Tag: New Zealand

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Family

My Journey to Pregnancy

My story goes way back 2012 when I was first diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). I had irregular periods then but that was the only symptom I had until it progressed to weight gain, insulin resistance, and eventually, as the doctors called it, an unexplained infertility.

It really didn’t bother me until we started trying to conceive, which started in 2018. We were already in New Zealand then so I can say I had sufficient healthcare. We were referred to a fertility clinic and we tried 3 rounds of Letrozole but never in any of those rounds did I ovulate. It was about the same time that I got into a major vehicular accident which impaired me in numerous ways. My regular physical activity rapidly declined as I dealt with my injuries and my undiagnosed PTSD from the accident, which then led me to emotional eating. It all spiraled to a point that I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2019.

We had to hold off all efforts in conceiving since I had to bring my blood sugar down to a safe level first so it was from that point on that we started rethinking our lifestyle and revamping ways we are doing things. The urgent things I had to take care of then was pulling myself out from a toxic environment we were in. We were part of a group who completely ignores mental health issues and wouldn’t even want to talk about it as according to them, it should only be discussed with professionals. I didn’t even know what they meant – for me, it meant they didn’t really care what I was going through but I still had to do my “responsibilities” that I committed to in joining the group. I had to continuously be emptied without any promise of being filled.

It was in 2020 that we decided that enough is enough. We left the group and by God’s grace, found a church who would love Howell and I and care for us no matter the situation. It was tough trying to rebuild new relationships as the previous ones were completely severed because of misinformation that were given to the other members of the group. Still, it has helped my mental health tremendously. Toxic people and environments aren’t worth the work to keep.

And because I was then gaining momentum to heal, I also started getting physically active again. If I could remember it right, there were still strict restrictions in place due to Covid so I wasn’t able to get back to the gym but I found good alternatives like walking everyday for at least 45 minutes and doing online dance workouts. Once the restrictions eased, I went back to swimming for about twice a week and continued my everyday walks.

It was also the same year that I started going to art school, where I found my tribe – people who had the very same passions I had: art. No matter the expression, we had the same understanding of how art is special to us – for the first time since we moved, I felt fully embraced and understood.

In 2021, with careful planning and discussion with my ever supportive husband, I took a break from work to fully recuperate. I had a discussion with my employer because I really did not know what I wanted to do, all I knew was that I wanted a break to fully heal. My dear employer was kind and generous enough to give me some hours I can work from home while I rethink how I wanted my career to go in the near future. This also meant I was spending heaps of time alone at home so as thoughtful as my husband is, he decided to give me a dog to keep me company, and boy did it change my life. If you are keen to see more of our daily adventures with Milo, check out our Instagram page.

Milo is full of beans but is sweet and is a warm company who keeps us happy with his antics.

With my husband’s unconditional love and support, exercise, eating healthy, continuing with my studies, spiritual and emotional support from church, and my sweet Milo by my side all the time, I continued to heal. I started feeling physical improvement around June, which was also reflected in my lab tests that time. I wasn’t thinking of having a baby anymore because the priority was to just heal. I am so blessed to have been given this kind of support by everyone around me. Now here we are, I am currently 20 weeks 5 days pregnant. God has given us a child in His own time, and it is beautiful.

Filling yourself with good and beautiful things physically, mentally, emotionallly, and spiritually will do you wonders, even for someone as complicated and messed up as I am. Reminds me of this beautiful verse in Philippians:

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. -Philippians 4:8-9

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Studies at the Learning Connexion

Paintings that Move by Gary Freemantle

As I’ve mentioned before, I am currently studying New Zealand Diploma in Creativity Level 5. I mainly do distance learning but I enrol in 1 onsite class per term. It allows me to be in company of other artists which can really be inspiring. For the past term, I attended Gary Freemantle’s class – Paintings that Move.

In every class, we had an exercise which we can choose to pursue throughout the day. Below are some of my outputs from the class.

