Recluse City

I received a lot of books from my dear ones, in particular, Dearest Alvin from San Francisco who gave me nine rejuvinating books and my sister Lisa who gave me a Jorie Graham. And with the italian mini espresso maker from Abbie that makes two excruciating shots of glory every go, recluse city is all I've ever gone to this Christmas Break.

Yes Kit and Toni, I cleaned my room. You'd be so proud. I also noticed my selection of recipie books growing also with the rest of the bunch. And speaking of growing, I'm growing lavander well. The garden is loved well. Waiting for the lemons and pomegranates to ripen. The purple basil has dark purple leaves in this weather. I might serve fresh pasta with these precious leaves to the right people.

My March Birthday I definitely intend to celebrate and here's an advanced wish list to all possible guests. You guys know that the food will be good so do give the appropriate thanks.

1. An ice cream maker

2. A big bag of dried porcini mushrooms

3. books and more books. Poetry or Culinary

4. a pasta maker

5. different plants. either fruit trees, herbs or gumamelas

6. cds of Tori Amos and Sting.

7. organic fertilizer for my plant friends

8. a black french bulldog

I'm ready for 2007.

Thank you, Kit, for your eyes

A shoot for my ALIWW scrapbook gave me an opportunity to be proud of my dear friend kit kwe. She brought herself and her "staff" to a location I wanted to explore in a 1930's terno. Her pictures were deeply comforting to me. (I feel sometimes, I haven't seen myself since...) This junkshop in Sampaloc also made me feel whole somehow. I was among the ruins of certain dreams and discarded memories. I myself, as many others, am part of certain dreams and discarded memories. This is my favorite shot.

Beautiful 2006

March this year, I was able to interact with wonderful artists on a video End to the Full Moon. I want to say thank you to Aia de Leon for arrangement and vocals, Louie Cordero (congratulations on your CCP 13 Artists Award) and Lara Agulto for motion animation, and Zach Lucero For mixing the track on the album.

ALIWW, thank you for the recognition as one of the Now Generation of Young Women Writers. I loved making my scrapbook and will continue to add more "stuff" in the coming years.

Dr. Christina Pantoja Hidalgo, thank you for guidance in non-fiction. The journey is painful and beautiful at the same time.

Grand Creator, thank you for saving Chin-chin and her mother. I have watercolor pencils and paper for her for christmas. She will be able to begin again.

Thank you, Abbie for my mini expresso that I will call Balzac. It will provide me with many wonderful hours of flavourful meditation.

I am humbled by this year and look forward to more of the unknown.