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Blog

Inspiration

Through conversations with my momma friends, who used to write actively on their blogs, we have realized that many of us lost the inspiration to write consistently. Many of us have expressed how busy we are, how blogging is different now, and how we often lack the inspiration to put our fingertips in a meaningful way to the keyboard. 

CAN YOU SAY RELATE MUCH?

A couple of weeks ago, as I was listening to DC Comic Artist, Harvey Tolibao, share his story about how he found his career of illustrating, I realized a few things. In fact, because this is a blog post about inspiration, I will share a few things that have inspired me, as of late…

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

This weekend some of our buddies participated in an Illustration Workshop sponsored by @staedtlerph at @smnorthedsa. Everyone had a grand time and definitely learned something new. But my biggest aha moment was when @harveytolibao shared the secret to his success. Harvey is a self taught artist who has had many careers in his lifetime. He shared that his success wasn’t because he was driven by money and financial gain. Instead, he has honed his craft and fueled his passion for illustration because he really loved what he was doing. He continued to try and try again and the financial success came naturally. He also confessed that in order to become good at something, you have to work on it EVERY DAY. The commitment to learn and improve has to come from within and if the moment strikes you, you must, absolutely must have follow through, because inspiration can strike anywhere! 🚽🧻🚽 • • • • Thank you Harvey for your warmth and sincerity. Thank you for inviting our Buddies to participate in your workshop! Thank you for sharing your talent with other Filipino aspiring artists of all abilities! Mabuhay! • • • • #staedtler #staedtlerph #staedtlerpens #artist #artists #vicosartism #bestbuddies #bestbuddiesph #autismawareness #fun #workshop #inclusion #inclusionmatters #dcartist #marvel #marvelcomics #marvelartist

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Oct 20, 2019 at 5:07pm PDT

Condensed and Concise

Forgive me for grouping all of these things together, but I will be honest in sharing that I TOO, have had trouble getting my thoughts out to share with all of you. Shucks, maybe it’s been so long, that some of you have not visited in a while because you see my inspiration in sharing something personal, and meaningful is also lacking.

Perhaps, it’s better this way, since many people don’t also like reading blogs that much anymore and so much of the content we look for nowadays revolves around videos, VLOGS, summaries , and listicles that take only minutes to read instead.

So where have I found inspiration in the past few months?

Best Buddies and being COMMITTED

So much of what drives me to keep doing more, are the smiles and the laughs that I enjoy when I’m with my Buddies. I say MY Buddies, because I love all of them and want so badly for everyone to feel accepted, and loved, and supported in what they do. Having some kind of ownership, or responsibility in creating activities for them reminds me of the commitment I know I must uphold.

So Harvey taught some of our buddies tips, tricks and techniques to illustrating, nurturing imagination, and harnessing inspiration when it hits.

Harvey reminded me of a fact that I know very well. If you want to get good at something, and if you want to pounce on the opportunity of inspiration when it hits, you have to be committed. Truth is, I have so many commitments to my family, my business, my husband, my kids, and myself, that blogging and writing has fallen to the wayside. I used to try and write every day. Hopefully, I can go back to this soon. Establishing a routine will certainly help me find my blogging mojo again…

The inspiration that comes from being with my buddies is pretty simple. I just have to see how a simple act of friendship and kindness can turn around the whole day. And this happens often when I’m attending chapter functions with Best Buddies Philippines.

My Kids

Because two of my kids are in college, they also have their own social lives. They have their schedules and commitments they have to honor. Gelli is always in need of my full attention, and because we don’t have a dedicated yaya for her, I realize this is another challenge to writing when the inspiration hits me. I cannot just sit down and focus on my thoughts because most of the time, I’m doing 4 things at once. 

This is why, when we have all of our four kids together on a Sunday, for LUNCH at Makati Shangrila, I get excited. It’s when I get to watch them interact. Hear their laughter. And enjoy the time we recently made for each other during THE COOKOUT.

A couple of weeks ago, we enjoyed a long leisurely lunch in one of our favorite places and I found myself taking notes. Taking notes on how my older kids are FRIENDS. They genuinely like each other (sometimes) and of course, they all care for Gelli. It reminds me of God’s goodness when I see them together like that (not fighting) and laughing, and of course, enjoying the sumptuous buffet that Circles Event Cafe has leveled up with new items and features.

