I guess I consider myself an o.k. photographer, I've taken lessons before but I know there's still lots and lots of room for improvement, I have seriously considered getting more training so I can really fully enjoy taking some specific types of pictures.
Now, when it comes to animal pictures, I have this very amazing skills to be there at the exact time to press that shutter and capture something very fast and sneaky... can you guess what it is?
our dog Sheba
my Mom's cat Lea
my dog from back home Gaia
our dog Ditto
here's Sheba again!
So now, did you figure it out what it is!?!? If so, now it's my turn to show you mine...
What can I say? Those of us who have blue blood, have also blue tongue, LOL!!!!
My weekend was great, busy but I really enjoyed it.
On Friday went out for a girls night at a local place call the Wharf where they have "Glory Days Night".... All I can say is we had a blast!
Saturday was a shopping day, getting ready for the BBQ party the next day, we went into town and bought food, drinks, collected coolers and chairs that we borrowed and then just relaxing at home at night.
The BBQ party on Sunday was awesome, lots of people showed up and we had tons of food and drinks. Our Jamaican friend Brenton made Jerk Pork his specialty and it was delicious. My husband was the official chef in charged of the grill and he did a fantastic job.
Yesterday I mentioned that I am making some Mexican "papel picado" banners to decorate my BBQ party on Sunday.
Today I've decided to post a little video I made of how to do this very easy and fun way to cheer up a place with this paper banners.
Here are some that I made recently as a test, are they nice??? Love the colors and how much they bright up the kitchen!
All you need to create these wonderful banners is: Tissue Paper (different colors), scissors, glue and string.
Here's my little "tutorial" video that will give you and idea of how to do some cuts.
I would suggest to make each banner and store them inside some heavy books so the get "flat" for a few days before you glue them and put them up.
There are lots of different cuts you can create, some give a look of a kaleidoscope. To make "kaleidoscope" looking ones instead of folding straight, do a triangle fold on each side and then cut all around.
My advice is to be creative and cut whichever way you want, I am sure as long as you don't cut the part to glue the string you can create very amazing designs, have fun!!!
I took a lot of pictures while in Florida last week but it's hard to share all of them, so I've created a couple of "collages" to include as much as possible.
My first event while there was the Miami Boat Show, lots of boats, boat parts, boat accessories, boat apparel... well, almost anything related to water and boating... mostly I took pictures of boats!
click photo to enlarge
Then there was the Coconut Grove Art Festival, here are some pictures...
click photo to enlarge
I had a great time but a very busy one as well... Today I am off so I am enjoying a 3 day long weekend, I am happy to inform that I am almost over my little "cold" so I am feeling up to enjoying the weekend.
On Sunday we are having a BBQ party to celebrate my birthday #34, lots of food, drinks and friends over, it should be lots of fun.
Today I am finishing making some Mexican Papel Picado banners to decorate the back deck and give it a very "festive" look, of course my papel picado is not a professional one but I think it still looks nice.
example of Papel Picado banners
I will share some tips on how to make them soon as I think it's a neat way to do some crafts and decorate a summer party or even a very boring room.
Yesterday was a very nice day, low key, relaxing and specially cause I was able to get the much needed rest to continue with my busy week. I decided to take a sick day and stay at home and I think that was a good decision.
I receive many calls from my family and got some very amazing messages through facebook and blogger; all of them made my day and much more special one. Here are the most special messages of the day;
My good friend Gonzalo wrote: "Sol, Happy Birthday! I will always associate you with pretty memories, great times laughing, fun party time, delicious food, funny jokes, and the specially feeling to know that miles and year do not make a difference in our life and friendship, you will always be one of my favorite human beings!!! Happy Birthday Sol, love you very much until you are at least 120!!!"
Natalia wrote:"Happy Birthday girl!!! Hope you spend your day in an incredible way, that many years come in company of those who love you. I give thanks to life that gave me your friendship, one that I intend to keep for life. Blessings Sol!
My high school friend Gaby wrote: "May your day be filled with sunshine and the night filled with stars that will shine only for you this special day. Happy Birthday, that this year you will receive much love, good health, joy and blessings that you deserve. Big hugs!
How wonderful is to start another year with such wonderful sentiments coming from all sorts of people, some I see frequently and other not as frequent as I would like, for days like these technology gets my vote of approval all the way!
Oh, what a joy! On a beautiful Wednesday morning just like today but 34 years ago, I first saw the light of day.
Today I am celebrating yet another year of life, and I am glad to say that it's been quite a journey.
So far in these 34 years I've done as best as possible, enjoying every day and every minute of it, surrounded by wonderful people and always holding hands with God.
