Fragment: FEET

Anita sent me a PRECIOUS gift today!!!!

A self portrait of her feet in FRANCE!

Two things that I love: France and feet pictures ;)

Such a thoughtful gesture...love you, girl!

Fragment: FEET

As I organized photos on my computer, I curiously realized that I tend to take pictures of my feet, especially when I am ALONE somewhere.

I became intrigued, and immediately wondered: WHY IN THE WORLD DO I DO THIS?

Hmmmm...

Now that I became aware of my FEET photos, I find them everywhere! I began to search online and have come across SO many! It's so exciting to know that other people do it too ;)

But wait...Does this mean/say anything in particular?

Most of the people call this kind of photo a SELF PORTRAIT--interesting.

The irony of my feet-picture-taking is that I actually dislike my feet =/, so...why do I want to record them so often?????

Of course, this was my immediate thought after realizing how often I do it. Nevertheless, after reading photographer Karen Walrond's explanation, I understand that when I take pictures of my feet, what I really want to RECORD is the moment; a memory lived and understood by me...just by ME.

Here is Karen's insightful explanation (http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/30/through-the-gadling-lens-self-portraits/):

"And finally, the above shot of Susannah's feet: in this case, Susannah wasn't trying to capture her feet, per se, but the memories of what she was feeling and experiencing right at that very moment on that cold, rocky English beach. In this case, the photograph is a tool to record emotion, rather than to document scenery."

WOW! It explains to PERFECTION the reason why I take self portraits of my feet--to record emotions of a specific moment/place in time *SIGH* Love it!

I am hooked to finding more feet pictures now!!!! Do YOU take this kind of self portrait too? If you do, please, DO SHARE ;)

Here are my findings:

From my friends' pictures on Facebook

1. Frenchy Aish girl's feet @ France 2. Paopao's and her friend's feet @Bariloche 3. Sol's and her friend's feet @DR 4. Jirehsita's and her friend's feet @Boston

From complete strangers around the world

Notes: Just in case people from the "strangers from all over the world" section come across their pair, here are the sources.

1. David Avery's feet after bike race (ice on shoes) from his blog

2. Stephanie Levy's get together with other bloggers in England

3. S and J's feet in lake from Susanna's Sketchbook blog

4. Rosemud's blog http://rosemud.blogspot.com

5. Rosemud's blog http://rosemud.blogspot.com

6. "Fishnet Feet" from Lauratitian flickr photos

7. Kyle Silverman's feet in climbing aiders from Oregonlive blog

8. Dgypsy flickr photos

9. Christian girls rebuilding in New Orleans from Elca blog

10. Baby Gideon from Baby Gideon's blog

11. Ian's feet at beach from Netspeed blog

12. Mama Vee's feet before surgery from Avital blog

13. Megan's feet at Charles de Gaulle Airport from Not Martha blog

14. Rosemud's blog http://rosemud.blogspot.com

My own :)

1. Me @Astor Place, NYC 2. Me @train station, NYC 3. Me@Lemay's wedding, DR 4. Me @Productos Bautista photoshoot, DR 5. Me @airplane on my way to NYC 6. Me @My Way Coffee shop, NYC

"Neny wants..."

...round sunglasses...John Lennon style...

I've been wanting them for a while, but must confess that I haven't been fiercely looking.

I've seen them on the Olsen twin...and like them.

Saw them on my friend, Frenchy-Aish...and loved them (she got a hand-down vintage Ray Ban pair! YES, I am hatin' :P).

Now, I've decided to find ME a pair.

I'm thinking of buying these from Rosemud at ETSY. Must decide today before someone else does!

Check them out:

Price $5.00 dollars

NOTE: Someone just did :( WHAT ARE THE ODDS?!?!?!

Fragment: HAIR

"I want to wear HATS and not have to worry about my curls getting all crappy =/ Will it be possible...ever?" -My FB status yesterday which I erased and preferred to blog about it ;)

This thought reminds me of my friend Vel's mom, Yoli, back in June 2008. We were at an after party (after having played a concert). I had done my hair that day (aka straightened it) and while dancing outside with Vel, I kept touching my hair, like trying to tame it, keeping down the possible coming frizz.

When she caught me doing this, Yoli came close to me and whispered in my ear, "stop worrying about your hair so much! It makes you look insecure and self-conscious, and will make people easily become aware of that which you want to hide. But if you let your hair lose, free to take its natural course, whether it is to be tamed or run wild, but you're OK with it, and show it by moving freely, not paying any mind to it, you will look BEAUTIFUL regardless!"

(Above left: Yoli and me)

Wow....she stopped my world right there and then. It was powerful what she'd said...

I opted for the wild, free and beautiful, and had a blast dancing without a care in the world. And guess what?! My hair got REALLY big!!!! But I was so carelessly-happy that I even felt (probably even looked) BEAUTIFUL ;)

(Left: Vel and I dancing as my hair got BIGGER and BIGGER)

Fragment: FRIENDS

At any given moment, whether I'm up or down, FRIENDS always makes me laugh (the show that is!).

I love EACH and every one of the characters these 6 people play. I can't ever decide which is my favorite.

-Monica reminds me of my perfectionism and OCD ;) So, I love her in that way.

-Rachel is a beautiful, charming girl who everyone loves to watch :P

-Phoebe is hilarious!!!!!!! I laugh by just looking at her face :D :D :D

-Joey's naiveness, goofiness and soft heart is cute and endearing.

-Chandler is such a good man, who makes me laugh with his honest remarks.

-Ross forever in love with Rachel, reminds me of oh! so many feelings and stories.

Definitely, one of my favorite shows of all times! When in front of a TV (which is very seldom), Friends is one of the only 2 shows I'd be watching (Sex and the City being the other, of course).

