Missus Bounty Basket

Festival d'Avignon     05.07.2016 Vivaldi's Four Seasons started playing as she applied the hot wax on my skin. My timidity shifted to pride as my enthusiastic friend gasped with delight after seeing my underarm. Yes, my armpit! You see, I became a model for a day. That  rainy afternoon,  when a friend who at 45 boldly  decided to take a training course, gave me a glimpse of her future world.  The session was supposed to be quiet, my mind should drift from spring to summer but my enthusiasm has gotten the best of me. I questioned her about this and that; she explained the why and how of the universe I have tried to ignore until now.  She spoke about her colleagues whom she shared her afternoons of camaraderie and her future plans after completing her class. Come October she will have her exam to become a certified Aesthetician and share her learning. I hope to be a witness of the day when she'd do her "magic"  to others. Though I guess,she'd...

  Growing up, I was fascinated how effortlessly she put her art together.  I called it art not as a painting or sculpture but her skill made it as such. She stitched her yarn with grace and facility that left me in awe. Seeing her work spread on the table like a trophy when I went to her home, not asking how she did it, I praised the intricate design she was making.   I was and still is a silent fan. Then this week, I received a gift from her. One would think I overreacted but I cried. She didn’t know how from afar I wished to be as good as her, maybe she was the reason why I learned knitting. It was an easier path for me. The desire to learn is still inside me. I imagine my table adorn with this immaculate and delicately stitched white cloth but there's a thousand things to do this year. So for now, I have this gift. Moving from my sofa to our dining table every day, a reminder of my Aunt’s artistry and a precious gift to cherish.

the game,Saturday morning Volleyball fever has rubbed off onto my friends and relatives. Most of them were religiously practicing twice a week,seemed to be enjoying and made this sport a part of their lives for a year now. Hence for their 2nd season which the FSA has organized, they are vying for the  Ambassador’s Cup . This is one special occasion where in Pinoys of Geneva come together and watch their favorite team for two days. S omething that is definitely not to miss . I have promised my girls that we'd watched their Titas (my friends and relatives) play the game. These Titas got me all excited to watch them play against each other, all for the love of volleyball.   The Game So while my girls found their little friends, I sat in the middle  to have a better view of the court which was divided into three. The surrounding was vibrating with excitement and just being there somehow transported me back to my home country. There were food stands,of...

Disney store, Times Square The city is slowly getting smaller as I look out the plane. Below,  long lustrous lines of lights stretch its way all around the busy streets. I stared at the buildings with all its glimmering lights &  from where I am, they look like stocks of gold – shimmering and sublime.   What a sight to behold, I turned to my husband and kissed him, thanking him of this wonderful experience. Then I closed my eyes, utter a prayer of gratitude all the while engraving in my mind the splendor I am leaving behind. You have captivated me, New York. I hope to see you again.

 How I (sort of) conquer my fear  Ferris wheel always bring me dreaded memories. The mere idea of being lifted up from the ground makes me cringe with anxiety. Sembrancher from atop I thought that I was safe from this. I was wrong. Most of our summer vacation is spent up in the mountain. Fresh air, wild flowers and tarte aux framboises. I love being surrounded by pine trees and seeing La Catogne every morning. We would hike and pick up wild strawberries and blueberries along the way. Enjoying fresh bolets and chanterreles. However, reaching the chalet requires taking the CarPostal or the cable car. As one of our daughters started having motion sickness, the cable car is the most sensible solution. My first ride with the whole family though filled with angst went just fine. I was quiet all the way up, fighting fear and anxiety. But being alone with two toddlers is a different story. I tried to be composed. "Please, sit still."     V E R Y.  CO...

Internet might offer me something, I've told myself. So I googled thank you songs. Listen to the top 25 Thank You songs, suggested. They are good to listen to but how can I show everyone my gratitude with all these songs. So I give up. Here I am now writing my heart out. Our vacation started a year ago--I planned in my head everything. From the letter to the principal to the things and places my children should and ought to do. Every minute counts so nothing should be wasted. It's not everyday that we got this chance to spend Christmas with the whole family. I have my agenda filled with everything and at last we paid our tickets. Our suitcases filled to the brim with things I thought my family would love. Excited. Anxious. I was to travel alone with two girls with the energy of two young elephants. Finally, home with family and friends. 27 days of memorable moments. 27 days of laughter. 27 days of being with the people we love. and we thank you for these moments. Shared t...

Lying comfortably on the sofa as I contemplate my next move on saving the jiggling pets, this little creature slowly made her way in the half lighted room. It was then that the bomb exploded and the key came crashing down on the block. Whew!! Little creature: Nanay (Mother), do you want me to tell you a story? Looking at her excited face then quickly returning my attention to the exploding blocks I half-heartedly said yes and so she begun. Little creature: "There was once a princess locked in a tower.....blahhh...blahh.                        She has a mommy that wasn't really her mommy with a pointy hat                         but she was not a  real witch. Blahhh...blahh."                       "She also has a horse who spits fire blah...

30 Day Snapshots # 20  It is something I thought a woman of  my age couldn't do. You see, I didn't have a bike when I was young, didn't learn how ride one. I have walked a lot, climbed trees and played with my cousin's mini car but never experience  riding a bike. It wasn't part of my childhood. Nonetheless, having two daughters who go to two different establishments, I need to make my life easier.  Well, of course the fact that we don't own a car made it obvious that the bike is the cheapest answer. But that solution was scary. I was worried about the cars, traffic, pedestrians, the girls' safety and the list goes on and on. However, necessity impelled me to try and with enough courage and wobbly knees, I was able to fetch the girls from school. It has been hundred times of cycling to and fro since that very first day,shaky knees and all, but it's worth it.  Plus when the girls(seated in the trailer)-- with their helmet on-- sing together des...