But I am definitely not lucky but very, very blessed with a wonderful family that I've always taken care of me from the beginning, gave me love, education, trust and specially confidence to always be myself and follow my dreams. My parents also gave me the gift of traveling, through them and their support I was able to travel to many wonderful places and experience life through the eyes of different cultures.
Having a family is not being the only blessing I have in my life, I've always have some very amazing and loyal friends, good bosses and just people that have come and gone, but left very important footprints in my heart and soul.
Later on in life a found a wonderful place to live and an amazing loving man that keeps me company, loves me, cares for me and makes me feel like the happiest woman in the world, I love him dearly!
Now I have this wonderful space to share my thoughts, with wonderful people that come and go, comment and the interaction with them and their blogs make my life even more enjoyable, thanks for those that stop by!
So with that said, who needs presents, right??? But, in case you've already sent me your, not to worry I will still take it!!!
picture not related to post, just another one I took at the show and wanted to share!
As I mentioned yesterday I am back after 5 very busy days of none stop work, working at the MIA boat show, on my feet all day, then setting up the booth for the art show and then selling as much as possible.
Now being back feels great cause I am out of the craziness of a big city, specially the traffic in MIA that is crazy as can be, makes you appreciate even more living in a small Caribbean island, where the only reason there's bad traffic is, because at times we only have one lane to get to places. In MIA (as I'm sure happens in many other big cities), the case is most time while driving in the highway/freeway, you sometimes sit in traffic among 4 or 5 lanes of stopped cars, that's just too much for me.
Also I am happy to be back with my husband and dogs, I missed them every day. I also missed my house, my bed, my pillows and just about everything else in my life...
I have to add up that today and yesterday I've not being feeling very well at all. I feel a weird combination in between worn out, exhausted and getting a cold.
Today I feel as if I'm walking on a tight suspended rope, with a big deep and dark pit underneath my feet and all I am trying to do is balance on my hands; two gallery events, work and sales. I see myself walking away from my lovely comfy bed (where I should be resting) and walking towards Friday when I finally get a day off. Will I make it to the other end or would I fall into exhaustion and sickness? Hope to make it there...
I am doing everything possible to battle getting sick, I bought a 1/2 gallon of OJ and drink it all at work yesterday, drinking echinacea tea for my immune system and lots of water... Now I just need to hang in there for two more days and with a birthday in between, wish me luck!
I'm back home since last night. Back to work today, wishing I had the day off specially because it's going to be another busy week for me.
Florida was good, lots of work, busy time but fun as well. The Miami Boat Show for one day this year was pretty nice, then the art show at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival was one of a kind experience. WOW, all I am going to say today is that we live in a crazy world filled with pretty crazy people... anyway it was fun!
I have lots of pictures to share but first need to actually have time to relax, take my time to decide which ones... but I promise to make the best out my time and share them soon!
Main entrance to the Festival with the featured artist poster (Guy Harvey-My boss)
Have a great week, mine will be very busy but I'll be in touch!
Today I am leaving to go work in Miami for a few days.
First I will be working the Miami Boat Show, this will be my second year working that event, although this year I will be there for just one day (on Thursday).
Then on Friday, Saturday and Sunday I will be working at the Coconut Grove Art Festival for the first time ever.
Oh boy, I am so excited and looking forward to that event, can't hardly wait, it's going to be so much fun.... I will have my camera with me at all times so I will be sharing lots of pictures next week.
I expect to be very busy in the next few days so I probably won't have much time to update my blogs... so 'till then, have a great week and an even better weekend!
I think sometimes things sound much better and exotic in French, vous êtes d'accord? (meaning: do you agree?)
Yesterday was a nice day, work was busy and sales were the best in a long time.
In the evening after getting some wonderful Valentine Flowers, chocolate and a card from my husband, we watched one my all times favorite movie, the french movie Amelie.
This movie always makes me happy; love the colors, the music, the cinematography, the little details in certain shots but specially love the messages in it.
Highly recommend this movie in case you've never watch it, and if you have, maybe it's time to give it another try (beware all that have never watch it: movie is in French with English subtitles in case you do not like to read, although it's worth it).
All and all I had a good Valentines and the best part was falling sleep and waking up next to my amazing husband... Thanks baby for being such a huge part of my life, I LOVE YOU!
How was everybody's Valentines? Anything special? Hope it was great!
There many kinds of love; paternal,maternal, brotherly, sisterly, friendly, animal and of course romantic love.
There are many ways to express love and sentiments, but I don't think there should never be an exact time or day to express it. Today is the "official" day to celebrate love, but we still have 364 other days that we could practice at getting even better at it.
