I Am Enough

Yesterday, I continued journaling using the prompts from Abbey Sy’s book Always Be Creating which I have started last Saturday. I also shared some of my journaling using the book last Sunday, and it was empowering to both finish the book and realize these powerful reflections. 

Turns out, my power word is enough. I can’t wait to fulfill all the plans and opportunities that are waiting for me this 2019, and yes, I will always keep in mind that I am enough. 

After journaling, I had brunch at Falafel Yo at SM North Annex. It was delicious and filling! I really am a falafel fan to begin with, so eating this sandwich was a guiltless treat that made me smile. 

I also have a thing for floors, and I couldn’t resist their pretty tiles.  

Later, I bought a leather mini makeup bag to store my tiny essentials inside my handbag. I also used the 15% discount voucher that I received from donating clothes the other day at H&M. 

Then, I prayed at St. Joseph’s Shrine at Anonas. I prayed for my terminally-ill dad, my mom, and for myself- that I will have a good job, a kind boss, more opportunities this year, and a great relationship. 

I dropped by Anonas gem Baker’s Garden to buy bread for snack. 

This is my favorite spot at Anonas: where the sky meets the train station, the church, and the microcinema. 

I finally got to watch Kung Paano Siya Nawala at Cinema ‘76 and it was worth the commute! It was light and entertaining. I also liked that they featured one of my favorite charities, PAWS! 

My thing for floors continues. 

I ended my day with a hearty dinner: a steaming hot bowl of malunggay noodle soup with mushroom balls. Yum! 

I work hard, I pray hard, and I eat right. Here’s to the best year of my life! After all, I am enough.  

Sunday Slowdown

Yesterday, I heard Sunday mass with my family.  

We later had Chinese brunch as my dad wanted comfort food.  

Then, I packed all these stuff for my crafternoon at Makers Cafe. 

I went there to buy my minimalist stainless steel Catriona earrings. 

But I also went there to hang and knit!

I had carbonara and a long black to energize me as I craft. 

Then, I took out my copy of Always Be Creating by Abbey Sy and my journal to answer some journaling prompts from the book.  

I realized that I wanted a daily reminder of my late friend Diane, so I bought this side moon gold-filled necklace from Pulseras by Kim. 

Feeling inspired, I continued journaling using Abbey’s book. I also finished reading it in the cafe, and I no longer felt overwhelmed with my life. I realized that there is a process to pursuing my purpose and achieving my goals. And it pays to be creative in order to find beauty and meaning as I go along. 

I finished knitting my scarf. As I began crocheting a new one, I was privileged to witness the procession of the Black Nazarene. 

I packed my art bag and proceeded to Cinema Centenario to watch Rainbow’s Sunset. It was touching and heartwarming. 

I later had dinner at Get Greens. 

It was my first time there. Their green pesto pasta did not disappoint!

Then, I stitched my scarf together to turn it I tom an infinity one. 

I enjoyed my day at Maginhawa, and I got to do a lot!

Here’s to more crafternoons and warm memories. 

Homework

Yesterday, I stayed home to knit while listening to podcasts. 

I later whipped out my copy of Abbey Sy’s Always Be Creating because I was craving for some inspo to jumpstart the new year. 

I was inspired to get my new journal to answer some journaling prompts in the book. 

This pretty notebook was a surprise present from the kindhearted ladies behind my favorite local yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

I went back to Abbey’s book and answered the prompts on passion points. 

Turns out, my passion points have not changed at all since childhood, and the same things still make me happy as an adult. 

Given my limited resources and packed schedule, I am able to pursue my usual habits with ease because I know myself well after all. 

I am still in the middle of the book, but I can say that it’s worth purchasing! It’s helpful especially if you are feeling the need to infuse creativity into your life. Also, it pays to have a journal on hand so that you can answer journaling prompts not just in this book, but from other influencers as well (you may search for prompts on the internet). The possibilities are endless once you commit to a creative life- and the best part is finding yourself in the process. 

Maker Monday

I decided to participate in #MakerMonday because I like making things! 