I liked the idea of an underwater garden. Very proud that I did not use any reference for this piece.
This and the next 3 photos below are an exercise to portray depth and shape using brushstrokes. I had fun adding on smoke to this piece but not too happy with the shape.
Among the 4 bowl exercises, this was the one I liked most. I liked the shape and the colour palette I used for this piece.
I tried the exercise using watercolour. It was amazing that with just a few strokes, I was able to complete this.
This last one was just a black and white experiment then I decided to add colour through the flowers.
This was an interesting piece. It started with clouds, then with further strokes, I saw that it could also be waves. The addition of the boat was really fun. I liked how this painting portrayed so much movement.
  • This was our first collaborative piece when Alert Level 4 was announced in New Zealand. We were given random images which Gary gave us the freedom to do whatever with. At the end of the class, Gary puts these pieces together to reveal an image which in this case was a smiley. The one in the red square was my piece. The 3 artworks on top were some of the other options I gave Gary. The artworks in the top middle and top right were painted in gouache.
  • This one was the second collaborative piece.
  • This was the artwork I contributed. I used acrylic as watercolours, some layers were transparent for this piece.
  • This was the final collaborative piece we did.
  • I decided to try doing patterns for this one – the patterns were a very spontaneous decision on my end. Thoroughly enjoyed creating this.
This was an experiment on shapes. I decided to paint a Bahay Kubo, a type of indigenous house in the Philippines. In my future paintings, I am hoping to pursue this track and maybe fuse some unique designs from the Philippines and New Zealand.

I went out of the box with these paintings. I’d say all of them are totally not my style. I enjoy creating them but not sure if I’d ever pursue concepts I learned from these works.

The most important thing I learned from this class was being spontaneous and allowing my consciousness to paint whatever it is that it wants. I didn’t really have much control and planning creating these pieces. In doing so, I get to mix things around and just go out of the box.

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ash the brush's journey

Ash the Brush’s Journey (The Artist’s Process)

As Ash the Brush’s Journey is my first ever published book, friends have had heaps of questions about it – Have you always had a story in your head? What prompted you to write a book? How did you know exactly what to draw?

First off, I’d like to thank all my friends who have already purchased the book, both in New Zealand and in the Philippines. Really appreciate all your support!

So back to my process…

The idea of writing a book has always been a dream of mine so when my mentor asked me what type of project I wish to do, I instantly said I wanted to illustrate one!

After the phone conversation with my mentor, Leigh Mitchell-Anyon, my mind quickly went into overdrive thinking for a topic. I didn’t have one then – all I knew was I wanted to reach children and introduce them to the beauty of art. Couple of minutes after, I went to the literal thinking throne…

And a storyline quickly popped up! I wanted to share that whatever pains we go through will always have a purpose. Then I thought of how I can creatively illustrate that point and thought of how we use paint brushes! Perfect!

I started working on it straight after that!

On the left hand side is how I conceptualized Ash’s features and colours used so all the illustrations are consistent. The top right photo is the final colour palette I’ve chosen for the entire book. The middle photo on the right are my art materials that inspired my book characters. I’ve especially included a Mongol pencil, a brand I’ve used from childhood. The bottom photo on the right is also an inspiration for one of Ash’s journey scenes.

I did a storyboard so I’d have a concrete direction…

Then researched for the appropriate facial expressions for the character…

Did test paintings of all the pages in watercolour, ink, and coloured pencils…

…And made the final paintings.

The most difficult task for me was not the painting part but the scanning, editing, and layout! I have been doing graphic arts for years now thus I was confident to do these tasks but it was way different to my typical editing and layout work!

Good thing I have a good relationship with my printing supplier, they helped heaps in my book layout! Shoutout to the PrintCraft guys Dave and Gary! Inputs about printing and layout from one of the artists I met in class, Michelle Mainwaring, helped heaps as well!

It was an exciting project and I am encouraged to create more. If anyone is wanting to also do their dream projects, I encourage you to do so! Start small, and take those small, wobbly steps haha, you’ll get there!

Ash the Brush’s Journey is now available for sale on my shop. Click on this link and buy your copy today!

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ash the brush's journey

Ash the Brush’s Journey!

A year ago, after the first Covid lockdown, I started going to art school. It was something I’ve always dreamt of but never really got the chance to do.

At about the same time, I was diagnosed with a chronic disease that drove me to a downward spiral. I thought maybe meeting new people and learning new things at school might help me – and help me it did.

One of the first things my mentor asked me was what type of project I wanted to do, and our choices were pretty unlimited. First thing that came into my mind was a book. I’ve always wanted to write a book – something that’s loosely based on my own adventures and misadventures, thus Ash the Brush’s Journey came to be!

A year after, with my symptoms now under control, and now still continuously recovering, I am happy to share with all of you my first book, written and illustrated by yours truly! Ash the Brush’s Journey is about a paintbrush on a journey to find her purpose.

The whole book was created primarily in vibrant watercolours and ink so anyone interested in explosive colours is in for a feast! It is appropriate for kids ages 6 to 8 and to absolutely everyone who’s young at heart.

It’s now available in both Softcover and PDF format on my shop. Grab your copy today!

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Milo the Chocolate Labrador x GSP

Meet Our New Boy!

Meet our new boy, Milo!