In my case I am very blessed to have a wonderful man to share today and every day with; a great family and many fantastic friends...
Hope everybody enjoys today, the "official day" of love but practices every day.... Have a wonderful day!!!
I am leaving in about an hour to get my 2 biopsy done and all I have to say is that not only I am NOT looking forward to the procedure, I am in fact kind of scared. I've never had any kind of surgery before and probably the most complex medical procedure was my birth, LOL!!!
So, even though the doctor told me is something of a routine exam, I am not really into getting it... Hopefully it's not too bad and I will be sharing my experience with a happy memory very soon.
Besides this little "pebble" on my road today, I am happy that it's Friday and I am looking forward to some nice quiet time on the weekend, maybe a little bit of this...
Of course, none of these activities would be fun and fully enjoyable without somebody special to share them with.... Luckily I am in love with my best friend and he is my husband; a wonderful mad that takes care of me, makes me happy and makes my life complete, I love you baby!!!
How about your plans for the weekend? Any special occasions and events going on for you?
In other news, I am already thinking about my next giveaway but perhaps this new one it's not going to be quite the same, anybody out there has any other ideas about something that it's fun to get and that I could giveaway?
All my life I've suffered from very "delicate" skin.
Since I was little girl I always needed to make sure that the jewelry I wore was the "real deal" and not the "cheapo" kind cause otherwise I will break out and my ears or neck would get infected. Even during the 80's when plastic swatch watches were "cool" (and in some cases wearing more than one was the "in style fashion) I had take it off once in a while and always to sleep because if humidity would stay under the watch I would also develop some kind of rash....
But most of these skin conditions have always come and gone, some affect me during certain periods of my life and others I am sure get affected by season, weather, etc... Although I must say that I've always managed to control them, for example I know that 'till today I cannot sleep with any kind of jewelry on, so the only thing I wear to bed is my wedding band. Also I stop using a watch long time ago (for several reasons but the allergy reaction included).
A couple of year ago I started getting some puffy, swollen eyes in the morning, at the time we were visiting my mother in law in Maryland so we thought it was probably the change of weather and the city air that was different from the island air and was affecting me... Then after a few weeks it got better. After a while on and off it started happening again, until a few weeks ago that it came back with a vengeance, now lately my eyes are super swollen in the morning, itchy and my eyes lids at times seem like they are going to explode.
So I went to see the eye doctor and she send me some eye drops as well as an ointment to put on them, it help but didn't get rid of it, finally the last appointment I had with her, she said that the situation is skin related and not my eyes. So, yesterday I had a dermatologist appointment for my eyes and also about a mole that I've always had in my tummy but lately is being changing shape and kind of growing.
The doctor said that it could be eczema (which in the past doctors have said I have) or psoriasis, and with the mole all she wants to do is rule out melanoma. Tomorrow I have to go back to the hospital as the doctor wants to do two biopsy (on my tummy for the mole as well as another little rash I have there that she thinks might be the same as what's affecting my eyes).
I have to say I am not looking forward to these biopsy, I've never had any surgery or anything of the sort, so it makes me kind of scared... Still I do know that if that's what it takes for my skin to get better and specially my eyes to heal, then I guess I must do it.
From my point of view and my symptoms (although I'm no doctor) I really think it's eczema, specially because if I google Psoriasis and look at the pictures (besides having nightmares at night), the stuff that shows there looks nothing like me or my condition, in fact my outbreaks are not even noticeable unless I tell you exactly where I have them, still my eyes are itchy and my tummy too.
Please keep in your prayers and send me some good vibes so hopefully tomorrow the biopsy procedure is not too bad and both results are not critical, thanks in advance for thinking of me tomorrow!
Congratulations Erin!!!! you've been randomly selected and as of today are the new owner of my hand made Amigurumi Rainbow.
Now, this is not just your regular rainbow, but a magnetic one, it'll bring a joy of colors and happiness every time you open your fridge.
Even though this was made with just yarn, the threats are all linked to my heart and I feel as if every one of my "amis" have a little piece of my heart in them...
Erin, please check your email for further details on shipment, congrats on your winning!!!
For those that participated but were not as lucky as Erin this time, please stay tune for another give away coming soon...
Once again, thanks to all for participating and making this my first giveaway a wonderful experience!
We are getting so close to my giveaway, it's very exciting.
So far only my amazing husband has donated to help out those wonderful animals at the Humane Society, we need more action, please help!
I still fully believe in the kindness of people and know that soon those animals will be getting some help from some amazingly kind readers out there... so thanks to those in advance!