"Six young people, on their own and struggling to survive in the real world, find the companionship, comfort and support they get from each other to be the perfect antidote to the pressures of life."

NOTE: I love that they always hang out at the coffee shop!

Fragment: TABU

One of my best friends ever is getting married! I've known Tabu since I was like 16 years old...awww :)

And not only am I inspired to blog about this because he's my best friend, but I am also in love with the concept of his BIG DAY!

Kangri and Tabu, like the rest of us common mortals, are not in their best financial place at the moment. Therefore, they wisely decided to postpone the wedding.

(Right: Tabu and me/Left: Tabu and Kangri)

However, their group of friends from ICC (the community church they attend) had the beautiful idea of celebrating, literally, a "community wedding" for the lovebirds. And when I say community wedding, I mean, someone will provide the bride with a dress, another will be in charge of decorating the venue, one will make the cocktail that will be served, others will be arranging the bride's bouquet, two girls will get bridesmaids dresses, one will make the cake, I will make the bridesmaids button bouquets (YEY!), etc, etc...and all this without Kangri or Tabu having to do anything or pitch in a dime!!! Isn't this marvelous?!

That is true friendship, I must say... :)

I am so excited about this wedding! Once again, I am hooked to the best wedding website for ideas and inspiration www.stylemepretty.com.

I so love untraditional weddings! This is such a practical idea. A true friends and family celebration. That's what it's all about. That's what I dream of for MY big day ;)

*SIGH*

NOTE: Pictures to come!

"Wedding dress shopping..."

...for LEMAY!!!

Marvic and I were so excited to be there! Standing at a showroom, surrounded by all these white gowns, a huge mirror and our best friend swirling around in beautiful dresses!

Definitely, a moment to remember forever...

And guess what, you guys?! I am the maid of honor!!! I feel super honored ;)

I'm so happy for you Lemay! :D :D :D

May God bless your union...Muuuuah!

Fragment: PALETTE

I just realized that I haven't blogged about a colorful, meaningful new fragment of my life: PALETTE!!

Three girlfriends from the orchestra and I have brought our talents and our instruments together to create a peculiar combination of sounds, colors, looks, personalities and repertoire in this all-girl quartet! It is certainly in the beginning stages, so there's still a LOT to be done. But here's a recording we made to audition for a gig, which we got *wink, wink* and so far, have gotten very nice feedback :D

You're welcome to leave yours!

"Aug/Sept/Oct FRAGMENTS..."

I guess lots of interesting little things have happened in the last 3 months, but they have passed and I have missed writing about them, oopsie! :S And, just as my favorite quote points out, "TIME THAT'S PASSED, NEVER COMES BACK".

There are some highlights, though, that MUST be mentioned.

-Orchestra auditions were held in August and the funniest thing happened! I wore heels (something I usually NEVER wear) and got a bit nervous while playing behind the curtains. The heels started shaking and affecting my playing, so as I played Mozart away, I was kicking my heels out of my foot! I did OK; not too great, not too horrible, and such was reflected in the punctuation I received, so I believe the jury was very fair and objective. Things are better now in the orchestra. The new conductor and assistant conductor are doing a great job. Everything is more organized, more serious, less drama, and (yes!) sounding much better. We are much more motivated, I guess.

-Collaborated with my lovely photographer friend, Ali, in a couple of shoots. Here are some samples:

-On a random day, my brother sent me an e-mail with the most amazing words describing me...(which, of course, I haven't yet responded!) I love you, brotherrrrrrrr:

My crazy, but so loving, sister!

You are like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day (oh wait, is this like the lyrics of a song, cause I truly just thought of this... lol, oh well!) Hahahaha, but this phrase captures so much truth to your existence Neny... No matter how hectic, or crazy your life might get, you always find a way to keep on pushing forward; making everybody around you better and better the more they get to know you. You have such a positive impact on others, that it's just amazing!

Thanks for being proud of your old bro! I love you lots, too! And if I'm your favorite genius, you are my favorite artist! And not just of creative artsy stuff; to me you are an artist of life... You add color and shape to everything you touch, and your energy moves the souls of everybody that comes in contact with you. You are like a magnet for people, no matter what situation, where, or when, people are naturally attracted to you... Because you are an ARTIST... an Artist of life!

I love you so much my gorgeous and crazy sister! Keep being who you are, just change who you are not!

Your brotherrrrrr

-Read two books I adored (!!): "The Awakening" (1899) by Kate Chopin and "Love the one you're with" (2009) by Emily Giffin.

-...and...perhaps, many other things I just can't think of right now...so, TO BE CONTINUED (?) ;)

"Luis Fonsi @DR"

Last night, I was a bit...hmmm...on the down side : p

And as I got home and poured myself a glass of wine, Anys calls me: "I have 2 VIP tickets to go to Luis Fonsi's concert tonight, and I have no one to go with. Would you like to come? You have 30 minutes to get ready!"

WHAT?!

Ok, so I tremendously dislike big crowds, the reason why I hadn't even thought of going to the lovely Fonsi concert. But, come on! I could not turn down a last minute offer like this one!

So, I went, and loved every second of it. I wasn't even jumping or screaming, like all the other girls were. I was mesmerized; just standing still, gazing at his little body, which was there, so REAL! Artists can become something so mystical, you know?

Anyways, I've loved his songs and his sweet voice for years; so I was totally HAPPY for being there last night.

He sings beautifully! Although his stage presence is not very powerful, his voice is impeccable, and he's flirty and cute, and all that good stuff girls like in a boy artist; so it's all good ;)

Loved last night! Thanks for thinking of ME, Anys!