One bright morning, on the 8th May 2021, we met a boy who would change our lives: Milo. He was then an 8-week old puppy bound to steal both my husband’s and my heart. Milo is a Labrador GSP Cross whose parents came from Tangimoana.

This was him when we picked him up from his breeder.

It was hard work during his first 2 weeks at home. I almost lived in the kitchen floor at that time but as he is a smart and eager to please puppy, it didn’t take much to toilet train him and teach him basic commands.

Sitting properly while waiting for his treat.

He is a complete goofball who loves shoes, socks, and any type of footwear he can find.

Milo hanging out at our shoe rack in front of the house.

He is sweet and very curious of his humans. He loves cuddles and eating treats on my lap.

He loves the outdoors and is very friendly with both dogs and humans.

One of our early morning walks at Whitereia Park, Porirua

We get to see beautiful nature scenes because of him…

Rainbow visible from Titahi Bay Beach, Porirua

And no matter how bonkers he may be..

Milo wrestling with Daddy before we sleep.

We love our dear, dear boy.

Follow more of his adventures on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/milothechoclabxgsp/!

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Studies at the Learning Connexion

(Photograms) Power of a Series – Leigh Mitchell-Anyon

Photograms are images produced without a camera. These photograms were done by flashing a darkroom enlarger on a photographic paper with an object on it. We picked up items from campus to use a objects in the photogram. I used some plants, my earrings, and borrowed feathers from the others in my class.

Photogram of my hands
Photogram of feathers
Photogram of my earrings, a plant, and feathers
Categories
Studies at the Learning Connexion

Experimental Drawing – Female Life Drawing

We had another life drawing session last week, this time with a female model. I prepared the backgrounds beforehand and it surprisingly fit the exercises well.

Female Life Drawing – Lines

It’s wonderful how these simple lines can be this expressive of movement. It looked so graceful to me.

Female Life Drawing – One-Line Drawings

This next one was quite interesting, too. We were told we can choose to change the medium we are using. I’ve always been comfortable using soft pastels so using an Indian ink marker is a good change. The poses looked dramatic to me – very very interesting.

Female Life Drawing – Detailed Drawing
Female Life Drawing – Metamorphosis

This part of the exercise was really confusing for me the last time we did it but I took some risks with this drawing and I think it paid off. I quite liked how the parts are fused and how it interacts with the background.

Female Life Drawing – Fire

The proportions were not quite right here but I loved the idea of fusing elements into the drawing. I used the element of fire but illustrated it as if it’s water.

Female Life Drawing – Air

I developed one of the lines in the previous exercise and fused the background I created prior to our life session to illustrate the element of air.

I have been learning a lot of techniques to be more creative with my drawings. I have been more free with communicating my thoughts through drawing. The immediate feedback from those in my class and from our teacher has been really effective. I have tried things I have never thought of doing before and it has helped develop my process in creating. These exercises have been really boosting my confidence in terms of my capacity to create in general.

The term is about to end soon and as I am a distance delivery student, I am not too sure if I will have a slot for onsite classes next term. Hopefully, I’ll get to sign up to at least one onsite class. We’ll see!

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Musings

On Lockdown/ Self-Isolation? What activities did we do in the 90s?

Self-isolation here in New Zealand is imposed on international travellers arriving on our shores. Residents have not been required to self-isolate yet – business as usual for a lot of people here.

It is however, unfortunate, that I have had a tummy bug and flu the same time the first case of Covid-19 was announced here in Wellington. I had to absent myself from work this week for fear that I may compromise my workmates or the visitors I may come across with as my workplace is in the tourism industry.

It is a different story in my home country, though. Luzon, Philippines is already on lockdown and people are required to stay home. There is, of course, a wide continuum of responses to this, which I won’t go into.

This news of my home country and my own sickness led me to thinking of the things I did when I was younger, when there were most people had no mobile phones and no internet.

Was I unproductive then? Did I feel constrained in some way? Was my life limited during that time? Was life boring?

No. Most of the things I did then formed the foundation of the skills I have now. So I did a trip down memory lane and made a list of activities that I and the other 90s kids did then that can probably prompt some ideas relevant to people on self-isolation:


1. Read

There is one quote from George R. R. Martin that captures my personal experience of reading: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”

In reading, I learned. In reading, I have explored a thousand places with my imagination and have met interesting and amazing characters that I would not have met in my lifetime. My world widens when I read and I hope everyone who has time on their hands now give it a try.

Reading can give you a lot of different perspectives about your life and the world in general. Distancing from all the toxic and negative messages out there at the moment is also definitely a bonus!

