HOPE Project

This was done on the first week of March before my friend’s graduation this year for her Masters.

When she introduced me to this project, I knew what I had in mind. I use the idea of the rose from her name, Rosie Hernandez, to put in the logo. The concept on the top is to let the victims glow and move on from their past-there is hope to comfort them later on. I placed the rosebush background with the logo on the front to show the rose bloom and grow is the hope.

The gallery was dark. Little light was shown to portray the victims’ past which shows their deep emotions. There were sculptures and portraits of women and infants who were abused. It was a quiet atmosphere. No music played. Just art displayed for the viewers only.

May we comfort and support to those who had a dark past. For the victims, I hope they move forward and have a better future ahead of them.Image

Rose in Illustration

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HOPE in acrylic

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Project Lucy

When I first met her through my friends, I see her as a strong independent woman. Her friendly conversations are energetic and never fail to bore me. I see why her boyfriend loved her so much: she is always there, not only for him but for everyone else and takes them seriously and tries to help her problems by cheering them up. Her encouragement helped them to move forward and regain their strength.

Now its our turn to support and save her.  Although she has the diagnosis, she is still going on, and still continuing her studies. She may be required to attend every chemotherapy and radiation treatment, but she  is enjoying every moment her boyfriend, family, and friends gave her: memories of laughter, living, and love.

To know more about her diagnosis, check her video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=N7Ezb0zWf8k

Donations can be made at:
http://www.gofundme.com/1gkocgImagePrismacolor on construction paper

 

Memorial Day

This weekend is preserved for the holiday. People took a break from work for trips, students graduated and moved on, sales on every shop lure oncoming crowders, and summer begins.

In Santa Barbara, there was a ceremony for the wounded. I wish I could take a picture of the event, but I feel like I’m intruding their moment. My grandfather was a veteran, but little do I know about him. I wish my mom would tell me more but he died before I was born. 

To those who served in the war, thank you for protecting the country. With your hard work and strength, we citizens are safe. But we miss you, hoping you to come back and reunite to the families and relieve our sorrows. You remain in our hearts and always be remembered, May you rest in peace.

I hope everyone not only enjoyed the holiday but I hope those soldiers would guide and watch us above. Image

Mom

To mom:

Thank you Mother for teaching me the lessons of life and giving love and harmony to the family. I may be stubborn but most importanly,  your wisdom helped me to succeed.

Your cooking comforted our tummies, your style graced the streets everywhere we go and made us confident in ourselves, and most of all, your deep support helped us become better children through strength and courage.

I am not a perfect child every mother dreamed of for their little girl. I may not get all the top marks such as being a valedictorian or getting few As in classes. I may not dance or  sing right or play sports well. I may be average person, but I am healthy, fine. I know if I get injured or seek help, you wanted to hear if I am ok. But I am, I am ok. I know that you are always there for me.

Thank you again. May you continue to raise me and my siblings well.

UnderWater Romance

If you love marine nature with a touch of romance, this book tells it all. Created in prismacolor pencils, the creatures illustrations show their love for each other.
 

So to also see them in person, try reading the poems first.

http://www.blurb.com/b/3850892-underwater-romance

SPOILER ALERT: In the preview of 15 pages, you will see my sea creatures illustrations along with the poems written by my sister, Diana. Through research, I created them in detail and their functions. I want you, the reader to feel like being part of them or feeling their love.  I hope that while you read you will feel them too.

Here’s an excerpt:

Wandering Albatross
I raise my wings to show how far 
I’ve flown to meet you, hear your voice, 
and touch your face. I shall rejoice 
in loving just the way you are.

To any marine or illustration enthusiast, If you want to read more, feel free to buy it for personal use as a gift to someone dearly, or for yourself, anywhere you go. 

Any questions, feedback or for a request of special accomodations, message or comment me here. 

Charis + FOP Awareness

Charis is my childhood friend and sister. She battles FOP everyday but she is open, strong, and positive. 

To some you may not know her yet she treats anyone as a sister. Like her page for her body to move freely, and stand on her own feet to walk and join with us.

To her and close to her will be considered a gratuity and support.

www.facebook.com/charisfopawareness

Logo and Banner: Joy Marie HallareImage

Crackin’ Crab Claw

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I created this logo

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Love the food so I took this on Instagram

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Photo Courtesy of Crackin’ Crab Claw

 

Imagine that you are a tourist in New Orleans. It is close to the sea and known for their Mardi Gras all-nighters,  endless seafood, and jazz. For the curious, if you want to go there, try The Crackin’ Crab Claw first .They brought Louisiana inspiration and culture.  It’s been three months since their Grand Opening in Fresno on New Year. 

As I sat down and wait for my food, I adore the entertainment on stage, tv screens displaying variety of channels and movies, the simple interior, and most of all, diverse families of all ages having their time together while excitedly waiting for their meal. Mostly the food is more on hands-on rather than using spoon and fork. You can wash your hands directly after eating. The prices are fair. 

Honestly, the service was slow but it was worth the wait. Seafood takes more time in cooking than meat in chicken, pork, and beef. Shrimp may be cooked fast but it is better for the meat in the seafood to be perfected rather than give raw in minutes to the customers. The kitchen needs more assistants to support Roy, the main chef.  The waiters’  were quick and responsive. Applaud to Roy for training them well.

I tasted calamari with fries. Both of them are cooked light and right. Maybe if the calamari will be a little bigger, because they’re addicting like chips. This is more of an appetizer or slide.

For the crawfish, it is my first time eating it. Peeling is challenging. It is shaped like a shrimp but the exterior is more of a lobster in a small body. I ordered it for to-go. It is better if you eat it in the restaurant. It’s fresh and hot right in front of you. You get to taste the spice and meat together. At home, I adore that they placed it on a bag to maintain the seasonings and sauce and prevent leakage. No one wants seafood odor in any vehicle. TIP: You better eat it quick before it turns cold. 

The Po-Boy sandwich presentation has it all based on the menu. After the first bite, I finished it in seconds, along with the fries. What made it good are the shrimp and their custom creole sauce. Although the tips of the shrimp need to be removed, I like the taste of its tempura .  

No restaurant is perfect. Every path is always rough in the beginning. It is better to reserve and order food early before settling in and wait. 

Someday, I would invite my friends to join me and eat at this restaurant.