Hi! I’m Sam, the blogger behind speakoutsam.com. I enjoy knitting and crocheting scarves without a pattern because I love mindlessly and mindfully (it’s a paradox, I know!) crafting while going about my day. I write about my daily life with hypothyroidism, and how I conquer it with exercise, meaningful endeavors, and eating well. I also enjoy creative journaling and drinking coffee.  

I hope that I can meet more makers and exchange ideas with more like-minded people! Here’s to creativity and welcoming possibilities!

Synchronicity

I love my handmade lifestyle! I enjoy crafts like knitting, crocheting, and creative journaling. These are crucial in my mindfulness journey, especially now that I am working full-time again. 

As I explore the possibilities within my current role, I am also guiding myself in balancing my life.  I am adjusting well to work, so I just need to enhance my days with some journaling.

To inspire myself to keep on creating and writing, I reached out to Anne of 11*11 Handmade. I commissioned her to make me a traveler’s notebook in salmon pink Argentinian vegetable-tanned leather. 

Anne is a one-woman mompreneur who makes all her journals by hand. She takes pride in using vegetable-tanned leather, and guarantees that each journal will age beautifully. 

Her journals have been used by fountain pen enthusiasts and calligraphy hobbyists. Since I sketch my food and label my entries with brush lettering, I felt that I deserved a new handmade journal to last me through the years.  

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that she resides near my office, so we met up when my journal was already completed.  

The eco-friendly packaging won my heart during my “unboxing” process. 

Say hello to my new synchronicity journal! Anne refers to her creations as synchronicity journals because they serve as vessels for our dreams which will be manifested through action. 

I requested for my blog’s name to be embossed on the leather, and yes, it was hand-embossed! 

I was pleased with my purchase, and I crocheted on the P2P bus ride home. 

I look forward to using my new journal, and living up to my handmade lifestyle everyday! There is always something worth creating, whether it’s a blog entry (yes, I believe this blog is also a craft!), a scarf, or a sketch of my lunch.

The possibilities are limitless!

Faith and Crafting

Yesterday, I carried on with my auditing duties. I went to Pasig City Hall, and I stopped by their chapel after completing my tasks.  

It was fun to say hello to images of my patron saints, St. Clare and Padre Pio. 

They also had a beautiful image of St. Joseph.  

I also had to pose with their summery entrance! 

Then, I revived my old planner and jazzed it up with fresh kikki.K inserts, and various sticky notes, stickers, and washi tapes. 

Then, I took my paints out and sketched some food I recently had.  

I stamped the wrong date. It was supposed to be the 12th of July already. Handmade does have its imperfections! 

I was also able to finish this cowl using cotton yarn from Dreams Yarnshoppe and my Furls hook purchased from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

And just like my status quo, I ended my productive day on a high note- by beginning again, with fresh yarn in a fresh aqua green shade.  

Paint, Sip, Laugh

Yesterday, I had fun painting at Sip and Gogh. I paid for my own session, and it came with a glass of red wine and a platter of salami and cheese. 

I enjoyed it so much! I chose to paint the Eiffel Tower because Paris is always a good idea. 

I also brought my knitting work-in-progress with me. It was awesome to see my knitting work along with the cafe’s colorful painting selections. 

I will let the photos speak for themselves, as my joy can really be seen in them. I also knitted the beanie which I wore during the session, just because the yarn matches the color of red wine.  

I was so inspired that I also sketched my breakfast and bar chow on my traveler’s notebook.

Indeed, when I spark my creativity, it cascades on to my other crafts like knitting and food illustration. I can see how crafting has made me happier and more resourceful. I look forward to more handmade lifestyle moments, and I hope to witness the positive effects across the other aspects of my life. 

Saturday Finds

Yesterday, I woke up before the alarm clock was supposed to ring. I headed to my Zumba class with zest and energy which I haven’t felt in ages. 

I must say, this morning person project has really motivated me to get moving! 

I also walked around the weekend tiange or bazaar. 

I saw some colorful bags.  

And I found a stall that sells Japanese surplus ceramics. 

By the time I got home to freshen up, I was already looking forward to do some creative journaling. 

I sketched this part of our townhouse on my Traveler’s Notebook. 

Later during the day, I had this Dos Espesyal breakfast meal from Via Mare, which I also sketched.  

