonic" (Germanic) word for springtime, can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out those things which hinder our corporate and personal relationships with Jesus Christ and our service to him. Thus it is fitting that the season of Lent begin with a symbol of repentance: placing ashes mixed with oil on one's head or forehead. However, we must remember that our Lenten disciplines are supposed to ultimately transform our entire person: body, soul, and spirit. Our Lenten disciplines are supposed to help us become more like Christ.



Undecided whether to Fast or to Feast this Lenten season?

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from focusing on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

May our fasting and feasting during this season of Lent purify our hearts and minds that we may more worthily heed the voice of the One who beckons us, "Come and follow me." (taken from the Holy Family Bulletin / credits to Monica Obaldo).

Labels: personal

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...!")  :)

Labels: inspiration, personal

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.....

Labels: design, drawing, personal

Lately I've been contemplating and reflecting on the many good (and bad) things in my life. In the past, I have had many -- many bad situations and experiences... it was like as if things just never fall into place. The struggle to put the pieces back together was challenging. But, I moved on, overcame it and have put all that behind me. As years passed by, everything just gets better and better. My life found its path before my eyes. A lot of good things have happened. I believe that most of it was because of prayers, guidance, and God at work! It's all about the present and what I can do to live a better life, fix the past and to be a better person in general.

I am so truly blessed with the people that have always been there for me and the new ones. More the reason why I love meeting new people, especially the ones that may have the possibility of becoming great friends with. I love to be surrounded by the people I love and I, of course, have so much love to give. I am just so -- SO blessed with all the things I have been given -- Family, Friends, Faith, Talents, Abilities... just Life in general! I live and love life. I thank the Lord everyday for these wonderful gifts, and especially for bringing Keith into my life. We are recently engaged on October 20, 2010 and have been happily counting the days to the big date and all the goodness to come.

Labels: inspiration, personal

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Older Posts Love For Creativity ★ The Windy City / 7.2011 ★ The Mermaid's Gaze / Wood Art ★ Reincarnation / Wood Art ★ My Precious Little Tuna ★ Beignet Galore ★ Fast or Feast ★ A Healthy Lifestyle / Week 3 ★ A Healthy Lifestyle / Day 3 ★ A Healthy Lifestyle ★ October 2010 ★ November 2010 ★ December 2010 ★ February 2011 ★ March 2011 ★ April 2011 ★ May 2011 ★ August 2011 ★ © 2010 / My Darling Sunshine