She Wears Woolf

I don’t usually color the things I draw, but this one’s special. I sent this off to Joe, who lives in Chicago. He is/was my Secret Santa on Redditgifts (Christmas 2011). I like him because he has called me out on my (accidentally) politically incorrect comments.

I encourage you to join Redditgifts too, that is, only if you’re brave enough to be disappointed. I feel lucky that I got Joe and I enjoyed putting together the gifts for my Redditor – but Ib for example gave really cool stuff – and got a jar of sand from his Secret Santa. I still laugh just thinking about it.

Like anything on the Internet, Redditgifts should be used wisely. If you’re in it to give, then it’s a happy thing but if you’re expecting a Kindle or an iPad, I think you should play Secret Santa somewhere else.

This was supposed to be an homage/surprise for my friend and band mate, Ayon, but he hasn’t said a word to me since he got back to Manila. He’s probably going wild, since he was living too anonymously in England. Back-story on the Koala: In order to initiate new members into the band, I’d ask them for their “spirit animal” and Ayon, chose this animal.

I’m not sure if he received this yet. I hope he does eventually. It was my attempt at shading with ink. I obviously have much to learn, but – I’m getting there!

I was trying out our flatmate’s little Penny skateboard, learning how to handle the damn thing, going slowly, not pushing off too hard. Abe taught me how to get on it, but he hasn’t taught me much else. After practicing what I remembered, I gained a bit more confidence and learned how to make some turns on it by putting the right amount of pressure on the tail.

It’s really when you think you got it, that the world conspires to prove you’re small. I think I was trying to increase momentum for a turn when suddenly, the board flew under me. Next thing I know I’ve hit my face on the concrete floor and my right cheekbone is on fire as if I’d been punched. My brain feels like it has been shaken, my gums and teeth hurt a little and all the while I’m hoping the injuries don’t show. Staggering towards the kitchen, I open the fridge and grab the ice tray and let the whole thing cool the side of my face. But while I’m collapsed on the bed, spitting all kinds of expletives, there’s a huge smile on my face because while it hurts, I think I found a new fun thing to do.

I’m going to buy a helmet.

I miss my library. There are still so many books in it that I have not yet read. Call me a hoarder, though I prefer the term bibliophile, because –without sounding too defensive– they are kept for a purpose! Lately, I am reminded how easy it was for me to get lost in a book and forget all else. I’m especially grateful for Singapore’s public library and the access I have to it, because I’ve been borrowing books non-stop. As a result of my weekly visits, I’ve discovered a current favorite publication, The Wilson Quarterly and even subscribed to it.

Dicks are the accidental theme this month. I’m currently reading Moby Dick and will be reading Philip K. Dick next. Moby Dick was never a required reading for me in any of the schools I attended, but I was always drawn to the story. So far, I’m laughing at the chapters with Queequeg. The novel reads like a foreign language, but I’m thoroughly entertained.

In other news: I’m participating in Reddit’s Secret Santa this year and I’m very excited for my Redditor to get his gifts. I’ve requested that he film himself opening the package but he has not yet replied if he’ll do this. I told him I’d understand if he was shy, but I really hope he will! Whether or not he likes the package, I just want to see a human reaction to another human’s efforts to make a person happy.

Last night I baked another batch of my homemade dark chocolate brownies. This time, it was for my dear friend Pepe’s surprise birthday party, which apparently wasn’t much of a surprise because he saw it all coming. Pepe is one of those generous people who is a friend to many. He’s recently found someone to be happy with, so while he is normally jolly, his smiles are even bigger these days. It’s such justice to see good things happening to good people. Happy Happy Birthday to you, Pepe!

I’ve been drawing and baking a lot lately – activities I welcome because the latter is something especially new for me.

…And it’s that time of the year again when we collect and remember songs, movies and memories to archive 2011 somewhere safe.

She hears Nico singing as the rain pours onto the pavement. They’re stuck indoors and they’ve chosen to stay in bed, their limbs knotted.

The moment reminded her of two foxes piled on top of the other, waiting out the bad weather, also wondering whether, they can stay like this for a while.