Bruce Lee - High Speed Painting

Butterfly

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.

The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.

Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us.

We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly!

Boulders To Lounge On

I just love these fun fun boulder pillows for indoor and outdoor use.

These beautiful gray forms are inspired by the weather-worn rocks found in rivers and tides. Ranging in size from a throw pillow to a couch, Livingstones are not only eco-inspired but also crafted from wool and polysilicone fiber. The whimsical pillowcushions were created by French designer Stephanie Marin and made their US debut at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York.

Eco Friendly & Romantic Interiors

South African designer Laurie Owen creates amazingly peaceful spaces. Her interior designs for African homes and hotels are inspiring for both aesthetic and environmental reasons — she uses natural materials from the local area of a project as often as possible. This means tree stumps and boulders are used as tables, and branches are beautifully arranged to form custom headboards. These stunning, neutral-colored interiors have us dreaming of a trip to Africa...

To An Eco Friendly New Year

Organic Interior products are fast becoming popular now a days. I like that because natural materials sits high on my list whenever I design. Here's a cool clip.

http://www.organicinteriordesign.com/index.php

Recipe for a Happy New Year

Thought For The Day

Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate.
Cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past-have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time.

Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts.
Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing- don't do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution.

Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of silly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. - Psalm 90:14

Liu Bolin - The Invisible Man

This man paints himself to blend into the background.... amazing!

Sand Art

Let Faith Blossom

I knew a couple who spent days working hard to pay the rent on their small apartment and buy food, while pursuing new opportunities to better themselves. Despite their circumstances, to dream and expand their vision, they dressed up and went to a posh hotel, where they simply sat in the elegant hotel lobby. They looked beyond where they were to where they wanted to be and let faith blossom in their hearts.

Perhaps you, too, need to change your environment . Quit sitting around worrying and feeling sorry for yourself. Instead go find somewhere you can dream. Find someplace your faith will be elevated.

Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear. – Psalm 10:17

Thoughts To Ponder

Thoughts to ponder. Funny stuff I found online...

When it rains, why don't sheep shrink?

If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation?

What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

What do they call a coffee break at the Lipton Tea Company?

Isn't it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do "practice?"

Do they sterilize the needles for lethal injections?

What hair color do they put on the driver's license of a bald man?

Why is the word abbreviation so long?

And whose cruel idea was it for the word "Lisp" to have an "S" in it?

Is there another word for synonym?

If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?

Why do they put Braille on the drive-through bank machines?

How do they get the deer to cross at that yellow road sign?

Why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

How is it possible to have a civil war?

If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to drown too?

what happened to the people who were tested w preparation A - G?

So what's the speed of dark?

Is it true that cannibals don't eat clowns because they taste funny?

Since light travels faster than sound, isn't that why some people appear bright until you hear them speak?

How come when you buy a jar of preservatives, on the label it says, "No Preservatives?"

Why are there 5 syllables in the word "monosyllabic?"

How come Superman could stop bullets with his chest, but always ducked when someone threw a gun at him?

Why does lemon juice contain mostly artificial ingredients but dishwashing liquid contains real lemons?

Why do we wait until a pig is dead to "cure" it?

Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?

Is boneless chicken considered to be an invertebrate?

Why is there an expiration date on my sour cream container?

How do you know when its time to tune your bagpipes?

Why do they call it a TV set when you only get one?

Never agree to plastic surgery if the doctor's office is full of portraits by Picasso.

If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the OTHERS here for?

STRESSED spelled backwards is DESSERTS.

As I said before, I never repeat myself!

Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.

It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.

Ever wonder what the speed of lightning would be if it didn't zigzag?

How come your nose runs and your feet smell.

Why is it that a slim chance and a fat chance can mean the same thing, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?

Before they invented drawing boards, what did they go back to?

If you take an Oriental person and spin him around several times, does he become disoriented?

If practice makes perfect, and nobody's perfect, why practice?

Why is there always one in every crowd?

Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?

If a deaf person swears, does his mother wash his hands with soap?

Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?

Why do birds not fall out of trees when they sleep?

Why does Bugs bunny walk around the cartoon naked, but puts a bathing suit on when he goes swimming?

When pigs fart, does it smell like bacon?

If money does not grow on trees, why do banks have branches?

If you cut off a glowworm's tail would it be delighted?

If you were under house arrest and you lived in a mobile home, wouldn’t you be able to go anywhere you want?

If our body temperature is normally 98.6 degrees, how come when it's 98 degrees outside, no one is comfortable?

Why are the numbers on a calculator and a phone reversed?

When you see the weather report and it says "partly cloudy" and then the next day it says "partly sunny"; what’s the difference?

How do you know which armrest is yours in the movie theaters?

If you say something is indescribable, isn't that describing it?

Do Dutch people always split the bill?

If you died with braces on would they take them off?

Why do you go “back and forth” to town if you really must go forth before you go back?

Why is it when some products you have to turn it upside down to read the directions, and the directions say do not turn upside down?

Why do all superheroes wear spandex?

Why do bankruptcy lawyers expect to be paid?

What has four legs and an arm? A happy pit bull.

Wouldn't you think big cities would have an emergency phone number 119 just in case someone with dyslexia has an emergency?

Journey

For the Christian, what looks like a detour may actually be a new road to blessing.

The journeys that we take in life,
Though unexpected they may be,
If we commit to follow Christ,
His work through us the world will see. —Sper

I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel. —Philippians 1:12

Over A Bowl Of Coffee?

Let me just share this story over a bowl of coffee and laugh about it all over again. About 8 years or so ago, my husband and I had this habit of having either double espresso or 16 oz of cappuccino throughout the day. One afternoon we were at this fancy Cafe and ordered our 16 oz of cappuccinos. After a few minutes the waiter brings us our coffee. Our cappuccinos were served in 2 oriental bowls. Our faces had this "what the...??? are you kidding me?" look. The waiter tells us that it's how they serve cappuccino in Italy. Really? In a China bowl? C'mon!!! So we asked them if they can put it in their regular 16 oz cappuccino cups that we used to have and they said they didn't have those cups anymore.

So we were sitting there staring at our Chinese bowls and actually giggling about the whole silliness. We didn't actually buy the idea. We were even looking around thinking that we might be in some Candid Camera show. We tried to sip once but it felt really ridiculous. We thought that the waiters might be laughing at us every time we take a sip because they're just pulling a prank on us. So we called our waiter again and asked if he could place them in regular mugs because we're NOT drinking our cappuccinos from a Chinese bowl.

