Settling In
I just returned from Manila.
I had Claude AI calculate the total travel time, from the moment I woke up to go to the airport until the Lyft driver dropped me off at our front door:
22 hours and 38 minutes.
This included flight delays, a stopover in Tokyo, and traffic.
No wonder I was exhausted!
I took a two-hour nap in the afternoon, ate a light dinner, then slept for seven hours straight.
I actually unpacked both suitcases before the weekend started. I think it has something to do with the packing cubes we purchased last year. Ever since we bought them, it’s been easier to carry all my clothes up the stairwell, separating the whites and darks into the hampers next to the washer and dryer. The other items were mostly dry goods leftover from the holidays and some pasalubong, which all went to the kitchen a few steps away.
I made these three collages before I left Manila for the holidays. As I settle in, I hope you enjoy these little moments of creative bursts.
I’ll also leave you with this quote from Ruth Asawa, which I love:
You can’t force a plant to bloom. It has a cycle. You have to tend it and care for it and wait for the bloom to happen. If you don’t take care of it, it dies. The more experiences you have like this, the more you begin to understand your own cycle.
—Ruth Asawa, Asian American sculptor
See you all next Sunday!
Marica Notecards
An educator at heart, the Fonts of Knowledge notecards honor my sister Marica’s love for teaching, from tutoring in math and English to guiding older students through the college application process. She had a rare gift for inspiring students, instilling confidence and a love of learning in all she touched.
Begin the year with intention—share words of encouragement or gratitude, or offer a simple reminder that someone is loved.
Website: Marica Notecards
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Glad you made it back safely. Love packing cubes. :)
It was so nice seeing you for dinner and sharing memories and experiences on Marica. I will treasure the note card you gave, your photos are a real gift. Maybe one day you can have an exhibit in Manila : )