I take notes on the kwentos (stories) they share with one another, and with me and Nino. The stories Miguel comes home with from school, the tests that Gia might be studying for, and the games that Diego recounts which he played and scored. Gelli doesn’t have many kwentos right now, BUT she does come home with statements. She shares that a classmate may have cried. Or that someone shared her snack with her. Or that Teacher said “No, no, no.” In this case, all of us wait patiently as she DOES finish her stories and usually, we marvel at her growth in conversation.

Quiet Moments

You know what happens when I get to observe? I get real quiet.

When I am quiet it means I can listen. Not only is it important for me to listen to my kids, (You can’t listen if you are the one doing all the talking.) it’s also important for me to listen to Him.

 

My friend and I were talking about inspiration and when it comes…and when God speaks to us…Sometimes, we just have to be still…

I love these opportunities that I have to listen to Him.

I have learned that sometimes, God speaks to us. 

Sometimes He whispers.

And when I’m stressed or overwhelmed, I remember to just stay still. When I’m still, I can observe. When I observe I remember to be grateful. When I’m grateful, I can hear Him. And when I can hear Him or see His work, then I am, once again, inspired.

Music

When I was younger and had my own room (now I share a room with Nino and often times share a bed with a little one) and  I always had music playing in my space.

As I got older, music became a way I could identify and express my feelings. From the angsty verses that I would scream out when Alanis was talking about the irony of life, to winding down with classical music by Pachabel when I knew I needed to get some studying done. The soothing, rhythmic, methodical nature of classical music muted out all the other noise inside my head and allowed me to focus. 

So, depending on my mood, I will play gospel, classical, folk, or even R&B. Each of these types of music inspires me in different ways to do different things. I love that a song can bring me back to a wonderful moment that I have frozen in time…it’s like that sometimes. Like our sense of smell…the memories we associate with these things are deeply rooted and vivid.

This is one that has been on repeat lately in the house. It’s is happy music. Grateful Music. Reassuring Music that let’s me know I’m on the right path and He is there with me.

Quick Clean Up

Sometimes, when I’m overwhelmed, it’s because my space is overwhelming. Meaning, there is kalat (a mess) everywhere. It could be kalat from deliveries, or Gelli’s mess because she forgets to pack away one thing before starting another, or it could be Miguel’s paints and art materials from the night before. 

Doing a quick clean up and putting things in their proper places, ALWAYS helps me refocus my efforts and sharpen my mind. When it’s messy, I tend to get foggier and cannot concentrate because I’m looking at all of the other things that I know, need to be put in their proper place.

I think this also relates to the whole Tidying Movement.

Sometimes, it really is just that much easier to focus when your space is neat and free from clutter.

When you are tasked to do something and looking for inspiration, what do you do to focus your energy? 

 

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Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
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Creating food together is one of our love language Creating food together is one of our love languages. We flow in the kitchen. I get excited and move too fast, and she grounds me, and slows things down. We can move around one another while still staying in sync. In our own kitchen, there is music that guides us and sets the tone for the meal. Gelli would be in the mix, the boys will set the table, someone makes dessert, and maybe @manila.gent  makes a drink. 

When we prepare our table together there is so much that goes into the process and the ingredients. This mindful movement brings me so much joy when we are all together.

Even more so when we attend classes together to learn new dishes too.  @themayakitchen1 has regular classes offering cooks of all abilities to learn something new when preparing meals for for our families.

Check out my new article on @rappler for @kitchen143 where Gia and I learned from Chef @cocoyventura a few new Pinoy dishes that will definitely be on rotation for #TeamGellibean.

Link in my profile: 

https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/kitchen-143-learning-lovelokal-the-maya-kitchens-cooking-classes/
Crispy Pata. Is there anything better than perfec Crispy Pata.

Is there anything better than perfectly brined crispy fried pork? 

@manila.gent and I visited @viicsrestaurantph for simple Pinoy fare that hit the spot. Admittedly, after moving here so many years ago, I took a while to warm up to this dish that is one of Nino’s (and my mom’s) favorites. But every once in a while-I won’t feel guilty about indulging in this deep fried treat.

