Illustrations

I believe in dreaming and pursuing one’s dreams. I am an aspiring writer and illustrator. I hope to one day fill this page with books, articles and illustrations that I have published. Last year I self-published a book called, “Christmas without … Continue reading →

Daylight savings time (DST) is defined by techtarget.com as: “The practice of turning the clock ahead as warmer weather approaches and back as it becomes colder again so that people will have one more hour of daylight in the afternoon … Continue reading →

Recently I was at the local playground with my kids.   I started to chat with a mother I just met about child rearing, schools and family life.  The conversation eventually went to careers. When I told her that I was … Continue reading →

Happy Sunday!  It’s been awhile since I visited the blogosphere.  I thought it was time to break my silence and share again. Massimo, my 5-year-old and Rocco my 2-year-old were playing while also trying to get my attention. Massimo spread … Continue reading →

Yesterday my son got his Frisbee caught on a very high branch of the tree in our backyard.  Instead of feeling bad about it, we saw the removal of the Frisbee as our ultimate backyard challenge.  Massimo the 5-year-old, Rocco … Continue reading →

Let me start this post by saying I love and adore my kids.  They are teaching me everyday how to be more patient.  Some days are better than others especially since my boys are extra loud and energetic. In my … Continue reading →

When things do not go my way I often try to find the silver lining in the situation.  Some say I am wearing rose tinted glasses, but I just feel that there is no harm in finding the positive in … Continue reading →

January 6, 2012 is Epiphany.  This is the day that Jesus was discovered by the 3 Kings (aka the 3 Wise men) and presented as the son of God in human form. We are a household which houses different cultures.  … Continue reading →

Yesterday was the beginning of the new year of 2012.   It was such a wonderful day and a great start of the year so I gave myself a break from laundry duty and my role of “labandera” in our house.  … Continue reading →

One day till Christmas!  Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! Guess who wrote a book?  I will give you one clue…me.  10 Days ago I was inspired by my son Massimo’s innocent question, “Mom, if we don’t have a Chimney how will … Continue reading →

One of my favorite memories of my Dad was when we went bowling in the 1980s.  He was a pretty groovy dresser, he either wore golf clothes or something psychedelic.   During this particular bowling day he was wearing a head … Continue reading →

Note: When I wrote this article a few weeks ago Michael was still experiencing the extreme effects of Lyme disease.  I am able to post this blog now because he is feeling better.  My 5 year old son Massimo says … Continue reading →

It seems that every time I open the newspaper there is a new article about flying with kids.  This may be because the holiday season equals to high flying season. The Wall Street Journal recently had an article about families … Continue reading →

The “humble brag” (also known as humblebrag) is defined as a form of self promotion and showing off while making it appear that you are putting yourself down. It is a way to tell people how wonderful your life is … Continue reading →

Last month I read an article in the New York Times by Emily Rapp, self proclaimed “Dragon Parent”. She and her husband have a toddler who is terminally ill.  Ms. Rapp says that, “Ronan won’t prosper or succeed in the way … Continue reading →

My husband Michael has a small Italian Wine Bar in New Haven, CT called Skappo. It only seats about 40 people, so Michael and his family really get to chat and often they become friends with their customers.  The small … Continue reading →

I think my love for zombie movies and television show like “The Walking Dead” has passed on to my young kids.  They have never seen a zombie flick but they love the old school Scooby Doo cartoons from the 1970s-80s that … Continue reading →

A few days ago I wrote about the monsters I grew up with in the Philippines.  All great horror stories seem to have a sequel so I thought I would include a part 2 here also! We have the usual … Continue reading →

My clearest toy store memory was when I was around 5 years old.  At that time my family moved away from the Philippines for a couple of years and we were living in Las Vegas, NV.  (We were one of … Continue reading →

There is a countdown till Halloween and our household is getting ready for the monsters who sneak up on you! I am Filipino and in the last couple of years I have also become an official American.  I grew up … Continue reading →

   Lately my first born Massimo, my love, my sweetheart has been saying, “Mom you are mean!”. My baby Rocco, who is just learning to talk mimics him and I get a, “Mom you’re mean!”, from him too. Kids don’t … Continue reading →

When I was a kid I had a love affair with my thumb. I couldn’t break the habit on my own because I did not find a reason to. I was one of those kids who was made to stop … Continue reading →

It’s been one of those weeks where sleep is but a fond memory!   Having energetic kids can be fun, but it has it’s side effects!   Mom + Zombie = Mombie  I hope you are having a wonderful week filled … Continue reading →

Before kids I use to go to the spa to relax and unwind. Now I have kids.  I love them, but sometimes they can be a little wild! I sometimes go to the grocery store by myself to relax and … Continue reading →

Today I woke up and was about to post my blog.  Lo and behold I found out that I was “HACKED”!  I did not know what to do at first since I am still getting my feet wet when it … Continue reading →

Let me start by saying that I love my boys.   Mornings are a little tough because they wake up at the crack of dawn. If I were still in the Philippines they would be waking up the same time as … Continue reading →

  Did you know that swans mate for life?  When a male and female swan meet and fall in love it is forever.  They are one of earth’s creatures that are monogamous. During the winter in New Haven County we … Continue reading →

I believe in telling the truth.  I even try to stay away from white lies because they technically are still the avoidance of the truth.  In my daily adult life I avoid lies and people who lie. A lie can … Continue reading →

I just saw a white butterfly fly by me and it made me smile. Italians and Filipinos have a similar belief about white butterfly sightings.  When you see one it means an angel or a loved one who is no longer … Continue reading →

Right now I hear the rain dropping outside our house.   It is not a heavy rain and the wind is still light.  Still the entire East Coast, including our household, has prepared for Hurricane Irene.  Today we cleared out the … Continue reading →

In a blog post I wrote a couple of weeks ago I explain how Massimo, our 4 year old, has prophesized that he is going to have 4 kids. Here is an excerpt of a “deep thoughts” conversation that he … Continue reading →

My mom told me that she remembers me at 4 years old.  I was a very hyperactive child that loved to play and talk.  The only time I would really settle down was when I was “creating” art. Art was … Continue reading →

In 2005 I married my bestfriend Michael.  Our wedding reception was held in the New Haven Museum and we wanted it to have an artsy feel.  The front door of the museum ballroom entrance had a sign I painted. Michael and … Continue reading →

I have a friend named Amy.  We are new friends, but I am so happy I met her.  She has such a positive outlook on life and ways of nourishing one’s spirit. For a couple of months on Facebook she … Continue reading →

Right now I am really trying to get the boys to sleep.  I don’t know who needs their nap more, me or them.  They have been non-stop since 6:15 a.m.   I am on my third cup of coffee and trying … Continue reading →

This is an original story that I wrote in the 1990s. I tried to get it published early on, but my earlier career kept me too busy to pursue anything.  I hope you enjoy it! ><