YOUR NUMBER ONE FUN

There’s just so much I wish I could do and some, I wish I could go back to and do again. But even with the everyday “kaya mo ‘yan” reminders, there’s always the practical reality that time and money could limit you.

The best thing, I think, at least right now, is to do with what we have. There’s no use dwelling on the absence of things when there’s just so much we have that must not be put to waste.

Just minutes ago, John and I were talking about birthdays and surprises. He is impressive at gift-choosing and gift-giving, and I give him full credit to that. He had always been the one who knew exactly what to buy and where to find it at a better price. He is more of a shopper than I am, and that would’ve probably meant I was a lucky girl to have him with me in malls. He was never the guy who’d sit on the seats while I shopped. If anything, he was even the one choosing the clothes that looked amazing on people. He was so good at this! He always found the best buys and the perfect bargains.

Meanwhile, I was never the kind who’d be extra-ready to buy the perfect gift (if ever I’d find one). Whenever I do find this “perfect gift,” I’d peep deep into my wallet and shake all my pockets to make sure I’d survive after purchasing it. This life taught me to be more acquainted with my creativity and resourcefulness. I seldom bought stuff when I knew I could make them, instead. Or arrange surprises, or something. This isn’t a matter of choice. It was an adaptation. It was working with whatever I had.

I always thought lacking something made us push a little harder in life.

Two months ago, I posted this. And as promised (right, as if anyone was really waiting for an update hahahahaha I pretend to be a celebrity sometimes, forgive the complex), I started days ago.

It’s confusing to paint oil on canvas when you’re me (a non-traditional, non-technical, all-fun-and-expression type of artist who’d rather use a dry medium). The nearest I have of “art education” is my mom who graduated with a BFA degree from UST. And she majored in Interior Design so she is actually more in to the perspective than the medium.

When you’re me, and you plan to paint on gesso-ed canvas without even the most basic knowledge, you’re bound to face the following:

• -You will not know that the second layer should be heavier, and that the first layer absorbs the one on top when drying. You won’t know this until after you had applied it on the canvas (and Googled it to check why your work starts cracking thinly at the surface).
• -You will attempt to use watercolor on canvas (and challenge all rules that said you can’t).
• -You will touch the oil paint and later on clean your nails with so much struggling.
• -You will end up playing. Which is both good and not so good.