Happy to learn that we can also order for when Mom arrives through @foodpanda_ph too!
The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their doors! @manila.gent and I were privileged to visit the hotel on Friday night with some new friends and we were both so excited to explore some new digs in Manila.

Looking forward to bringing the family back soon!
We were a little early for therapy this morning, s We were a little early for therapy this morning, so @gelliaventajado got to spend a little time with @grace_loedin!

@thevanguardacademyph is still open for enrollment in their summer program, and has a full staff for all therapies and interventions. We really love her school and all of the faculty and staff. It makes a huge difference when you have confidence in the people you leave your child with for learning!
Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappl Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappler now!

Link in my profile!

https://www.rappler.com/nation/kitchen-143-dreaming-greece-try-making-easy-whipped-feta-dip/
Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGu Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGuardia, was picked up by one of my dearest friends and spent the entire day at the beach just catching up on LIFE.

It was a breezy day. Overcast. A little chilly to be in a suit, but it was perfect to catch up with my girl Candy. Sometimes, if you have chosen your friends well, you can pick up where you left off, as if no time has passed at all. 

Just like I did, sitting in that beach chair, feeling the mist of the Atlantic Ocean, and watching the seagulls pick and the seaweed.

Thank you Candy! For the friendship, for dropping everything to come and pick me up. Drive me around and have dinner with me and Fayth. 

Wishing I was sitting on this beach with you right now!!!
Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of ma Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of many dishes that we enjoyed during #SundayBrunch at Waterside in @solaireresort .

From cornbread, to mom’s potato salad, melt in your mouth whisky cured short ribs, homemade sausages and more. This #BrunchBuffet had @manila.gent and I rolling each other out the door!

Hard to choose which was our favorite from the feast that was set before us!

Brunch is inclusive of some delicious drinks, some Southern smoked and BBQ Fare, and a most colorful sweet dessert buffet by way of Milkshake Bar!
Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy by @lumosprojector_ph!

Summer Lovin’ ain’t over for #TeamGellibean. Hop on over to www.mommanmanila.com to read my full review on how easy this #homeprojector is to use when you want to watch your favorite family film!!

Gelli and I have watched Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Grease, and BTS Videos. Up next? The Sound of Music! 

Want to have your own #LUMOSRAYProjectoe delivered to your home? Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway, too!

Link in my profile!

https://www.mommanmanila.com/lumos-ray-projector-review/
Missing my @migaventajado The short time I had w Missing my @migaventajado 

The short time I had with this guy in Florida was definitely something I will look back on. Wish we had more time to explore and do some fun things on our own.

Gah. How is this kid 20 years old already?
I remember when he was little and he loved peanut butter, chicken nuggets, Kylie Minogue, and sitting on my lap. He was squishy, in tune with my feelings, and I was always worried that he might have an asthma attack in his sleep so I would nebulize him every few hours. He always looked at new experiences with gratitude and wonder, much how he did while we were in FL together.😍

Praying he continues to strengthen his faith as he grows. 🙏🏻👨🏻🙌🏻

Miss you Miggy!
I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith toda I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith today with some university students. 

I have shared my testimony with other mommas, women in our community, and parents through this platform and others. It’s always come naturally and has often ended in tears of gratitude and joy for His faithfulness and unending LOVE. 

Of course, sharing parts of myself with others who may find it helpful is a privilege. But for some reason, I am always just a little bit anxious and apprehensive right before I am about to present parts of my story.

Perhaps today, I’m anxious because the format for how I will share is a bit different, I won’t have the comforts I have gotten used to since working from home. Instead I’ll print some cue cards for myself so I can stay on task and within my given time period. 

I love the opportunity this endeavor has given me, to reflect on His presence in my life. He’s been there all along, even if I didn’t know it. I love the understanding that I can have these intimate conversations with my Creator knowing that He has plans for me. He loves me. He knows all the hairs on my head. And that He knows what I need to fulfill my purpose.

This doesn’t mean I won’t have challenges, or times when I feel broken in my life and faith. In fact, there have been many times where my faith has faltered. All of it just means that He is fortifying me through each and every lesson. He is allowing me to create a greater understanding of who I am, where I am supposed to be, and how He will get me there.

Do you share parts of your faith here?
What does that look like?

#ThoughtfulThursday #faith #thoughtful 
#sharingiscaring
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