Lately I've been a lot into pillows and I would love to get some for Valentine's day, although most of this is the desire to have them more than actually having the space for them... but if I could get some for this Valentine's day this would be most of my options...
Aren't these great? I love them all, specially the dog and cat shaped ones... If you'll like info of where to find any or all of them, please let me know and I'll be happy to give you the link to get them.
“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”
Albert Einstein
Last week I visited the Cayman Islands Humane Society thrift shop, I needed to buy some very basic used clothes for a mannequin display we have at work.
Once I was inside the shop on the second floor, I couldn't help but peeking out the window that overlooks at most of the kennels full of dogs ready for adoption. Now, this was a big mistake (and I should have known better).
Seeing all those dogs there, some of them without much of a shade on 80+ degree weather, in a shelter that can hold about 70 dogs but has over 130 (if unable to get adopted most of them have to be put down because of the space issue).
Now, at this point seeing all those dogs there, without somebody to love them, my heart shrinks and my eyes start to water, I just can't help but feeling so sad and impotent about helping them and unfortunately for me, visiting the area is almost out of the questions, as I will come out crying my eyes out.
But that day I put on my courage cap and went in to talk to some of the guys inside, after a long talk about options to help and volunteer, I think I've found a way to make a difference....
One of the guys that runs the shelter talked to me about a few options; donating food (which I do every now and then), volunteer to walk the dogs (my problem part is, I know I would get super attached to one/many of them and then I will be suffering every time I have to say goodbye) and finally there's also the option of sponsoring a kennel.
Now, that's when it really hit, because I feel that this is something I can do. Sponsoring a kennel is a unique way to help those amazing animals, make sure they have proper shelter, water bowls, and good conditions to spend their days... but of course it doesn't come in cheap.
The prices for Kennel Sponsorship (annually) are as follow:
Adult Dogs $750 US dollars
Puppy $375 US dollars
Adult Cats $250 US dollars
Kittens $250 US dollars
Now, there's a very important detail about all this idea and it's the fact that I cannot afford to this by myself. So here I am today, knocking on your heart for some help, any help, little help, big help, your spare change or big chuck of change, whatever!
Do it for the animals, do it for yourself, do it in loving memory of any pet that you've had, do it on behalf of your very own privileged pet at home, with a comfy bed, food, water and shelter from weather...
I know together we have the power to do wonderful things, but it's got to start with the power of one, our very own commitment to help, take charge of the responsibility we have to give and care for animals. But it's even more important to help those animals that we humans have domesticated for our own purposes, and now as a species they can't survive as well without us...
Maybe we won't be able to give each dog or cat their own teddy bear to keep them warm and safe at night, but I am sure we can make a huge difference in their lives.
I promise to donate, to keep track of every donation and use the money wisely towards helping as many animals as possible. I will put on my courage cap more often and visit the kennel we will sponsor, I plan to use the name of my blog as the main sponsor but also I will display each one of the names of every person that donates.
So as of today my blog will have a donation button via Pay Pal where you can donate some love and care for the animals of our local shelter, your help is greatly appreciated and it will be used correctly.
For those of you that can't donate but feel like spreading the word, please make sure to grab my widget and put it on your blog, any help is greatly appreciated and I know that the help you give to this cause, will return to you in full circle!
And remember, "Hands that give, will never be empty". Thanks to all from the bottom of my heart!
Your lyrics are omens to the many conflicts that us humans deal with everyday in society, but are also full of optimism and a positive outlook to free our mind and soul.
You were a master in your time and the legacy you left us with your music, still beats on many people's heart.
Today marks another year of your birthday, so more than ever and in your honor; I will listen to your songs, feel the rhythm with my soul and sing the lyrics with my heart!
Time is sure flying by this year, we are almost done with the first week of February and even though this is the shortest month of the year, I am looking forward to some special occasions.
Tomorrow is my 6th anniversary as a resident of the Cayman Islands and all I have to say is I love Island living! I am happy and very grateful to God for giving the opportunity to be here for the past 6 years since I got the best gift from the islands, meeting my wonderful husband!
I am very exciting and also looking forward to reveal the winner of my hand made giveaway on Feb. 9th, good luck to all participating and for those that are not going to win this time, I am sure you will have a good chance to participate on another giveaway, just keep on participating!
I am sort of looking forward to Valentines Day, but honestly it's not that big deal for me, because I really don't see the point on having to have an specific day to express love, when we can do it every day of our lives, right? I am participating this year on a gift swap through another blog I follow and I am sending a gift to a new blog friend in Missouri, hope she likes what I got for her, I am sending her gift later today!