I had a fabulous Saturday. My finds inspired me to think of a more charmed life for myself. I also realized that food and home mean more to me now that I have been sketching them on my journal! Here’s to a more meaningful life, one that is sketched and painted in bursts of color.  

Drawing Deliciousness

I spent my Monday reading, working out, and updating my Traveler’s Notebook. I have previously shared how I was pleasantly surprised with my return to creative journaling, and it has sort of awakened my inner diarist again. It is a welcome change, and it is glorious to have my hobby back.

Since my mom cooked sopas for lunch (it was delicious!), I was inspired to whip out my TN (traveler’s notebook) and drew my yummy meal. 

Yes, I did have both coffee and hot chocolate! The rainy weather made me crave for comforting drinks, so I made both to satisfy my drowsy urge for caffeine and good vibes.  

My second illustration depicted my epic breakfast last Sunday. I bought bicho-bicho (traditional Filipino donut) and bananacue from a street vendor along UP Diliman during my brisk walk. You have to give it to them for their ingenious merchandising. 

I plated it this way at home, and yes, both treats were HEAVENLY and simply satisfying after a long workout.  

I am glad to be back to journaling. It has become second-nature to me again. Indeed, the best art moments are those which are spontaneous and unplanned. I look forward to more delicious meals and colorful illustrations ahead!

Toasted Creativity

Last weekend, I surprised myself by returning to creative journaling.  

Those who know me well are aware of my passion for creative journaling. I enjoy drawing and watercoloring my food, and I am also into brush lettering. However, some recent changes in my personal life have required me to step back from my hobby. I needed to focus on self-care and self-compassion first.  

I was not sure if I could draw and paint again, until I finally had the urge to do so after my killer lunch. 

I ate my favorite toasted naked longganisa from Breakfast Bin. As always, I had it with brown rice, egg, and coffee. It was heavenly. ​

It was also the perfect inspiration for creativity. ​

By the time I got home, I was itching to draw my meal. I retrieved my Traveler’s Journal, pens, watercolors, and waterbrush.  

It was time to journal.  

By the time I was done, I felt alive again.  

I am back, friends! 

I am no longer dormant. Here’s to a creatively journaled year ahead!

Day 4: #30GratefulDays | Word of Mouth

Do you enjoy public speaking and listening to true to life stories? I do, and last night, I was privileged to be one of the speakers for Word of Mouth. It is a monthly gathering of storytellers and friends who are asked to observe a "no judgement" rule. The topic of the evening was "Modern Romance", and I spoke about my tendency to join workshops and realization that my return to traditional crafts has helped me focus on face-to-face love. I depended less on technology and focused on loving myself more in order to be able to share that love to others. It was freeing to tell my story even if I am not really the typical heroine in usual romance settings.

What made the night special though was listening to the other storytellers. It was refreshing to unplug from the mundane and simply appreciate the sincerity of their personal love stories and perspectives. Not to mention that the coffee at the venue, Cool Beans, was comforting. It was a relaxing and intimate evening of genuine human connections.

Word of Mouth is something I like being part of, whether as an audience member, a speaker, or online follower. I admire how the people behind this movement has brought together various storytellers in order to broaden our mindsets and open our hearts to the different facets of humanity. It is here that I have met the most honest people and have been moved by the rawness of each sharing. I look forward to more Word of Mouth nights and hear more stories without judgement and reservations.

Stay Drawn

It has been quite a while since I last played with my art journal. I have been engrossed with books and yes, surviving unemployment. Being stuck in a plane with good food was the perfect catalyst to my hiatus from journaling. I was inspired by the colors in my breakfast to draw and long my meal. The result is a delicious blur on my tastebuds and traveler's notebook.

Unemployed but Fulfilled

This morning, I woke up feeling grateful for another day. I do miss working, but while I have already accepted that I could not control my circumstances, I am thankful that I have a home, a family, friends, and of course A. I attended my workout feeling renewed and excited to begin a new day. It may seem trivial to most people, but having a daily routine works wonders, especially for unemployed people like me. My workout routine and reading help me stay aware of the world around me and most importantly, of myself. So while waiting for my job, I plan to exercise, keep on reading, and enjoy life!