Our waiter did take our bowls to replace them. And now for the hilarity part 2, he comes back with 4 regular mugs since they didn't have the 16 oz mugs anymore. Now we had 2 mugs each in front of us. It was so weird but hilarious. 2 people having coffee with 2 mugs each. Hilarity part 3 we had to gulp down one of our mugs to get rid of them and have just one mug each in front of us to enjoy and at least appear normal.

Here's the thing. I recently read an article in Elle Decor how this so called coffee European style (serving coffee in a bowl) was popularized in Amsterdam about a decade ago. A method you wouldn't really see on the other side of the Atlantic. The editor said that now he's hooked and even bought a few bowls, as in the picture to serve to his guests when having coffee at his house.

Ahhh, see now I'm educated. I can now confidently sip my hot cup of coffee with confidence when served in a bowl. But using the Chinese bowl? Ummm, nothing bout that says European. We still go to have coffee at that fancy Cafe to this day but I don't see those Chinese bowls anymore. Well I guess their attempt to do coffee European style didn't really work out. I'd say give it a decade more.

Loving This Young Jazz Artist

Esperanza Spalding is an American jazz bassist and singer. Spalding had intended to play cello but discovered the bass during a one year stint at age 14 at the prestigious performing arts high school, The Northwest Academy, to which she had won a scholarship. Spalding left high school at 16 and after completing her GED enrolled on a music scholarship in the music program at Portland State University, where she remembers being "the youngest bass player in the program."

Although she lacked the training of her fellow students, she feels that her teachers nevertheless recognized her talent and she decided to instead apply to Berklee College of Music on the encouragement of her bass teacher and did well enough in her audition to receive a full scholarship.

Almost immediately after graduation from college at age 20, in 2005, Spalding was hired by Berklee College of Music, becoming one of the youngest professors in the institution's history.

In this video, she performs the Stevie Wonder hit "Overjoyed" at the White House before a live audience that included President Obama and wife Michelle.

Watch and be inspired by this young artist.... I love her!

Stinky Feet Cover Up

Omigarsh!!! Isn't this the cutest thing. And when you have stinky feet you can just say "Hey, I'm wearin fish scented flip flops!".... This is really cute. I know it's weird and I don't know if it's photoshopped or it's a real design but I'm kinda diggin the novelty idea.

Good Morning Nemo

Won't have a hard time finding Nemo here, since he's the first one you'll see in the morning.
This is the Moody Aquarium Sink manufactured by Open Kristallux in Italy.




Moody was created to define the mood in your bathroom. You can choose Moody to be an aquarium with gold fish or a terrarium with rocks and plants or a Zen garden with sand or a simple pebble river bed.


Moody is not just a washbasin with a built-in aquarium but a creative concept that will transform your bathroom to whatever you would like it to be. The sink glass top can be lifted easily to maintain the aquarium or re-arrange your Zen design. There are openings on both sides of the sink covered by the soap holders that provide access for fish feeding.


Lighting, water circulation, oxygenation and filtration is maintained by a power circuit. The chrome finish brass stand and convenient front towel rail are supplied. Just buy the fish.... In the US it's distributed by Italbrass. Priced from $4495.

Ordinary Miracle

Just finding sunshine on my rainy Monday...

It's not that unusual
When everything is beautiful
It's just another
Ordinary miracle today


The sky knows when it's time to snow
Don't need to teach a seed to grow
It's just another
Ordinary miracle today

Life is like a gift, they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up, and find a way
To give some of your own

Isn't it remarkable?
Like everytime a raindrop falls
It's just another
Ordinary miracle today

The birds in winter have their fling
And always make it home by spring
It's just another
Ordinary miracle today

When you wake up everyday
Please don't throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
'Cause we are all a part

Of the ordinary miracle

Ordinary miracle

Do you want to see a miracle

It seems so exceptional
That things work out after all
It's just another
Ordinary miracle today

The sun comes out and shines so bright
And disappears again at night
It's just another
Ordinary miracle today

It's just another
Ordinary miracle today

(A song from the movie "Charlotte's Web")

New Yorker Cover Art Created on an iPhone

Business Week - May 28, 2009

To the list of cool things you can do with an IPhone, you can now add “illustrate the cover of a magazine.”

The artist Jorge Colombo used the iPhone app Brushes to create the illustration that graces the cover of this week’s New Yorker. Colombo will continue to offer drawings made on his iPhone that will be featured on the magazine’s Web site.

Check out the video it's so cool. I never really wanted an Iphone before because it's so big and ugly, but now I want one just because of this application and the possibilities of creating a fun art.

Traditional Japanese Inspired Kitchen

A simple traditional Japanese kitchen is not that simple to accomplish. Attention to detail is very important. Simple is how I always like things to be.

Sliding panels are very traditional Japanese.

Making use of natural materials.

A traditional Japanese woodwork technique called Butterfly Joint.

Over A Cup Of Tea

Wanna know a secret to a healthy day?
Get ready and experience tea with God.

Communications experts tell us that the average person speaks enough to fill 20 single-spaced, typewritten pages every day. This means our mouths crank out enough words to fill 2 books of 300 pages each month, 24 books each year, and 1,200 books in 50 years of speaking. Thanks to phones, voicemail, and face-to-face conversations, words comprise a large part of our lives. So the kinds of words we use are important.

The psalmist's mouth was filled with praise when he wrote Psalm 126. The Lord had done great things for him and his people. Even the nations around them noticed. Remembering God's blessings, he said, "Our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing" (v.2).

What words would you have used in verse 3 had you been writing this psalm? "The Lord has done great things for me and I..." Can you finish it by saying, "And I am praising and thanking Him for His goodness"? As you recall God's blessings today, express your words of praise to Him... as you enjoy your cup of tea.

"I will rejoice
I’m gonna lift my voice
And worship you.
And glorify your name
Among the nations
I will rejoice
In everything I will give thanks
To you, for you have been
My help and my salvation..."
-Don Moen

I Like It Rustic

Last December someone gave me this tea pot set as a gift. One day I thought of driving down to the garden supply store to find some stone or perhaps an old wood that I can use as a tray for my tea set. I found this, cleaned it well with soap and brush, and then applied clear varnish. I also put little rubbers underneath.

I found this cheeseboard online and I love the idea that you can write on it with a chalk. Saves your guests the trouble of asking what cheeses are on the board. And again I like it because it's rustic. It's an ordinary slate that you can pick up from your local stone supplier. This particular cheeseboard sells for $60 at Viva Terra.

Here's another cute idea of a cheeseboard.
This one's made of marble.

Island Elegance

This is eye candy to me. A table setting idea that's simple, fun and elegantly casual.

The First Miracle In Cana

Jesus turned water into wine

Last Friday night around 10 pm my husband and I met with a good friend who had just finished doing a show at Hotel Sofitel. We proceeded to the bar area of the hotel's lobby lounge where there was live piano and vocals playing the old standards.... lovely.