Also Feb. 14 would have been another birthday for my most favorite Uncle, Ed, he is no longer with us, but during part of his lifetime that I knew him he was an amazing man, with a unique soul and so much love to give, I miss him dearly but he's still a very bright light in my life.
I am looking forward to a little business trip coming up on Feb. 16th, as this will be my second year working the Miami Boat Show and my first year working at the Coconut Grove Art Festival. Hoping to take lots of pictures of the festival to share!
And last but definitely not least I will be looking forward to another birthday on the 23rd I already have an idea of what I one for this years birthday, I will be sharing my dearest wish on Monday's post, so stay tuned!
For those who follow and observe the Chinese Calendar and horoscope today marks the beginning of the year of the Cat or Rabbit, so Happy New Year!
When it comes horoscopes I have to say from my point of view that the Chinese one makes so much more sense to me over the astrological signs one. I am a snake in the Chinese one and Pisces in the other one.
For those than don't really follow any Chinese Calendar or Zodiac, here's a video that might help you enjoy on welcoming the Year of the Cat!
Yesterday evening we watched "Groundhog Day" and I have to say, every time I watch that movie I enjoy it so much, I have to say it's one of my favorites, I think Bill Murray is perfect on that roll.
Other than that, I don't have much to post about today. I've already started my giveaway surprise and I am about 1/2 way done, it's exciting to see so many people wanting to join, makes want to do more giveaways from now on... Thanks to all those participating and best of luck, in a few days I will be notifying the winner!
Well, here to hoping everybody on the Big White North is keeping warm, sending some sunshine your way... Have a great Thursday!!!
For those out there that are covered in white stuff a.k.a. snow, for those in places like NE Australia where Cyclone Yasi is bringing torrential rains and crazy +180 mph winds, I can promise that the Sun still shines!
Mr. Sun it's been hanging out with us here in the Caribbean. In fact here are some pictures I've taken the past couple of days that show Mr. Sun hanging out for the day...
sun is shinning
hanging out in our back deck
sun lovin' it
sunset time
sunny local street
sun is shinning and sea is flat
Now, all I ask for those out there that do not have the blessing of a shinning Sun right now is that you are keeping safe, whether is warm you need to be or cover from rain and wind...
In the meantime for those that don't have much sunshine around, how about jamming to the following wonderful song by my favorite singer Mr. Bob Marley. Now, just crank up the volume, make yourself a cocktail and pretend that "Sun is shinning, the weather is sweet, makes you want to move, your dancing feet"!
Lately I've been thinking a lot about giving as a way of life.
I just about finished reading "eat, pray, love", which by the way it's a great book, full of insight on people's beliefs, emotions and more... very inspirational in many aspects of one's life!
Now I am reading a book by the Dalai Lama, where he talks about giving in order to pursuit a life with meaning.
Regardless of the reasons why it's been on my mind, I decided that as of today - Feb.1st and until Feb. 8th (midnight EST)- my blog is going to have its very first giveaway!!!!
Wanna participate? Hope so! Now, to be part of this unique, one of a kind experience, all you need to do is leave me a comment below with and email where you can be contacted once you win.
Now, I can promise you:
1. that everybody who leaves a comment will have an opportunity to win.
2. The giveaway prize will consist of an original "piece of art" hand made by me.
3. I will get it to you as long as you have a mailing address.
Unfortunately I cannot promise that:
1. You'll win it (although you'll have the same chance as anybody else!).
2. You'll like it, but I am hoping that you will.
3. It will make you very happy, but heck it's free!!!
So, if you'll like to be a part of this, remember to leave me a message and hopefully in 8 day you will have a wonderful surprise knocking at your blog/email that you are the lucky winner!!!
Have a wonderful day!!!
Disclaimer: The actual giveaway prize will be revealed on Feb. 9th when I get a winner!!!
This weekend I said goodbye to a good old friend, my Palm Treo 680, who has been with me for many years.
Treo came to me over 3 years ago, when I first got him as a present from my husband I thought it was more than I needed, but then as time when by I realized how useful it was to have him with me... And although he falls into the category of a "smart phone", to me it was just a phone that always gave me good performance.
But now because of a terrible mistake from my part, it took a dip into the dreaded toilet and found his demise in the water!
The mourning time was brief as it's already been replaced by a Nokia E71 and although this new member has some very big shoes to fill, I am sure with time the memory of my beloved Treo will be only that, a memory, LOL!!!
Rest in peace Treo 680 and welcome to my life Nokia E71!
Wanna participate? Hope so! Now, to be part of this unique, one of a kind experience, all you need to do is leave me a comment below with and email where you can be contacted once you win.
