{52 on Friday: Old}

This week’s theme on the Bloom Forum is Old and I immediately knew I had to do this.

There are two things that make me less excited about going home, which are the 21 hours flight (bearable with lots of new release movies) and seeing my parents growing old (unbearable).

This is a story about my dad and perhaps the most difficult blog post I’ve ever written.

I had always imagined a beautiful life with my parents, where life is full of smile and filled with many wonderful things. But nine years ago my father had a stroke. He underwent seven surgeries and we spent three months at three hospitals. This shocked me and has completely changed the way I see life and what I consider important in life.

What is happening to my father has put my faith into a full spin. I question God, I question His where about, whether He really cares. I question His plans. I question His presence. I envy seeing grandfathers walking and laughing with their grandchildren. I wish my father could do the same. He would if he could, with all his heart.

I posted a rising kite image on Flickr on my father’s birthday and a Flickr friend sent me an email. She said, “I know what you are going through. I’ve experienced the same.” I remembered how relieved it was reading her email because for years I thought I am going through this alone and that nobody would understand the sorrow.

I spent my first week at home crying for many reasons. I cried because it tore me apart seeing how my parents are growing old. I cried because it tore me apart seeing what my father is going through in his old days. I cried because I was touched by sincere attention and love sent by our friends and family during this difficult time. My best friend sent a prayer through Yahoo Messenger, our neighbors continuously visit us, send us food and prayers. This shows that my father and mother are loved and respected by many. This fact is comforting me in many ways.

Phew! This is my longest post!

We still keep all of his belongings including his glasses.

I give him a bath in the afternoon and we would sit outside for fresh air.



Blessed your heart if you made it to the bottom. LOL. Please visit Kelly's blog to see her take on this week's theme.

{An Afternoon Walk}

Afternoon walk during summer is one of my favorite things. We live near Queens Botanical Garden and we often go there just to see the flowers, sit or roll on the grass, or play pretend. We went there two weeks before we departed to Jakarta and Jo wanted to bring Vanessa (her doll, whose name was previously Jolie. LOL.)

She had a blast and her nurturing mood has started to really kick in. She carried Vanessa around, gave her drink, shopped for food for her, and put her to sleep. She even carried her on her shoulder and demanded her to stay put when Vanessa was limping all over to the right and left. LOL.

{Jo at Five}

Okaaay.. she is five and a half. :)

She likes to create a scenario and does a lot of pretending. This afternoon, she finished brushing her teeth and turned her back when she heard my camera clicked. I said, "Can I take your pictures?"
She said, "OK. Let's pretend I am brushing my teeth again, okay?"
I said,"Of couuurrseee, okaaaay!"

Perhaps you look at this pic and say "what the duck?" But I've been so inspired with out of focus, old BW, grainy look. Although sometimes my vision could be BLEH and uncommon, I found that shooting what I envision is way more pleasing. :)

{52 on Friday: On the Shelf}

Continuing on the challenge from last week, this week's challenge is On the Shelf. I have to admit that this was not easy. I even googled the word "on the shelf" up. Does it count as cheating? :) Google Image shows pictures of books on the shelf. So I decided to take the other angle. Rather than focusing on what is supposed to be on a shelf, I decided to focus on what is not supposed to be on a shelf, and I think Jo is not supposed to be on a shelf. ;D

I was just glad that the shelf didn't fall apart. Caution - lots of grains, out of focus, and wonky red skin colors. :)

Happy Friday!




See a lot of beautiful pics on this theme, start by visiting Kate of the Rancher's Wife's Photography.

{Vendor Love: Lil Lady Bows Part 2}

Oh I so adore this mini hat from Lil Lady Bows. The colors, the flowers, the rhinestone button, the alligator clips, the yellow feather. Oh my!

For a lot of prettiness, please visit Lil Lady Bows on Etsy or like her Facebook Page.

We went to Staten Island Botanical Garden for this session. I purposely let Jo played in the children museum before I demanded her to pose. LOL. Talking about bribery here. But we did have a blast and actually spent the whole day there. I just so love being outdoor and taking pictures, of course.

{Vendor Love: Lil Lady Bows}

It is with delight that I am able to introduce you to Lil Lady Bows. She makes beautiful headbands and mini hats. I really love the mini hats because Lil Lady Bows uses alligator clips so the hats stay in place. Jo even wore it when she was upside down on monkey bar. LOL. Besides the size is just perfect.

Visit her Etsy store for a lot of cuteness. She sent me 2 mini hats and one gorgeous tutu dress, so please bear with me as I will be uploading more pics after this post. LOL.

{Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air}

I am a tropical barbie. I love spring, but I love summer more. I like mountain, but I like beach most, and so does Jo. So we headed to Heckscher State Park two weeks ago to play with the sun, sand, and water. I also managed to do some shoot for Lil Lady Bows. Pictures coming up soon! :)

Enjoy the weekend!

{52 on Friday: Independence}

I helped Jo with almost everything, just because I feel that it is a lot faster if I am helping her out with stuffs. Of course, it is not a good thing but my patience runs thin pretty fast. Meh! But recently, she starts to say that she can do everything by herself.

Brushing teeth: "I can do it by myself, mommy. It's OK. Really!"
Reading books: "I can read them by myself. I will read them to my students."
Washing dishes: "I can help you with that. Can I help you washing dishes?"
Grocery shopping: "I can carry that bag. Really! It's not too heavy for me."
At playgrounds: "You don't need to help me. I can climb (up) by myself. Really, mommy." And because she feels she is not a baby anymore, she sometimes refuse to sit on the swing, and yes, she likes to use the word "really" A LOT! :D

Happy Friday!





Please visit Kate of the Rancher's Wife Photography to see her take on this week's theme. I love her style!

{52 on Friday: Backlight}

I was elated when I learned that this week's theme at Bloom Forum is Backlight. I super love backlight.

Disclaimer: Two days ago, I read in a photography newsletter that the type of pictures that I display here are a big NO. Oops! The article argues that you are supposed to put your subject in a certain position so that the flare doesn't cover the head or face. But I love covering and blanketing my subject with the sunflare. Lol.

I personally think that it is good (a must actually) to learn photography techniques but that shouldn't stop you from shooting in a style that you like. I feel that photography is a medium to channel and translate images that I envision. It is a matter of personal taste, choice, and creativity. But I would love to hear different thoughts as well. :)

I've been taking a lot of backlit images and most of the time process them in a vintage feel. I am trying something new today by going with pinkish tone. :) Happy Friday and enjoy the long weekend!





Continue the circle by visiting Lisa Turner Photography.