We were having casual conversations over a glass of wine. On a normal basis my husband and I would only drink wine to enjoy with a meal. But on occasions like this we take heed to God's word... And be not drunk in wine, wherein is excess... - Eph 5:18

Along our conversations we suddenly came to the topic where Jesus turned water to wine. By the way, our celebrity friend is also a fellow brother in Christ. So we were asking each other, can you imagine how that tasted like? Jesus made THE BEST wine, that's not debatable.

Our fun bible discussion on wine and other topics on life jumped from one verse to the next, and to the next, and so on and so forth until we were jumping back and forth from the old testament to the new. But here's an interesting scenario... Mr. Bartender was listening with intensity. His whole body was leaned forward with his entire arms and elbows on the bar and hands clasped together. His head nodding every now and then like he's absorbing every word. I found that really cute, and I will never forget that picture in my mind.

And guess what? Yesterday at church, the teaching was about "Jesus Changes Water To Wine" - John 2:1-11.

Jesus made approximately 180 gallons of the best wine... which means His provisions are ABUNDANT, and always THE BEST!

Soul Stage

Jill Scott is an American soul, R&B singer songwriter, poet and actress, and she has won 3 Grammy Awards. She began her performing career as a spoken word artist, appearing at live poetry readings to perform her work. Later she was discovered by Ahmir "QuestLove" Thompson and was invited to join the band and the collaboration resulted in co-writing which was credited to Scott.

Love her... I have her entire live album in my ipod, thanks to my son.

God's Mercies Are New Every Morning

God's mercies are new every morning. You may have made a lot of mistakes, but God has not run out of Mercy. He makes a fresh new batch every single morning. Do you know why? Because He knew that we were going to use up all that He made yesterday. You may have done something last week that you're not proud of, but you don't have to carry that with you any longer. You simply need to receive God's mercy and forgiveness.

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3: 22-23)

The Boutique Bed and Breakfast

Not too long ago my husband and I drove to Tagaytay and discovered this gorgeous B&B called The Boutique Bed & Breakfast. It's a very small but very hip place with only 7 guestrooms. Each bedrooms have names like "i love", "i dream", "i surrender", "i lust", etc... and each of them are themed differently.

They also have the Hawaiian BBQ Restaurant which is famous for their BBQ Spareribs. We enjoyed their food, they're delicious.

The Sign

The Very Modern Facade That Caught Our Eyes

Front Balcony

The Chic Lobby Area

The "i love" Guestroom

Lovely Welcome Drinks

Pamper Yourself With the Guest Gift Basket

Wonderful Assortment of Breakfast On The Veranda

Garlic Boneless Bangus Breakfast

Hot Choco Up In The Cool Mountains Is Perfect

Al Fresco Dining

Overlooking The Taal Volcano

A Perfect Evening Hangout

A Token For Each Guest

Striking Evening Shot

Alwayspeppercorn Turns 1

Happy Birthday Alwayspeppercorn !

Like a proud parent,
God especially enjoys watching you
use the talents and liabilities
He has given you.

God intentionally gifted us differently
for His enjoyment

You need to be everything God
created you to be.
You're gifted for a purpose...

and your life is in the hands
of an unfailing God!


Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
(Isaiah 64:8)

*Lifted from the book "The Purpose Driven Life".

Braving The Storm

"Heavy rains

remind me of challenges in life...

Don't ask the
Lord for a lighter rain...

Just pray
for a sturdier umbrella."

Wellington Boot History

The Wellington boot is also known as the gum boot, rubber boot or the most popular term in the UK is "wellie" The wellington is associated with Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, the Iron Duke as he was known started the trend in the early 19th century. The boots proved very popular with the gentlemen of the time and very quickly became a fashion item.

The original boots were made of leather and it was not until 1852 that the first rubber wellingtons were manufactured, Hiram Hutchinson bought the patent to manufacture rubber wellingtons from Charles Goodyear who manufactured the first rubber tires.

Over the years wellington production and design have changed, however, they still serve the same purpose as they always have, that is to keep the feet dry.

Wellingtons have now moved full circle and are once again fashion items.

I NEED to pick up a pair of these !!!

Magnificent Oil Paintings

by, Leonid Alfremov (born 1955) is a Belarus born, Israeli modern painter who creates vivid colors of unique landscapes, cityscapes and figures using a palette knife rather than a brush to paint.

Born in Vitebsk, the birthplace of Marc Chagall, Afremov graduated from Vitebsk Art School which was founded by Chagall in 1921 and has had many notable patrons including Kasemir Malevich and Wassily Kadinski. After discovering that only communist propaganda posters would sell in the Soviet Union, Afremov moved to Israel in 1990. Within two weeks, he had found a job in an advertising agency painting billboards, but on the eve of an exhibition, his studio was broken into and vandalised. Afremov then moved to the United States and currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida.

Funny Pics

Refresh Yourself

Something fancy and yummy on a hot summer day...



Super Simple:

1 tub Peach Flavor Iced Tea Mix

3 cups cold water

1 bottle (1 L) diet ginger ale
Mint Leaves

PLACE drink mix in large plastic or glass pitcher. Add water; stir until mix is dissolved.

STIR in ginger ale just before serving. Pour over ice cubes in eight tall glasses.

Special Extra:
Add a fresh raspberry to each glass before filling with prepared drink.

Special Extra:

Garnish each glass with a fresh peach slice, if desired.

Box Jellyfish

Me and my boys were watching the movie "Seven Pounds" last night, we were amazed at the box jellyfish. How can something so beautiful cause instant death. It reminded me of our Christian walk. There are many things today that present themselves as beautiful and right but can actually kill the soul. Paul warns us in Colossians 2:21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"

As Christians we should always be aware of such dangers. We should constantly be praying for one another and watching each others backs.

I found a little literature about the beautiful Box jellies:

Box jellyfish are invertebrates, and they;re named that way because of their shape which is like a cube. Box jellyfish are best known for the extremely powerful venom possessed by some of their specie,s and stings from such species are excruciatingly painful.

Box jellyfish venom is the most deadly in the animal kingdom and has caused at least 5,568 recorded deaths since 1954, each tentacle has about 500,000 sindasites which are harpoon shaped needles that inject venom into the victim.

Box jellies can be found in Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other tropical countries.

"God makes the most beautiful things doesn't He?"

Paper Sculptures

Eloise Corr Danch is a versatile freelance artist who lives and works in New York City. She is a proud and newly minted member of the Society of Illustrators, but Eloise's skill sets have grown, after an early focus on painting and illustration, to include paper sculpture as well as product, prop, set and graphic design. Her intricate paper sculptures was recently featured in 23 windows at Macy’s New York flagship at Herald Square for the retailer’s 2009 Flower Show. The windows feature more than 2,500 handmade paper flowers comprising long, swirling garlands and 20 ornate headdresses.

