Nostalgia and Mid-Century Modern Hues
Collaging, Birthday Celebrations and Colorful Memories
I am still enamored by this mid-century modern color palette. I’ve continued to use it in my collages these past two weeks. Little did I realize that these were the colors I grew up with back home in the Philippines. We had avocado-colored wallpaper in our stairwell in Magallanes. The curtains and throw pillows in the living room were muted aqua blue. The cushions on our patio chairs had a floral pattern. The background was dark chocolate and the white flowers were outlined in faded chartreuse.
Fond memories of birthdays past came to mind as I worked with these colors. Celebrations were low-key lunches at home with my immediate family. Dad sent the driver to fetch his mom, Lola Fe, and his brother, Tito Ed, in Banuyo. On my mother’s side, Lolo and Lola Cubao, Tita Tas, Tito Rod, Tita Milei, and my dear cousins Rachelle and Anna traveled from Quezon City to our home in Magallanes. Lunch was served buffet style. Gening, our cook, always prepared my favorite dishes: kare-kare and leche flan. Mom made sure noodles were served during birthdays and other celebratory occasions. She adopted the Chinese custom because noodles represent a long, healthy, and prosperous life.
After lunch, the table was cleared to make way for the cake. Goldilocks was the go-to cake shop back in the day. The glass displays in their main store in Makati were filled with the fanciest kid-themed cakes from Sesame Street to Disney characters. Mom didn’t care for them. She always ordered the simplest design–a cake with piped border icing, a few sugary flowers for decoration, candles, and "Happy Birthday" written in script along with my name.
Once the cake was unboxed and the candles lit, everyone gathered around me to sing "Happy Birthday." Mom usually captured the blowing of the candles. She then passed the camera to my aunties for group shots.
As I grew older, celebrations shifted to lunch in restaurants. Goldilocks took a backseat, replaced by specialty cakes from Red Ribbon and Sugarhouse. Both shops offered unique flavor combinations and higher-quality ingredients.
To celebrate my upcoming birthday next week, I created this fun collage featuring another take on the mid-century modern color palette. As someone who appreciates simplicity, I only wanted two things: a haircut and my favorite plant-based ice cream from Cosmic Bliss (formerly called Coconut Bliss).
As I reflect on another year of life, I am grateful for good health, Tina, family and friends, my job, the roof over our heads and food on our table, and for the smallest everyday blessings and miracles.
Thank you, cherished readers, for sticking with me on this creative journey. With countless distractions vying for your attention, I am grateful that you have dedicated a portion of your time to Sundays with Stella.
For the newcomers, welcome! I encourage you to introduce yourselves in the comments below. Then delve into the archives where you'll find a wealth of inspiration awaiting you.
As always, feel free to leave me a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can also send me a private message at stellakalaw@substack.com.
See you all next Sunday!
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Happy Belated birthday Stella. Those are great memories.
Every time I see your collages, it makes me want to make more art! I love your use if this color palette!