May Kwento Ako #19 : Obi

It is no secret that I have a thing for fabric. I figure that one way to understand a country and its tradition is through their fabric. It appears that most countries that I have been to have fabrics that they are known for. And proud of.

Let me feature the Obi or sash, worn by men and women to tie their Kimono. The colors, pattern are plenty from the sedate to the elaborate, depending on the season and the occasion.

Seems like the kimono are a really complex garment composed of many pieces and is about 4 meter or 13 feet. The width of the Obi varies for men ( thinner ) and women ( wider ).

Just to figure all these out is already making me dizzy. Maybe, when i learn more about this country’s history, i will appreciate these garments more. Hence, I have my highest respect for all those who wear this still.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT : Since I will not wear one, I will use this as

A) a bed runner while the bedcover is with the Cleaners if i do not want to cut it up;

B) for the Avant garde, maybe the fabric is enough for the front of a coat jacket/suit;

C) Or, make two or three large wall hangings out of one OBI.

Delicious thoughts there.

May Kwento Ako #18 : Tropical Living

Some days, it’s like these photos above. Believe you me, we in the tropics don’t live like this everyday. But well, admittedly, there are days when we are able to.

The reality is, most of us live in densely populated metropolis. Our traffic is legendary. While we complain heaps, we still count our blessings.

For those living in cold weather countries, here’s hoping that you are all warm.

May Kwento Ako #17 : My 1st Fall

I hope to never, ever brag and say “been there, done that”.

For someone who lives in a tropical country, where colors of nature are mostly green, I have looked forward to seeing the fall colors in my lifetime. Yes, we have tropical plants in red, orange, yellow, rust and all shades in between but see much different colors on trees. Real, natural trees. I felt so young seeing these colors for the first time! I was so happy! I even secretly picked up several golden leaves and pressed them on a book for a souvenir. Hahaha.

So happy to see and experience this. Some beautiful things in life are free, indeed!

( Excluding airfare and hotel )

May Kwento Ako #16 : A good man is always worth patronizing.

 

Some say something good happens to good people when they least expect it.  Amen!

One day, upon the recommendation of a new friend, I checked out this nearby shop for its workmanship.  Upon entering, this shopkeeper-artisan entertained me straight away like an old friend.  I just said that I was just looking around a small crucifix to add to my old but newly acquired necklace (?).  He immediately recognized it as silver and gently offered to clean it for me.  What a nice gesture, I thought immediately.  While he was cleaning, he allowed me to take photos.  And it gave me a chance to spot something that I liked.  He also showed me what he was working on.

I wonder how this shop could manage when there’s hardly any customer.  Maybe there are better times and days than when I dropped in.  I hope so.  Afterall, a good and honest man deserves many good patrons.  Regret that he does not have an email address nor a website.