Carpet Of Flowers

At Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu in Saitama, the "Shiba-zakura" or 'lawn cherry blossoms" blanket the hills with it's beautiful Moss-flox of pink and white flowers just like the Cherry Blossoms. The area extends to about 16,500 square meters covered by several kinds of Shibazakura.

Found this video on youtube.

I think this is one of the prettiest things I've ever seen. Beautiful patchwork of flowers ...!

Palawan Subterranean River Leads 7 Wonders

The Philippines’ Subterranean River National Park in Palawan currently ranks first in the global voting for the New Seven Wonders of Nature competition, under the category forest, natural parks, and nature reserves.

The Subterranean River National Park has been consistently at the top spot as shown in the website of the New 7 Wonders. http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/

The Park is said to be the world’s longest passable underground river, which measures 8.2 kilometers of winding stretch that passes through a cave with major formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

My family went to Palawan on a vacation. And this beautiful Underground River was in our tour list. We were fortunate to experience this paradise. It's definitely a must see place.

At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

Kindness Is...

...how a Christlike person treat others.


Be extra kind to everyone.... what goes around comes around.


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. - Gal 5:22-23

Beautiful Batanes Island

The Batanes island group is the smallest province in the Philippines in terms of population and land area.

The wind swept islands of Batanes are beautiful and enchanting and they are like no other in the Philippines. Since Batanes is separated from the country by miles of rough waters, the Ivatans (the name of the people of Batanes) have developed a different culture. Ivatans are honest, gentle and polite but brave and robust. They are proud of their their heritage and their land.

The landscape of Batanes is also distinct from other Philippine provinces - steep cliffs, rolling hills, deep canyons and boulder-lined shores . But the most noticeable of all features of Batanes is the architecture of the houses - stone walled and thick thatched roofs to withstand the battering of typhoons.

Proud Native Of Batanes

Celebrating Resurrection

The egg is seen as symbolic of the grave and life renewed or resurrected by breaking out of it.

THE TOMB IS EMPTY
OUR HEARTS ARE FULL

CELEBRATING JESUS CHRIST'S RESURRECTION WITH YOU!


He is not here; He is risen, just as He said. - Mathew 28:6

LENT

Let this LENT remind us that our life and material possessions are just LENT to us.
We are all passersby... Pilgrims on the road.
We bring nothing when we die, but leave behind the LOVE we have shared,
the HOPE we have given,
the KINDNESS we have extended
and the GOODNESS we have done.

Have a Blessed Holy Week!

Aurora Borealis

I was trying to search for the Music Northern Lights By Lux but instead I ended up with this video in youtube with Northern Lights as the background music. Amazing video though in time lapse.

I serve an awesome God!

Nothing Beats Tropical Drinks

My family's been vacationing here in Southeast Asia for a month a half now and we're just loving the fresh fruits, fruit shakes and juices. Here are some of my favorites...

Dalandan Juice

Manggo Juice

Watermelon Shake

Coconut Juice

The Meaning Of Snowflake

The Meaning Of Snowflake

Every new snowflake comes to the earth
as a picture of our Savior's birth,
because they are sent from up above
and reminds us of God's care and love.

Each one is so intricate and small
because Christ sees the details of us all,
and just as two are never the same the
Lord knows and calls us each by name.

Snowflakes gently cover the world in white
and hide what's unlovely from our site,
showing us how He covers our sin
and gives us His Grace when we come to Him.

so may every snowflake bring Christ to mind
and in every bit of white may you find
a reason to celebrate anew
and a reminder of His love for you.
- Holley Gerth

Praying your Christmas
and New Year are filled
with God's
many blessings.

From the fullness of His grace we have
all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16

Christmas In Tokyo

On Christmas Eve 2003, noted painter Makoto Fujimura gathered with other artists for a party at Sato Museum in Tokyo. Many had donated their works for a benefit exhibit to raise money for children in Afghanistan. After the meal, Mr. Fujimura, an ardent Christian who lives in New York, shared some words about the true meaning of Christmas and their opportunity as artists to create works that help bring hope into the world.

Reflecting on that event, Fujimura wrote: “I was convinced, that evening in Tokyo, that Jesus invited Himself to be among artists who may not even know His name. Some of these artists, I suspect, have already sensed His presence in their studios as they labored to create peace via their paintings. All gifts of creativity, like the Magi’s [star], point straight to a stable in Bethlehem.”

Paul said that God is at work among people of all nations “so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:27-28).

We should be alert for the Lord’s presence where we least expect to see Him. Jesus may invite Himself to any Christmas party. After all, it’s His birthday. - David C. McCasland

Ice Hotel Quebec

Outside Quebec City, Canada, there is an extraordinary place called Hotel De Glace — Ice Hotel. This hotel is constructed entirely of ice and snow. Over 15,000 tons of snow and 5,000 tons of ice was used for this amazing building. Inside, everything - walls, tables, seats - is carved from ice and snow.

This remarkable hotel offers a nice cosy sauna area and you’ll be given a freshly-heated sleeping bag at bedtime to ensure you don’t get too chilly.

Hotel is open in winter time. The 9th season of the Ice Hotel will be from January 4th through March 29th 2009. Here is some photos from the 8th season. Oh, in April, the whole thing melts down, to be rebuilt again the following year.

Furoshiki Wrapping Two Uneven Bottles

Here's another pretty and artful way of wrapping your presents for the holidays.

A Lovely Gift Idea

Here's a lovely gift idea for the holidays. I just adore these tea sets and they're from Tea Forté .

God's Faithfulness

As the rain comes down, and the snow from
heaven,.... so shall My word be.
Isiah 55:10-11

風呂敷の使い方: お使い包み

How to use Furoshiki

Furoshiki

The furoshiki is a very nice and environmentally supportive way to wrap and transport items. Furoshiki is an essential tool of daily life in Japan, often used instead of a bag, or for storing articles and other domestic uses. Larger furoshiki are also used as a tablecloth, for decorating the wall, as a scarf, or for making a unique Japanese dress. Furoshiki is very versatile and can be used in many ways.

In Japan, the presentation of a gift is just as important as the gift. Furoshiki is used for wrapping articles such as a special present in Japan. Compliments of the season or feelings of thanks are often conveyed with such a traditional present. The pattern of the cloth is designed so it displays beautifully when wrapped. Wrapping is important in Japan, an indication of politeness, dignity and an added note of respect in a nation that values indirect communication. Someone who borrows an umbrella might return it wrapped in a cheery cotton furoshiki, for example. Wrappings are also meant to conform with the value of the gift and the formality of the situation. Members of Japan's parliament carry documents in big purple furoshiki instead of briefcases. Elderly women tuck a furoshiki in their kimono sleeve, unfolding it to carry home the day's groceries.

