Bossa Nova In My Mind

Since I was in my elementary days, I've been fascinated by a voice and a particular music. I've been hearing this music every night on the radio. I had no idea then who the singer was and what kind of music it was called but I loved it a lot.

By the time I was in college, I happened to get hold of Astrud Gilberto's album. I was so happy because I loved her music too. Her voice was so sweet, smooth and calm, as if her voice was floating in the air. And from there, I learned that the voice and the kind of music that I heard then was that of her husband, Joao Gilberto and his music is called Bossa Nova.

Trivia: "Joao Gilberto is credited with having created the bossa nova beat and is known as the "Father of Bossa Nova." His seminal recordings, including many songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, established the new musical genre in the late 1950s. He was Astrud Gilberto's husband."

Here is the link to Joao Gilberto's music video entitled "Desafinado" that is very familiar to me, which I've been hearing during my younger years: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6w3a2v_50U.

And here's a link to Astrud Gilberto's song entitled "The Girl From Ipanema", which is one of my first favorite songs of hers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJkxFhFRFDA.

Enjoyable trip to the market

My Christmas in 2007 was spent with my sister-in-law in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. In one of her market days, she asked me to join her so I could get to see the wet market in that area.

Interestingly, the place was stuffed with an array of fresh vegetables and fruits and all kinds of foodstuff, mostly familiar stuff that you expect to find in the wet market and there are some unfamiliar ones too. It was no different with the wet market in my country actually.

Surprisingly, the market was fairly clean. I enjoyed looking around, checked at some displayed foodstuff that are new to me or am not familiar with. I was expecting to find at that time some of their exotic food that I was hoping I could taste but unfortunately not one was available. So, I ended up buying some 'dragon fruit' instead.

I'd say it was a fun and enjoyable trip to the market, thanks to my wonderful host sister-in-law for tagging me along to the market that day. ^^

Serene Landscape

A serene landscape, with sunshine filtering through the trees at Ardent Springs, Mambajao, Camiguin was captured in this photo by my eldest daughter's artistic eye.

This lovely and quiet view of a landscape gives me an awesome feeling and a tranquil mind.
(photo by Vangielyn)

Cool Digital Art

Here's a cool digital art done by my 15 year old daughter just a few days ago.

I'd say she has improved a lot in this field where she is very much into for over a couple of years now, day-in and day-out. :)

Here's her comment on this:

"Remember episode 1 of the Pokemon anime?
Yeah, kinda brings back memories doesn't it? How Ash met Pikachu and such.

Actually, this isn't the reason why I made this. The real reason why I made this is because I desperately need a new wallpaper, and I suck at making my own without disrupting the artwork.

So what do I do? Well, what else? Draw my own.

So yeah.

...at least it must give you guys that nostalgia moment or summat, right?
8D?

Also, I had fun playing around with the Water Color brush in SAI. And making raindrops are fun too, even though they can be a real pain. |D

E-enjoy.

Oh dear, please don't be mislead by the title... I know it has another meaning, but... come on! Seriously you guys are just... :|"

Check out this link for more of her works.

Handsome Hofner

Len's Hofner bass guitar. Now this bass guitar is owned by Bombet of Davao city, whom Len saw has a great love for music and can play bass guitar so well.

To know more about the story behind this handsome Hofner bass guitar, please click the link: http://tinyurl.com/lenbass
(photo by Christine Alinsub)

Beautiful Friendship

Beautiful friendship of these 2 lovely girls started since high school and continued up to now that they're already both professionals.

Qoutes from Proverbs about friendship:

"Friends always show their love. What are brothers for if not to share troubles?"- Proverbs 17:17

"An honest answer is the sign of true friendship."
- Proverbs 24:26

Gorgeous Waling-waling

Gorgeous Waling-waling, known for their exotic beauty.

This was the first bunch of waling-waling flowers that bloomed from my small garden in my home in Davao City.

It is said that this particular type of orchid is considered as "The Queen of the Philippine Orchids".
(Photo by Len Joson)

Admirable Audrey

Audrey Hepburn is one beautiful American Film actress that I truly admire, for her acting, in fashion , even as an artist and in humanitarian deeds.

And this qoute of hers is a favorite of mine:

For Attractive Lips, Speak Words Of Kindness. For Lovely Eyes, Seek Out The Good In People. For A Slim Figure, Share YOur Food With The Hungry..."

Sunset at Samal Island, Davao

Oft did I wonder why the setting sun Should look upon us with a blushing face: Is't not for shame of what he hath seen done, Whilst in our hemisphere he ran his race?
Author: Lyman Heath
Source: First Century--On the Setting Sun

Beautiful sunset. An awesome view of the setting sun at the Island Garden City of Samal. (Photo by Len Joson, taken Dec.26,2003)