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CALM 2015

Life, Be Still... a painting by betsisanders

Title: Life, Be StillSize: 20 x 16 inches

Medium: Acrylic on CanvasArtist: betsisanders 2014

***"Life, Be Still... a painting by betsisanders."

I chose that title instead of the more common "Still Life" by betsisanders.Or maybe this is a better title --- "be still betsisanders... that's life!"

*** The title "still life" is very common. My teacher uses it all the time when students do not givetitles to their works. so I jumbled the words and came up with Life, Be Still... then I thought

that "Be still betsisanders ...that's life!" is better and more meaningful. / Someone said tome that the reason why some art works sell for hundreds of thousands of pesos, and are all

sold on opening night is because people buy the paintings for the social relevance ormeaning behind the art works, even if the subjects look like aliens with big eyes and broken

necks.... Oh dear... So this painting has a deeper meaning. Not that I plan to sell it andmarket it for its "social relevance"... duh.... It simply means... be still and pray betsisanders,life may not be easy and trust in Him .... "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted

among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)

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Peaceful, an acrylic painting by betsisanders

Title: Peaceful

Size: 30 x 24 inches Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas

Artist: betsisanders 2014 ***

Today is the 25th death anniversary of my little Marie Angelica. Written on her tombstone - "Oursfor a while, God's forever." Someday, you and I will be together. But for now, watch over Mom,Dad and Alvin.

It's a beautiful and peaceful day today. Love and Laugh!

Be still, Be grateful ... an acrylic painting by betsisanders

Title: Be still, Be grateful Size: 30 x 24 inches

Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas Artist: betsisanders 2014

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My favorite author, Paulo Coelho, wrote in The Alchemist, When you want something, allthe Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. He also says that the Universe is merelyan echo of our desires, regardless of whether they are constructive or destructive ones.

Iyanla wrote this today, " Have you ever heard the sun come out in the morning? Did you

hear the moon come out last night? We have been taught that power is loud, forceful,aggressive, and somewhat intimidating. It is not. In silence the Creator works.

I ask, "What if I have stopped wanting or dreaming, and desire nothing? What if my presentstate of mind or situation is devoid of need? I am contented with what I have, satisfiedwith what I have achieved in my life and career, and happy that I have loving and caringfamily and friends. The Universe has given me more than I deserve or have asked. I amgrateful for calm, tranquil moments and thankful for everything that the Universe has helpedme with.

I say, "Be still, be grateful, betsisanders life is beautiful!"

The Bridge Over Calm Water, an acrylic painting bybetsisanders

What do you see in this painting? Do you see the autumn leaves, the little flowers, the rocksor the red bridge? You probably noticed that big bright red bridge. When you encounter abridge, what do you do? You cross it. You go from one point to the next, in order to reachyour destination. You dont stay on the bridge for too long.

Two quotes:

Steve Maraboli wrote, Stop telling me not to burn bri dges. Some bridges are meant to beburnt, some roads are never meant to be traveled again. Fridtjof Nansen said, I demolish my bridges behind me then there is no choice but

forward.

I burned a few bridges and have no regrets. I am allowed to terminate toxic relationships.Ive walked away from people who dont love me back. Closed doors on those who hurt me.

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Ive terminated friendships. Let relationships run its course. Drifted away from peoplebecause staying on will only cause more harm and damage.

So, cross the bridge, go forward. Burn the bridge and never go back. Ive learned many lessons. If I get hurt again, its because I allowed them to hurt me. By

moving forward, moving away, I shield and protect me.

Another perspective Notice the water below the bridge? Its calm. I may stay on thisbridge for a while and listen to the gentle stream of water that flows underneath. Tranquil.

Painting is many hours of silence, peace and bliss. That is always the subtle message in allmy paintings.

Be still, be calm, be grateful betsisanders. Life has always been good to you because He loves you.

Sunflower Lady 2014

Title: Sunflower Lady 2014Size: 16 x 16 inches

Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas

Artist: betsisanders 2014

It is this time of the year that the sunflowers at University Avenue bloomand the 'iskolars ng bayan' graduate. This weekend, my son graduates

Magna Cum Laude at the UP. Congratulations Son!You make us proud parents. We love you sooooo much!!!

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Two Birds, acrylic paintings by betsisanders 2014

Title: Two BirdsSize: 8 x 11 inches

Medium: Acrylic on CanvasArtist: betsisanders 2014

***I usually write a short note every time I post new paintings.

It seems I have this temporary inability to write or eventhink of things to write about. It's like I have ran out ofthoughts, which is actually a good thing. I've not been

"over thinking" lately and spending my free time

reading and watching television series and movies.I was watching Downton Abbey yesterday and the

Earl of Grantham, Robert Crawley said,"The price of great love is great misery

when one of you dies."

For now, enjoy the moment, it may not be perfect butthen you can always try and make it perfect.

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Yellow Birds, an oil painting by betsisanders

Title: Yellow Birds Size: 8 x 11 inches

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Artist: betsisanders 2014

Four kinds of friends, according to Buddha:

The "helper" can be identified by four things: by protecting you when you are vulnerable,and likewise your wealth, being a refuge when you are afraid, and in various tasks providingdouble what is requested.

The "enduring friend" can be identified by four things: by telling you secrets, guarding yourown secrets closely, not abandoning you in misfortune, and even dying for you.

The "mentor" can be identified by four things: by restraining you from wrongdoing, guidingyou towards good actions, telling you what you ought to know, and showing you the path tosamsaric heavens.

The "compassionate" friend can be identified by four things: by not rejoicing in yourmisfortune, delighting in your good fortune, preventing others from speaking ill of you, andencouraging others who praise your good qualities.

Which one are you?

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Koi, a watercolor painting by betsisanders

Title: Koi Size: 12 x 18 inches

Medium: Watercolor on Paper Artist: betsisanders 2014

Another sleepless night.

Iyanla wrote: Unfortunately, the standards of modern lifestyles have taught us that to be alone, to be quiet,

is bad, frightening, and most of all, not normal. You must be willing to translate being by yourself to being

with yourself. When you are with yourself you receive the blessin g of enli ghtenment. Being with your self i s a

time of sacred aloneness.

It is during the wee hours of dawn that I am completely alone with my thoughts. I actually

look forward to these quiet mornings when I can fully be in solitude, where I pray the 20

mysteries of the rosary, or sit and stare at my computer, try to find some inspiration and

type away my thoughts and feelings, which most often leads to crying. After which I find

myself empty, lighter and stronger. Ready to face whoever or whatever. I know I am never

really alone. HE is always guiding me and looking after me. I find my strength in Him who

picks us up and carries us through life. Thank you Lord.

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***

The koi fish is able to swim and travel upstream despite heavy currents. It is known to

have very powerful life force. Good fortune, success, prosperity, longevity, courage

ambition and perseverance are the characteristics associated with the koi. Koi fishes are

favorite subjects of artists. Most people display their koi fish paintings or sculptures in the

middle of their living rooms, entry ways or porches.

*******************************************************

Title: FlowersSize: 3 x 3 f

Medium: Acrylic on Museum Wrapped Canvas Artist: betsisanders 2014

The Flower SermonOne day the Buddha silently held up a flower. This was thefamous Flower Sermon. In the story, kyamuni gives a

wordless sermon to his disciples (sangha) by holding up a

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white flower. No one in the audience understood the FlowerSermon except Mahkyapa, who smiled.

The Flower Sermon signifies the direct transmission of wisdom without words.

Pick up flower subtle smile.

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Just wishing you all a prosperous peaceful

and happiest new year!

Just wishing you all a prosperous, peacefuland happiest new year!

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