Christmas Canon -Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Detox Fitness Plan

Get rid of accumulated toxins with a plan that gives your self-cleaning lymphatic system a natural boost. With things running smoothly in the lymphatic system, you can clean the slate and make a healthy start. Practice this 4-step sequence every day for at least two weeks -- and enjoy your new found vitality.

Standing Twist

This physically challenging twist will also raise your body temperature, which in turn increases circulation and further stimulates the release of toxins. Start in a runner's lunge with your right leg bent at a 90-degree angle and your left leg extending straight back behind you, hands on either side of your right foot. Lower your left knee to the floor, and bring your hands into prayer position (palms touching). Take a breath, then exhale, rotating your upper body to the right and bringing your left elbow to the outside edge of your right knee. Stay here for 5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Nose To Knee Plank 1

This exercise brings heat to the digestive tract, burning up accumulated toxins and making them easier for the body to dispose of. Start in Downward Facing Dog (shown here). Then transfer your weight forward into the top of a push-up (shown in the next photo).

Nose To Knee Plank 2

Bring your right knee into your chest and try to touch your nose to that knee. Pull your belly in and hold for 15 seconds. Switch sides.


Seated Tree

This forward bend brings fresh blood to the abdomen. Washing away waste products and revitalizing the entire area. Sit on the floor with legs straight out in front of you. Bend your left knee and bring the sole of your left foot to your inner right thigh, letting your left knee drop toward the floor. Lengthen your spine and reach forward to take hold of your right foot or shin. Twist your torso toward your right leg folding forward at the hips over that leg. Stay here for 5-10 deep breaths, then switch legs.



Legs Up The Wall

This exercise encourages drainage of blood and lymphatic fluid from the feet and legs into the abdomen, where these fluids can be more easily cleansed. It also nourishes the digestive organs and gives the circulatory system a rest, which results in increased function and energy. Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and right shoulder and hip touching a wall. Roll onto your back and swing your legs up, inching your butt as close to the wall as you can without straining your hamstrings. Put your arms on your belly, by your sides, or above your head. Stay for 2 minutes.

Happy Thanksgiving

For the Christian, thanksgiving is not just a day but a way of life.

True thankfulness is more than being grateful for what we possess. It’s an attitude that permeates our relationship with the Lord so that we may serve Him with gladness and joy.

A BLESSED THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Thanksgiving Table Setting Tips

Easy do-it-yourself centerpieces, place cards, and napkin holders to complete your Thanksgiving table.
Styling by: Heather Tyree, photos: by Steven Torres

In the days that lead up to Thanksgiving, you will likely be busy with last-minute shopping, cabinet inventories, brining the turkey, and baking pies. Table settings become an afterthought, cobbled together at the last minute—a bouquet of generic flowers from the grocery store, a haphazard arrangement of seasonal pumpkins and gourds from a local green market, a dusty set of candelabra dug out of the drawer.

Instead of relying on old standbys, do something different this year. Many of the simple table setting ideas that follow can be put together in advance, using materials that you already have on hand, and with a little help from your kids. Search through your cabinets, raid your craft drawer, pick up a few extra supplies on your Thanksgiving grocery run, and get creative.

Vase Centerpieces
Fill glass vases with layers of colorful dried legumes (this would also work with dried fruits or nuts). Scavenge your pantry or visit a local supermarket to find more unusual varieties. Choose different shapes, sizes, and textures for an appealing arrangement. After you have poured in the first layers of beans, lentils, and peas, place a pillar candle in the middle of the vase so that the wick is at just about the same height as the rim. While this simple, modern take on yesteryear's overflowing cornucopias will last an entire season, the beans can also be recycled and put to use—along with Thanksgiving leftovers—in a hearty soup.

Place Cards
For a simple, beautiful way to display place cards, revisit your dining room cupboard and seek out small, clear glass bud vases, shot glasses, votive candleholders, or finger bowls—an assortment of shapes and sizes will add visual appeal to the table. Fill the gathered vessels halfway with colorful dried legumes (consider matching these to your centerpiece). Small cuttings from a seasonal branch or blossom will add height and detail to these miniature arrangements—a shaft of wheat, a small branch of dried berries, or a sprig of fake silk flowers in autumnal colors will do. Feel free to get creative; we cut out small birds from old pieces of cardboard and attached them to floral wire. Balance
name plates within the branches, or place them up against the
glassware.

Napkin Holders You don't need a set of season-specific napkin rings for Thanksgiving. Tie sprigs of herbs to a folded napkin using twine, or wrap rings of real berries threaded on floral wire around the napkin (you can also use stalks of fake berries, fall blossoms, or inexpensive bracelets and bangles).

Cost Friendly Thanksgiving Table

Here's a Thanksgiving table that's just as lovely but very cost friendly. Tap into a bold autumn color palette of vibrant orange, rich chocolate, and earthy shades of green for a modern take on your Thanksgiving celebration this year.

The always contemporary-and-affordable cb2 sets a gorgeous fall-friendly tablescape with comma plates ($0.95 - $1.95 ea) in orange, green, and bark (brown) giant monstera leaves, and trendy square Edge Dinnerware ($3.95-$5.95).


An alternative table layout using the same comma plates and Edge Dinnerware, pictured with cb2’s seamless orange Scroll Tray, which is perfect for serving up signature drinks or appetizers and adds a bright pop of color for only $14.95!

Immunity Booster

Cranberries, citrus, and pomegranates all harbor antioxidants such as vitamin C that boost your immunity -- perfect for when you feel a cold or flu coming on.

Pomegranate Sparkler

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 2 cups sparkling mineral water
• Frozen whole cranberries

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat pomegranate juice to near boiling, add cinnamon stick, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely, at least 1 hour. Remove cinnamon stick. Divide the spiced juice between 2 tall glasses; add 1 cup sparkling mineral water to each glass. Stir, add ice, and serve with a garnish of frozen cranberries.

Cranberry Grapefruit Sparkler
Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup grapefruit juice
• 1 cup sparkling mineral water
• Juice of 1/2 lime

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in 2 tall glasses, adding 1/2 cup of each juice, 1/2 cup sparkling mineral water, and a squeeze of lime to each glass. Stir, add ice, and serve with a slice of lime.

Both recipes makes 2 glasses.

Hypnotizing A Deadly Shark

This is amazing...

