Jandrea...so far

It was where I sought refuge from the boundaries in my boxed-in world It was where I could examine my failures and disappointments before I released them into nothingness It was where my tears could flow in copious amounts but leave me smiling in the aftermath It was where I allowed my spirit to soar, even to sin, without fear of reprisal It was where God always forgave me even if I thought I should not forgive myself It was where my soul was nourished, year after year, so I could be who I am!  Covid-19 has stolen my haven! Tagaytay, please wait for me...

Today, on All Souls Day 2020, thinking of our loved ones who have gone on ahead of us!  We remember with much love the days you spent with us. And trying not to miss too much the laughter and smiles we shared. May you peacefully rest in the bosom of the Almighty! May you pray for us as we continue to tread dangerous waters with our flimsy minds and bodies! Go placidly into the gentle night ...

I did these 2 oil paintings when I was about 11 years old! Pretty amazing, my adult self would think right now! But way back then, I wasn’t impressed with my work because I thought I couldn’t faithfully reproduce the scenes I based my work on! Even from the perspective of a child, I thought they were childish! They were not realistic enough and I felt it wasn’t all my work! My painting teacher had put in finishing touches to make it more alive! So I thought I didn’t deserve the accolades I would get before!  After the summer group lessons ended, I think I stopped painting also. However, my teacher asked Mama if he could get me to model for a painting. I was excited about it but I don’t know exactly why this never materialized. Whatever the reason was might also be the reason why I gave up doing art. I never really realized that it was a loss for me since I could have been the subject of a painting done by Mr. Jaime de Guzman, a now a renowned artist whose works are housed in the Cultur