Legs of Steel, Heart of Gold

Can't stop writing about old friends coming out from a black hole after 41 years!  Or could it be that I was in  "reclusion perpetua" while I focused on my life's project?

There is one very kind heart I remember from High school.  I remember how fragile and how sweet she was.  She was like a newly opened bud with velvety skin and an angelic voice.  She was a new girl in high school.  She was "developed" while I was reed-thin and "underdeveloped" to my frustration.

We were friends and in my moments of idle reminiscing, I often wondered if she got married or had children.  I knew her heart would always flitter-flutter, causing her dizzy and fainting spells. I was always concerned and wanted to protect her.

Little did I know that she is a grandma like me, a mother, and a wife now!  Unlike me, who got to fool just one guy in my life, she had boyfriends!!  Oh, was I so happy and thrilled to hear that!

She has not failed to amaze me- her name is Rafe- Rafe the bionic woman!  She dances in her beautiful legs reinforced with steel.  Still angelic,  she is my real life "ironwoman!"  Jacob's got to hear this.

With whatever we have shared in the past, there is one that I will always remember- she was gentle and was a Christian, true to the word!

For someone like me who did not have much pictures of youth, she brought one when we met prior to our grand reunion.  Hahahahaha!!  a picture of a very young me!  I am sure there was a dedication at the back.

To Rafe and all the years that we just kept each other in our hearts and in our minds' hearts, CHEERS to a beautiful ever after.

Belen Catly Burkhalter

We have lost contact for 41 solid years!  I was just too happy to reconnect and to know that we are both good... great maybe.  Belen was part of many years in elementary and throughout high school, and we were not just winking at each other, we were bossom buddies. 

She knew right away that this what what she liked

L-Rafe Moredo, me, Belen Catly (seated) Casiana Clerigo and Luz Acosta

 

 I am not sure about her, but I really missed her all these years, wondering how she had been and hoping that things are great with her. 

To make the 41 years short, we finally met! where at? hehehe!  FAcebook!!!! Yeah, that's how we started to catch up with one another.

Believe it or not, she came home for our first high school reunion.  Flew in from Oklahoma. yup! yup! yup! 

She is one face I really wanted to see and kiss plus all the other friends of carefree and uncomplicated childhood. 

And some things never change- we knew who we are and how we were in our innocent youth - the kind of  frankness that you have towards your siblings.  A kind of familiarity without inhibitions.  Nothing ever felt so comfortable.  It was as comfortable as wearing a well loved shirt you can't afford to throw away.

As I have said, some things never changed- she bought one of my paintings just like how I had business with all of them with my drawings when we were in elementary!!!  My best friend bought my painting?  Isn't there a greater gratification than your own friend patronizing your work?

Yes, we all got busy with the choices we made and the life we wanted to pursue but there is something about finding a missing piece in all this long and hard life of mine- my childhood and the memories endearing and healing. 

The Story of how they are three

They have no idea that when they awake from their slumber, that things have taken a new and beautiful turn.

from two

to three!  A new brother was born last August 27, 2011 and life will never be two again!

This is the beginning of the story of the The Three Musketeers:  " one for all, all for one!"
or the Three Little Pigs?  I am sure that they will always be there for each other and they will bring good fortune and happiness to their parents.

Here's wishing them all good health, long life and happiness and laughter all through their lives. 

good luck moon

beautiful, lucky moon tonight - August 13

A significant number of women give birth when the moon is rising and especially when it is at its fullest. You may check the hospitals to see if this is true.  Hmmm, I have one very pregnant mom around here- will she or will she not this week? 

without trying

I tried to hold his foot as I put him to sleep tonight and it measured to the full size of my palm.  He is growing fast and his mind is expanding and so are his heart and soul.

Tonight his little brother bit him in his arm pretending he was a T-rex and  the teeth dug into his flesh!  He grimaced in pain but did not retaliate, just asked - "why did he bite me?"

the apple of his brother

He asked his Mommy if he will be a Daddy, asked her if he will have a son on another occasion.
He asked "who will be my wife" and asked his mommy if she can be his wife.  He asked why people die when they are old.  He asked me not to and declared that his Ors (Lolo) will be "old strong" and will "stay forever and ever!"

very affectionate but can be very blunt when he says that his mommy is bad at times he is not allowed to sleep with Ima

He is content to be in the background, when he used to dominate the show!  His brother, being in his cutest stage, steals the limelight most of the time.

Tonight, Chewey got his Kuya's space on the bed that 4 of us share- Ors, Ima, Chewey and Jacob...
He gave it up because he knew it would be trouble if he insisted.


He has his bad times, especially in the mornings when he does not want to go to school.  He does not see the point, but obliges.

It seems that he can almost self-learn as he picks up things rather quickly and retains information almost instantly and accurately.  He analyzes things that he observes and makes wise appraisal most of the time.  He has a beautiful voice when he talks and when he sings. Of course, I am the grandma "talking".

His art is spectacular!  He is good looking even without trying.

Jacob singing in the car

a photo he took of Yaya Jen 

his rocket

there is always his brother's name whenever he writes his

a hot air balloon

In a few weeks or maybe in days, he will be a "kuya" to another baby boy.  He is taking on the role like a pro now.  He even enjoys that fact that eyes are on Chewey and not him.  He is secure that he has always his own Jacob  place in our hearts. After all, he introduced us to JOY!

-remembering the future

A new studio

While I am missing my granddaughter in this room where she and her mommy stayed, I began to move in and presto!! there goes my new studio!