Shark Tonic

Have you ever heard of shark “tonic”? It isn’t a serum that prevents shark attacks or a medicine given to sharks. The actual term is “tonic immobility,” described as “a natural state of paralysis that animals enter. . . . Sharks can be placed in a tonic immobility state by turning them upside down or rubbing their nose. The shark remains in this state of paralysis for an average of 15 minutes before it recovers.”

Imagine, a dangerous shark can be made vulnerable simply by turning it upside down. The state of tonic immobility makes the shark incapable of movement.

Sin is like that. Our ability to honor our Lord, for which we are created in Christ, can be put into “tonic immobility” by the power and consequences of sin. To that end, the writer of Hebrews wants us to be proactive. He wrote, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).

If we are to run the race of the Christian life effectively, we must deal with sin before it immobilizes us. We need to lay aside the sin that hinders us from pleasing Him—starting today. — Bill Crowder

British Airways Commercial

Echoes Of Tuscany

Channeling the Italian Countryside in New England.












Architecture: Steven F. Haas
Interior Design: LST
Landscape Design: Renny Reynolds

Lovely Colors Of Fall

This photos were taken by my son 6 years ago... Don't you just love the colors of fall?

Happy Fall To All

From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!!

A woman was asked by a coworker, ‘What is it like to be a Christian?’

The coworker replied, ‘It is like being a pumpkin.’ God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.’

I liked this enough to share it to all the pumpkins in my patch... Smile, God loves you!

A Unique Motel

My featured motel in keeping with the pumpkin season. A very unique one I must say... creepy, but cute...

Rooms go fast in these cozy, critter-filled pumpkins, which offer a shudder-inspiring alternative to traditional carving motifs.

1. Using a marker, draw a circle for each hole.

2. Cut out holes with a keyhole saw; shave edges smooth with a scraper if desired (no interior scraping is required).

3. Fill holes with rubber mice (available at Halloween stores).

4. Listen for screaming neighbors.

Invisible Pops

Here's a fun and easy candy treat to make with your kids during this holiday. They're so pretty.

Ingredients

Makes 1 dozen

• 2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup light corn syrup
• Assorted candies and seeds, such as red and black licorice whips, candy corn, and pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)

Directions

1. Line three baking sheets with Silpat nonstick baking mats or parchment paper. Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside.
2. Bring sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Don't stir, but occasionally wash down sides of pan with a pastry brush dipped in cold water to prevent crystals from forming; boil until mixture turns golden and registers 300 degrees to 310 degrees (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer, 5 to 7 minutes.
   
3. Immediately set pan into ice-water bath to stop the cooking (syrup will steam vigorously); let sit about 20 seconds. Swirl pan 2 minutes more to cool.

4. Working quickly, pour syrup onto baking sheets, forming circles (3 to 31/2 inches in diameter) and spacing pours about 4 inches apart .






Press in lollipop sticks.

With your fingertip or a wooden skewer, lightly press candies and seeds into syrup. Let stand until completely hardened and cooled.

W Mexico City

W Mexico is another one of the W Hotels Worldwide. It's also one of the boutique hotels that I like.

Terrace Third Floor

Motor Lobby Cascade

Wheels Waiting Area

Wired

Extreme Wow Suite

Extreme Wow Suite

W Signiture Bed

Fantastic Suite

Solea Terrace

Away Spa Temazcal

Away Spa Indoor Pool

Away Spa Massage Cabin

Red Lounge

View From The Whiskey

Solea Restaurant Terrace

Solea Restaurant

Solea Bar

Sensory Meeting Style Layout

Meeting Space Studio 4

Forgiveness

When I feel wronged, I can contrive a hundred reasons against forgiveness. “He needs to learn a lesson.” “I’ll let her stew for a while; it’ll do her good.” “It’s not up to me to make the first move.” When I finally soften to the point of granting forgiveness, it seems a leap from hard logic to mushy sentiment.

One factor that motivates me to forgive is that as a Christian I am commanded to, as the child of a Father who forgives. Jesus said, “If you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25).

But beyond that, I can identify three pragmatic reasons. First, forgiveness halts the cycle of blame and pain, breaking the chain of ungrace. Without it we remain bound to the people we can’t forgive, held in their vise grip.

Second, forgiveness loosens the stranglehold of guilt in the perpetrator. It allows the possibility of transformation in the guilty party, even if a just punishment is still required.

And third, forgiveness creates a remarkable linkage, placing the forgiver on the same side as the party who did the wrong. We are not as different from the wrongdoer as we would like to think, for we too must ask our heavenly Father, “Forgive us our debts” (Matt. 6:12).

A Lovely Mix

The most beautiful things are not always the finest. It's okay if it's old and used. And it's okay if it's very very simple. You know how some people are not comfortable with silence — they have to fill it up with words? The same can be said for a house. Some people think it has to be filled with stuff to be beautiful. It doesn't. That's what I think this style is all about.

Foyer

Living Room

Dining Room

Dining Room Detail

Family Room

Sun Room

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Master Bathroom

Lavander Scented Tires

Here's a fancy rubber for the ladies. In December 2006 Kumho Tire USA announced the introduction of the world's first fragrance automotive tire, the ECSTA DX. An alluring aroma tire that replaces the normal "black rubber" smell with heat-resistant oils in the scent of lavender, and in later versions, orange and jasmine.The tire’s lavender scent lasts a year, and the company says it’s most noticeable after normal driving when the tires are still warm. That's a pretty good way of freshening up your garage after a long commute. Check out Tire Rack.

W New York

Boutique Hotels are popular nowadays. An increasing number of travelers prefer to be surprised. So when planning their trips, they seek properties that are noticeably different in look and feel from branded hotels.

Boutique hotels are smaller providing a more personalized service and an intimate environment. They're very fashionable and hip, and so they're also sometimes known as "design hotels" or "lifestyle hotels".

In the US, New York remains the center of the boutique hotel phenomenon. I am featuring a Boutique Hotel in Times Square,NY. The W New York.

Welcome To W New York

Welcome Desk

Welcome Area

Welcome Area

Living Room Area

W Store

Guest Room

Living Room Suite

Living Room Suite

Living Room Detail

Blue Fin Restaurant

Blue Fin Restaurant

Blue Fin Restaurant

Studio Meeting Room

Sensory Set Up

Studio Meeting Room Set Up

Nominated By UN As Best Poem of 2008

This poem was nominated by UN as the best poem of 2008, Written by an African Kid...

When I born, I black
When I grow up, I black
When I go in Sun, I black
When I scared, I black
When I sick, I black
And when I die, I still black

And you white fellow
When you born, you pink
When you grow up, you white
When you go in sun, you red
When you cold, you blue
When you scared, you yellow
When you sick, you green
And when you die, you gray

And you calling me colored?

