The Philippine Scene
I thought I’d take a break from our usual topic of paper beads, so I’d like to imagine for one moment that I am back in the Philippines known as the Pearl of the Orient and I get to show you the people, places, fruits and the crafts by so many talented Filipinos. Who am I kidding? I am still here, on my desk typing away in my lap top, imagining I am there. I am not complaining, I am lucky to be living in sunny California. These images, were taken by a good friend of mine Vic Sy, he decided to take a trip to Philippines and was kind enough to send me images of whatever catches his fancy.
Pottery is one of the cottage industry that turn out nice beautiful pots not only to be used as planters but also as vessel for water that is mostly found in the homes of most folks who lives in the provinces.
The fruits are all year round, having only two seasons of the year, rainy and sunny days.
I could almost taste the mangoes, delicious.
This one is called guayabano, tangy and sweet, great for juice also.
This is the jeepney, preferred means of transportation.
The water buffalo commonly know as carabao, is a farmer’s best friend and a treasured possession.
This is one of old houses, you can still very much see the Spanish influence in the architecture.
I hope you have enjoyed a glimpse of the Philippines. I know there’s a lot of beautiful places to see…..
Read MoreMore Paper Beads Today
I have received a package from my sister today, and she always suprise me with new stuff! She made my day today…
What’s in it? Let’s see:
The bamboo and metal roller with same bamboo handles.
Some are cone shaped or what I call the little Christmas trees. These are so neat because you can still see some words on them.
She wants me to show you how to make the little round paper beads and she already cut the paper for me. She was not this nice when she was little 🙂
It also came with just the regular paper bead tubes.
Guavas and Guava Punch
It’s that time of year again when we count our blessings and muse about the things we should be thankful for. I harvested today fruits from our guava tree. I look forward to this time of the year when it gives us delicious guavas. Somehow, biting into one evokes childhood memories for me. I remember that my grandfather used to make delicious guava jellies, he would boil them, after that he would put them in a strainer to take the seeds out and put lots of sugar to make it into guava jellie.
I have a recipe I kept from Martha Stewart magazine for Guava punch, I like it because it is simple, it only has three ingredients. I have made this for friends and always gets compliments.
- 2 quarts chilled guava nectar (sold in cans or frozen concentrate in Latino groceries and some supermarkets).
- 3 fresh guavas
- 2 chilled bottles of champagne or sparkling wine
Directions: Combine guava nectar and champagne in a punch bowl, add guava slices, serve over ice and enjoy!
Taken from: Martha Stewart Living July/August 1995
What are you thankful for today?
Where I take pictures…..
Part of the fun in making something is taking photos of it and sharing it with you. I usually take photos of my “stuff” outside; in my back yard, in the beach or when I’m taking my walks. It is still quite a challenge to be organized, it seems like I am always forgetting something. I find that this cart just sitting in my living room is a big help, just carting things around.
I have draped bracelets and necklace to this Japanese lady water fountain, the fountain does not work but I keep it there, aside from the fact that it is super heavy, it is now part of that little garden.
The rusty bird cage I painted in different hues of purple and pink is also part of my “props”, and the indispensable antique white jug I bought long time ago from an estate sale, the handle broke off but it looks pretty when draped with paper beads 🙂
I call these “papa heads” also a favorite back drop of mine.
I don’t know why but I have a fascination with rusty objects like this old chandelier, I must have gotten these from one of those garage sales expedition.
My back yard is really small the swimming pool occupied most of it so I have little patch of space I am able to plant Japanese trees, papa heads, herbs and perennials. This is one of my favorite little garden with little bird bath, this was always a popular hang out for birds summer time.
And of course Bo (means precious in Chinese), white furry pekingese, I call him “King of the Hill” because he always acts like he owns the whole place. He knows everybody who takes a walk down the street. Here, you can tell he know the person below down the street.
Bo drooling over the bone I placed for him, as a reward for being good……
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