“Why are things beautiful? I don´t know. That´s a good question. Isn´t it pleasing when you ask a question of a person, a teacher, or a speaker, and he or she says, That´s a good question? Don´t you feel good when that happens?” 

― Nicholson Baker

A Box of Matches

I joined my first ever calligraphy workshop at the start of 2019! K, a photographer friend from Dumaguete has been holding calligraphy workshops in town and I was never around to join them, until last month! I was scheduled to fly off to Manila the day after for law-related stuff, but that didn't stop me from signing up for the workshop and finally getting some sort of expert-assisted training with calligraphy. 

It was just the basics but it was fun and it made me realize how important practice and technique are in creating consistent brushstrokes that look pleasing to the eye. I usually wing it with my calligraphy (if one can ever call it that), and following any form of technique has never been my thing so it was a great learning experience. 

The workshop was also for a good cause (proceeds were donated to help the family of a local photographer), so I was more than happy to sit in on this and learn. 

A few shots from that afternoon.

“Beautiful hours move so quickly.” 

― Irene Hunt

Up a Road Slowly

We are three. Here in this huge city of skyscrapers and ribbon roads, hotpot restaurants and river views, we have made our little cocoon and can call ourselves happy. I realized that it's been a year since we got Tomas, and he was so small and so furry then, more fur than muscle or bone, and timid and shy. Now he has grown into his own, his personality big and loud, playfulness, loyalty, love all rolled into one. 

Being three has given a new dimension to life here, and it's true what they say, you eventually get bored being a couple, and so many take the next step. For us, that is a furry, short-legged pupper named Tomas. 

Pale amber sunlight falls across

The reddening October trees,

That hardly sway before a breeze

As soft as summer: summer's loss

Seems little, dear! on days like these.

Ernest Dowson

The Poems and Prose of Ernest Dowson

I love the sun, how it dances and plays on the tips of leaves and how it bathes footpaths and even shady streets with its warmth and light. This is perhaps the reason why the incoming winter season is particularly hard. I am a sun person, I live for blue skies and vibrant colors, and the scent of the ocean, if you have one of those, please. 

This is also the reason why I have a special appreciation for those rare days when the fog parts, the temperature rises just enough and we can walk and enjoy colors and warm weather, even for just a day. These days are made for the big girl camera, for taking in the details as they are recorded for reminiscing when days are less bright and colorful. 

I love the sun. And aside from family and love and all good things, the sun is what I'm most thankful for. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!