Japanese Fashion

You've probably seen these latest shoe trends in Shibuya. I like Japanese fashion, but this to me is over the top. You may say it's a little "je ne sais quoi"..... well all I can say is OUCH!!!

Logan, The Sky Angel Cowboy

Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf . His words have wisdom beyond his years.

Since airing the audio of the phone call and now the making of the video clip, it has taken on a life of its own. People are forwarding it all over the world.

A Fab Prefab

I would certainly want this prefab structure in my backyard. This would be a nice home office, or a guest house, or a bachelor's pad for my son.

Marmol Radziner and Associantes have made a name for themselves with their elegant prefabs that are designed for LEED certification. Their steel-frame units offer a variety of green options including natural cooling systems, LED lighting, recycled insulation, and bamboo flooring, plus it can function completely off-grid with an optional solar panel package. Interiors arrive polished with low VOC-paints, non off-gassing casework and cabinets, and energy-efficient appliances.

From the Rincon Series, the Rincon 5 is a 660 sq. ft. unit, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, a kitchenette, with a base price unit of &179,000.

The Cadyville Sauna

Isn't this the coolest sauna you've seen?

This sauna was designed by Dan Hisel, built by himself with the help of Tom Gerner. It is located along the Saranac river in Upstate New York. It is a compact structure, covered with mirrors. It is built up against a cliff, and the wall of rock forms one interior wall of the sauna.

Jonah And The Whale

A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales.

The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though they were a very large mammal their throat was very small.

The little girl stated Jonah was swallowed by a whale.

The teacher reiterated a whale could not
swallow a human; it was impossible.

The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah."

The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?"

The little girl replied, "Then you ask him."

Battle Of The Sexes

I enjoy watching this video. It is so entertaining and funny.

Here's a little history of the two players for those not familiar with tennis.

Yannick Noah (born May 18, 1960, Sedan, Ardennes, France) is a former professional tennis player from both France and Cameroon. He turned professional in 1977, and won his first top-level singles title in 1978 in Manila. Noah became France's most prominent tennis hero in 1983, becoming the first Frenchman in 37 years to win the French Open.

Yannick Noah was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005.

Justine Henin (known as Justine Henin Hardenne 2002-2007), (born June 1, 1982 in Liège) is a retired professional Belgian tennis player. On May 14, 2008, Henin announced her immediate retirement from professional tennis. She was 25 years old and ranked World No. 1 at the time of her retirement. Billie Jean King has said that "pound for pound, [Henin] is the best tennis player of her generation."

Cool And Funny Drains

These are cool street art in Brazil...

Frozen Grand Central

On a cold Saturday in New York City, the world’s largest train station came to a sudden halt.

Over 200 people freeze in place on cue at the exact same second for 5 minutes in Grand Central Station in New York.

Human Statues

Professional beggars? They're artists posing as human statues on Barcelona's famous Las Ramblas. Tourists have been coming here and flooding their streets gawping at the colorful street artists.

Grilled Eggplant Panini

I love Grilled Eggplant Panini. I used to order this all the time at a French Cafe back home, only it had rosemary in it and swiss cheese and olive oil, no mayo. It is delicious at the same time healthy for ya.

Grilled eggplant is one of life's simpler pleasures: This is creamy and rich. Look for medium-size, purple eggplants with firm skins and no mushy spots. This end-of-summer treat will be even tastier if you can find the vegetables at a local farmstand.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 8 1/2-inch slices eggplant, (about 1 small)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 8 slices whole-grain country bread
• 8 thin slices fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup sliced jarred roasted red peppers
• 4 thin slices red onion

Directions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Combine mayonnaise and basil in a small bowl. Using 1 tablespoon oil, lightly brush both sides of eggplant and sprinkle each slice with garlic salt. With the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, brush one side of each slice of bread.
3. Grill the eggplant for 6 minutes, turn with a spatula, top with cheese, and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, about 4 minutes more. Toast the bread on the grill, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
4. To assemble sandwiches: Spread basil mayonnaise on four slices of bread. Top with the cheesy eggplant, red peppers, onion and the remaining slices of bread. Cut in half and serve warm.

Escaping The Comparison Trap

In our family we often talk about being careful not to compare ourselves to others. We have all been created for a specific time and a special purpose, and God has given us all we need to accomplish what He has set before us.

The problem with comparing is that one will always come up better. This ends up with either pride or a poverty mentality. Pride causes us to compare ourselves with others while poverty causes us to compare others with ourselves.

The solution? A heart of gratitude.

Reading Robert Morris' The Blessed Life made me realize a few things...

When you think about your situation in life...
Pride says, "I deserve more!"
Poverty says, "I should feel guilty."
Gratitude says, "Thank you!"

Gratitude is an attitude of thankfulness that always acknowledges God's provision.

When someone says, "Wow, you have a nice cellphone!"
Pride says, "I have 2 other nice ones at home."
Poverty says, "I got it at 50% off."
Gratitude says, "Thank you!"

When someone says, "That's a nice car!"
Pride says, "It's just my everyday car."
Poverty says, "It's a company car."
Gratitude says, "Thank you."

When someone says, "That a nice shirt."
Pride says, "It came from Europe."
Poverty says, "It was on sale."
Gratitude says, "Thank you."

Pride wants people to think that we paid more.

Poverty wants people to think we paid less. (O oh! I often fall into this trap.)

Gratitude doesn't care what people think; it only cares what God thinks.

"Godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6

Cutlery Chair

Design artist Osian Batyka-Williams discovered that some restaurants change their cutlery as often as every nine months. With The Cutlery Chair he demonstrates how these hard-to-recycle, unwanted pieces can be turned into a unique piece of functional furniture.

Dining By Design, NY 2008

DIFFA event at Skylight Studios in Soho, NY

Table Settings

Beautiful table settings. A little bit of something again for everyone... what's your mood?

This is my favorite...Elegantly Casual...my mood, my style.

Outdoor Dining

A little bit of something for everyone... what's your style?

Photographic Essay With Words Of Wisdom

Catch the moment.

Remember the buddy system... because two have more fun than one!

Take time once in a while to just enjoy the moment.

When someone tries to surprise you, let them think they got away with it.

Don't worry about what you see in the mirror, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Remember, your mother thinks your cute... even when no one else does.

Always try to do what you are taught, it sometimes lead to beautiful things.

Try to give a gentle lift to a friend in need.

Search for the best route to what you're hoping for.

No goal is too hard to attain when you persevere.

Sometimes it's better to watch from a distance and plan your next move carefully.

Get to know someone first before accepting that he may be your enemy.

Be careful what you put into your body, health is too important to ignore.

Present yourself well and mind your manners.

Remember, no matter how you resemble your siblings you are still unique.