2. Draw/ Paint/ Do Arts

This is one of the mindless activities one can engage in. There are definitely technical rules in drawing and painting but art does not judge!

Art is one way of expressing your inner realities onto your outer world! Draw, paint, play with colours and the materials that you have!

Though it’s definitely not a bad idea to learn the technical aspects of art if you are keen! Heaps of resources are easily accessible – Youtube (which has free art tutorials most of the time), online libraries, Skillshare (this one is paid but you may use my link to try it for 2 months for free: https://skl.sh/2xNHaXz), and many more! With the access to the internet, you can learn practically anything these days.

3. Learn Musical Instruments

You may have purchased a guitar or a keyboard or a ukelele but have never gotten the time to actually sit down and practice. Now is never a better time to do it!

This was one of the things that took a majority of my time when I was younger. I studied piano for almost 6 years and I was able to use that skill as a side hustle during the time that I did not have a corporate job. It is a relaxing hobby that engages your mind and your coordination skills.

4. Sew/ Cross stitch/ Crochet/ Knit

I did several crossstich pieces as a child but learned crochet just now. This activity is almost therapeutic and at the same time, useful in so many practical ways!

I get to make pieces that I can display at home and I also get to craft useful home items from it. I recently made some soap savers and am now working on a reusable market bag using crochet. You can practically make a range of very handy items using these skills. Go ahead and give it a try!

5. Do Paper Crafts/ Journal/ Scrapbook

If you are someone who loves keeping memories from receipts, movie tickets, plane tickets, candy wrappers, anything you can lay your hands on during a memorable event, now is a great time to properly “document” those moments! Start a journal or a scrapbook.

You may also choose write letters for an old-fashioned, more romantic way of communicating with your friends and loved ones!

Write – write your favourite quotes, Bible verses, your emotions, what’s happening around you. Write anything that is on your mind. It is quite surprising how these idle moments can bring the deepest revelations to you, if only you pay attention to it.

6. Cook/ Learn to Cook

One of the most memorable times I had with my sister as a child was experimenting with food. When bored, we would often scavenge through our cupboard and look for items we can mix and cook.

I was never afraid of the kitchen because of these experiments we had then. As an adult, it helped me become more resourceful and adventurous in learning new dishes that I can serve at home.

And it was fun because not only did we learn to make something we can actually eat, but we built these memories we can still go back to even as adults!

7. Connect with Our Family Members

My deepest conversations with my family members happened during lull times – times when you don’t really have a choice but to talk to each other. Being confined in a space with your family gives you time to ask, to give your opinion on things, to express your emotions and thoughts as home is a safe space.

And wherever your family members may be at this point, the internet has allowed us to be connected. Message them today and shower them with kind and loving words – just what the whole world needs now!

8. Exercise – even at home!

This was one of the things I failed to do as a child but I am slowly learning these days. Nothing can stop you from exercising! There are several places on the internet and apps you can use for home workout ideas. These days, the best you can do for your body is to make it strong and exercise does that for you. Go and get off that seat now and exercise!

9. Pray and Read the Bible

In these trying times when everything may fail you, the one true God who holds your life will not.

Our earthly bodies may fail but one thing that is sure? Eternal life. That is longer than anything this world can offer. Prepare for that life. Get to know God in this life. Ask Him where he needs you at this time. Ask Him what He wants you to do these days.

Reading the Bible can also put your views in perspective. It can console you. It can fortify you.

I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From whence shall come my help? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip; or your guardian to sleep. Behold, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.

The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. By day the sun will not strike you, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will guard you from all evil; he will guard your soul. The Lord will guard your coming and going both now and forever.

Psalm 121:1-8

This too shall pass, friends! Keep safe and healthy!

Categories
Work

Trade a Book for a Look at Staglands!

Trade your pre-loved children’s books for a half-priced child’s entry to Staglands.

Staglands is celebrating Conservation Week by giving children the opportunity to learn how they can help nature in their own unique way. The pre-loved children’s books that will be collected will be given to the children that the Salvation Army – Upper Hutt is caring for.

This offer is available for kids aged 4 to 16 from 14th September to 13th October 2019. One half-priced child’s entry ticket per book received on the day of visit.  Not valid with any other offer, including Entertainment Book.

Visit www.staglands.co.nz for more information.

Categories
Work

Go Mad for Marshmallows these School Holidays!

Staglands yummy winter marshmallows are back and for a limited period only, during the July School Holidays, they will be given away FREE to all visitors!

Toast your own on the cosy Barn campfire and enjoy some wild cooking in the great outdoors.

www.staglands.co.nz