A SENDOFF FOR JOSIE

​We had a “looking back” session last night as we sent off Josie. She rented out her big house and downsized to a condo quite  close to our subdivision but not close enough to be able to walk with us regularly

 

I met Josie right after Tess left for Rotterdam in June 2020, pandemic time. We were both glad that we found each other since she was new in the community while I had no one to walk with regularly. 

Yesterday, I went through our photos back then while I thought back to those days and I felt sad. I recalled the happy times we walked together. She is a natural in photos; she always wanted to take photos while we walked. 

After sometime I was happy that Dolly whom I often met along the way decided to walk with me too and eventually with Josie. Soon Dolly offered breakfast in her beautiful home and we started to have fun. 

When Tess came back after the Pandemic, we were a foursome walking along the beautiful streets of Bayanihan. 

Then Tess started inviting us for breakfast 

Of course we took turns giving breakfast but Tess invites us almost everyday 

We were awed when it was Josie’s  turn. Her breakfast was over the top. We can’t even call it brunch but a full-blown lunch which was served in her beautiful garden. She is a plantita, she says that gardening got her through the pandemic. 

Soon our group grew and blossomed into a close-knit bunch of 10 that it is today. 

Last night was palpable; Tess’ home turned into a place out of time and space; filled with chatter, laughter and banter. Even our moscato tasted happy, like a celebration. 

The atmosphere was playful and relaxed as we enjoyed dinner elegantly set by the pool; the food we all put together tasted delicious. 

Juliet brought Josie a delicious caramel cake and Celine gave her an elegant bouquet. 

More selfies below:

Then the upbeat music was played and they started dancing. No one wanted to end this perfect night but we are wives and Moms who have responsibilities.  But Josie and Joy lingered awhile for a nightcap. 

Finally after all was said and done there is nothing more to say but thank our host,Tess, the ever gracious lady of the house. She even gave instructions to her staff to wrap whatever leftover food we wanted to take home, our “sharon” as we call it in  the local lingo. 

MY MICROBLADING EXPERIENCE

​Finally, I was able to undergo eyebrow microblading. What I thought to be a complicated and painful procedure was simple and painless. Look at my eyebrows now, I’d say that it enhanced my looks, if I may say so myself. 

Now I am more confident in joining selfies. 

I am one who do not indulge in cosmetic enhancements; as they say; every wrinkle, every laugh line has significance in one’s life. 

At my advanced age, I don’t mind that my upper arms look like wrinkled crepe paper and oh yeah, everything goes down, thanks to gravity 

Truth be told, I don’t have any natural eyebrows; blame it on aging. So microblading is something I had to do. 

Imagine me every morning as I prep for my morning walk, I had to draw two symmetrical eyebrows freehand.  How easy is that and how long will that take?

That means I have to take my early morning medicine, wait at least 15 minutes before I can take my shot of caffeine. 

Add time for a brief shower, put on contacts and sunscreen to beat the 5:20 AM show time in my street to meet my walking friends. How early do you think I have to be up to do all that? 

I’ve been meaning to do microblading for more than a year now but I hesitated because I am diabetic. However, recently I had a minor surgery and the healing was normal, so it meant I’m good. 

I visited 3 salons before I found that I could trust the Label Lash and Brow. It was also convenient since the salon is just outside my subdivision. 

This is how I looked after the procedure. 

Then there was the peeling off 

And the retouch after two weeks 

Finally here is how i look now

As many often say: 

“Kilay (eyebrow) is life”. 

Lastly I’d like to thank Arlene, my beautician who patiently did the procedure and so considerate to ask many times if it hurts. 

CAROL’S BIRTHDAY PARTY AT THE SPIRAL, SOFITEL

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When I first met Carol, courtesy demanded not to ask how young she is. Somehow during the get acquainted stage she divulged her age and I thought:  “whoa! She sure looks younger than that. 

When you get to know her well, Carol is very friendly and generous especially in praises and kind words. She is compassionate and her vibes is nothing but happiness. And let’s not forget gorgeous especially with those shapely curves. 

Yesterday she brought us to Spiral for lunch, and I’d say that’s generous of her.  I guess she felt it a great idea to do something exciting and meaningful to celebrate this first milestone with us to tick away another year of her life. 

I’ve been trying to come up with special birthday wishes for Carol since in the months that I’ve known her on a daily basis during our walks, I’m glad I found a good friend I did not choose; she chose me; well “us”rather. 

I was with Tess on a never-ending chat on our street corner when Carol approached us. That was after I smiled at her on our first encounter and I got a smile back. From then on, she never missed our parties and breakfasts and became a constant walking buddy. Rain or shine she is there. 

Carol, may your birthday be as fabulous as all the selfies you take. Congrats on another year of perfecting the art of walking. 

More photos from yesterday:

Carol thanking Tess for her gift 

We sang while she blew the candle on her cake. 

More photos below: 

The early birds

 

Carol, may your birthday remind you of your wisdom and beauty, the beauty that comes from within. 

When you will finally join your love in San Diego, may your days be hot and your nights hotter.