Taking a power nap from time to time can put you back in the pink.

Whenever possible jump and clap for joy!

The world is filled with marvels.... you'll never know what awaits around the next bend.

Cozy Lakeside Cottage

A romantic and cozy Camp Style Cottage

According to the owner, " It was the ugliest house on the lake, but underneath you got the sense that it felt sort of like summer camp."

The cottage is nestled in a rocky ravine on a small wooded rise.

Camp Style Living Room

Screened Porch where you can hang out at night.

Casement windows wrap the dining room, providing wide-open views of the lake.

An Outdoor Fireplace is the focal point of the terrace.

The Camp Style Kitchen

Bathroom

The Outdoor Shower is perfect after a dip in the lake.

And finally, a private dock is the ultimate lake cottage accessory, a place for dozing, diving, daydreaming: choose your pastime.

African Experience

Wouldn't you love waking up to this blissful vacation spot? 180-degree view of one of the most pristine wild territories in Africa.

These breathtaking luxury suites are located at Singita Game Reserves in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. These suites marries cool modern and contemporary furniture to a rustic décor.

Here are a few of the suites....


The Singita Lebombo Lodge:







The Singita Sweni Lodge:



The Singita Boulders Lodge:

Bird's Nest 2008 Olympics

I like this cute coke commercial of the bird's nest during the 2008 Olympics...

FAKE Design

Ai Weiwei is one of China's most prominent modern artist. Working with Swiss Architectural firm, he has consulted on the design of the signature building of the 2008 Games, Beijing's National Olympic Stadium. He is also the owner of FAKE Design in Beijing. I like that name, very catchy isn't it?

Coming from a family of artists, his late father, Ai Qing was china's most revered modern poet, a protege of Mao who was persecuted in the anti-rightist campaign of the late 50's and was declared an enemy of the people during the cultural revolution.

As a child, Ai Weiwei saw his father banned from publishing and forced instead to clean latrines in the icy remotes of Xingjiang province. He developed a deep skepticism for authority that is visible through his artwork.

But after living in the US emerging as a successful artist, Ai Weiwie became an attractive choice to a Chinese regime that is reaching out to rectify some of the mistakes of its past. In what may be the ultimate proof that his name has been restored to glory, Ai Weiwie recently designed a monument in Zhejiang province that celebrates the work of a former resident - - his father Ai Qing.


Some of his architectural designs:

Tree House, Lijiang

Hong Luo Club, Beijing

Hong Luo Club

Taihe Complex, Beijing

Courtyard 105, Beijing

Du Fu Pavillion

Some of his artwork:

Watermelon

Fountain Of Light

Doors

World Map

Beijing Olympics 2008 Main Architectures

The Beijing National Stadium was the primary architecture for the 2008 Olympic in China. The stadium is also known as the "Bird's Nest" due to it's amazing design. The architects of the "Bird Nest" are Pritzker Prize-winners Herzog & de Meuron, a Swiss Architecture firm plus several other talented architects including Chinese architect Ai Weiwei. The stadium seats 100 thousands audiences during the Olympics. The entire "Bird Nest" is constructed using over 45 thousands tons of steel and cost over 450 million USD. Here are some beautiful pictures of this fantastic architecture:









Another amazing architecture built for the Olympic 2008 is the Beijing National Aquatics Centre, also known as the "Water Cube". It is built alongside Beijing National Stadium. It is constructed using ETFE clad structure so the outlook of the building is like a water cube. It hosted all of the aquatic competitions during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Here are some shots of the "Water Cube":





Other events of the Olympics will be held in various venues...

Peace In The Storm

- Lifted from Our Daily Bread


Life can seem unbearable at times. Physical pain, difficult decisions, financial hardships, the death of a loved one, or shattered dreams threaten to engulf us. We become fearful and perplexed. Plagued by doubts, we may even find it difficult to pray.

Those of us who know the Lord through personal faith in Christ have in Him a calm retreat in the storms of life, even while the howling winds of trial are sweeping over us. We can experience peace of mind and calmness of spirit.

Richard Fuller, a 19th-century minister, told of an old seaman who said, "In fierce storms, we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there by anchoring it well." Said Fuller, "This, Christian, is what you must do. . . . You must put your soul in one position and keep it there by anchoring your faith. You must stay upon the Lord; and, come what may—winds, waves, cross seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers—no matter what, you must hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus."

Do you feel overwhelmed by your troubles? Learn a lesson from that old sailor. Fix your mind on the Lord. Ask for His help. Then trust Him to give you peace in your storm (Phil. 4:6-7). - Richard De Haan

The secret of peace is to give every anxious care to God.

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. —Isaiah 26:3

Rainmakers

So that's how rain happens...

Cool Coffee Table

This cool coffee table is the first commercially available surface computer from Microsoft Corp., turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, interactive surface.

Want one? How does $10K sound to you?

The Art Of Coffee

In keeping with my coffee theme, I've made a couple of collages. I love my coffee as much as I love my tea. And I want my coffee darn good because I take it black...

Iced Coffee Frappe

One for you, one for me...


Ingredients:
1/4 cup instant coffee granules
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups boiling water
2 cups half-and-half
1 quart vanilla ice cream
2 cups ginger ale
Vanilla ice cream, optional

Preparation:
Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large pitcher; cool. Cover and chill at least 8 hours. Stir together coffee mixture, half-and-half, and 1 quart ice cream in a punch bowl. Stir in ginger ale; ladle into glasses. Top with ice cream, if desired.

Yield:
Makes about 10 cups

Over A Cup Of Coffee

Photos beautifully captured by Steve Pepple.

Cafés

Paintings of different Cafés. Medium used: Oil / Acrylic

Coffee Talk: It's Good For Your Brain

Want a fun and easy way to power up your brain? Have a
chat over coffee, tea, or even warm milk.

The key here is the chat, not your choice of beverage. Even if they’re brief, occasional bouts of social interaction can help sharpen your wits.

Keep Chatting for Better Thinking
Whether you engage in conversation with a friend, a family member, or the guy behind you in the express line, keep talking. In a recent study of young adults, a mere 10 minutes of face-to-face conversation about a social issue was enough to boost working memory and mental processing speeds. Chitchat was as good as a crossword puzzle, in terms of brain benefits. In fact, the more people socialize, the better their brainpower -- regardless of age.

My Older Posts Will Be Under Construction...
I did a boo boo that accidentally deleted my pictures. But I will continue posting while trying to recover the others.

Seal - Killer

Who doesn't love Seal? First time I saw him was in an unplugged concert many years ago with only his acoustic guitar, and he wasn't famous yet, but I loved it. He had a very good repertoire doing covers. I knew he was gonna be famous one day.

This video was from his concert in Paris...