Crosstown showdown

True-blue mascot Joe Bruin was inadvertently desecrated in abominable cardinal and gold paint 2 days prior (Photo courtesy of the LA Times). Incontestably an indicator of tasteless fear-motivated Trojan conduct unveiled during impassioned rivalry week.It's goin' down tomorrow as the nation's purportedly most epic crosstown rivalry manifests itself at the annual UCLA-USC game to see who shall reign the City of Angels. Vengeance shall be ours. GO BRUINS!

Attitude of gratitude

Thank you, Lord, for being who you are. For being sovereign, holy, just, merciful, and unconditionally loving, amongst your interminable laundry list of idiosyncratic traits. All of which are resplendently exhibited through Christ's death on the cross, who humbly gave His life so that we might live. I'm daily reminded through your manifold blessings the inconceivable depths of your love. I am brazenly unworthy, Lord. Even amid my wayward ways, you love me still, and exceedingly more than I could ever perceive. You are so good. May I respond in daily living out an attitude of gratitude by finding joy in you through adhering to your will to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), for there is always so very much for which to be grateful.

Happy happy Thanksgiving, fellows and dolls! I'm partial to raucous celebratory tomfoolery with the gratifying aid of foodie goodies and extensive merrymaking with the family,and those like family. They're all such blessings to be cherished.

Someone, please

jitterbug with me sometime.I'm rather keen on Charleston-ing, swing dancin'-dancin', and foxtrottin', too.As long as it ain't boogieing of the Latin variety. 'Cause an overwhelming throng of middle-aged Asian women with their vehement hip action annihilated me into smithereens in samba recently. 'Twas gut-wrenchingly hilarious to the maximus.

Today's a half day at the nine-to-six in honor of Thanksgiving. Jeepers, I'm a-looking forward to mambo-ing outta here for the elongated weekend. There is much too much to be thankful for, wouldn't you say?

Adventuring on impulse

with a dear chummyto a quintessential nostalgia-infused turn-of-the-century downtown hubis the peachiest of its kind.
So disheartening to witness the once-vivacious urban complex gradually deteriorate o'er the years in the omnipresent clutches of run-of-the-mill globalization, much akin to other heritage-pervaded municipalities' paltry fate. We really ought to preserve such historic social headquarters. 'Cause mom-and-pop shoppes rock.

Tried-and-true thrills

I can ne'er withstand a hearty expedition to the flea market to oblige a preferred pastime of scouring for legacy-abundant vintage oddities to utilize for the upcoming project (to be unveiled in a couple of moons),especially whence the jaunt is capped by an impromptu haute cupcake stopover.'Twas such a swell afternoon.

Candied

apples are so wondrously tasty to the tastebuds. My insatiable sweet tooth can never ever resist cheesecake candied apples from this tantalizing treat-churning factory. They're a top tier old-fashioned favorite next to cake and froyo, chiefly amidst nippier fall weather. I've resolved to attempt concocting homemade ones soon, perhaps in accordance with Thanksgiving next week. Till then, happy weekending, friendly folks - hope it's downright dandy!

Hospitality at its finest

'Tis always a bona fide treat to play at the Tibayan's. I daresay I cannot wait to practice hospitality whence I dub the Westside home once again (the roommate-to-be and I shall be signing a lease in a spiffy jiffy!), which I haven't done so since wrapping up the college phase of life.

Speaking of the undergrad era, severely somber news has befallen us via the media mouthpiece that the University of California just authorized a whopping 32% student fee increase effective the following fall, which fueled into existence fury-bred statewide campus protests yesterday (Source: LA Times). I can't even begin to articulate the adverse implications aplenty of such a decision. It further conveys California's disconcerted priority towards education. What a maddening debacle.

The least, the last, and the lost

Lord, grant us relentless passion and compassion for the least, the last, and the lost, particularly our neighbors on dilapidation-permeated Skid Row.Team CICC + CFBC unanimously assented that the preeminent aspect of this specific venturewas the prayer-answered bounty of blessed chitter chattering that ensued betwixt us and our street dwelling cohorts,facilitating the augmenting compilation of a cornucopia of individual-centric tales.

"On My Own" unleashed

with resounding triumph the Friday prior at the swankified V Lounge,where rising R&B artist Jarell Perry claimed the stage to execute a phenomenal performance that reverberated the stuff of legendsfor the legions of rabid fans,and all had a ridiculously smashing time boogieing the night away in commemoration of his long-awaited mixtape release (download the swoon-worthy album here!), a grand catalyst on his opportune route towards superstar illustriousness.Jarell, you were indubitably amazing and you made us all so supremely proud. You've seriously been blessed with an incredibly unparalleled gift and I'm so excited to see what is forthcoming!

Their proclamation

Cheers to their proclamation to the world what Christ has done for them at the cross by way of baptism. Watch Janice's testimony here.'Twas a momentous jubilance-saturated soiree yesterday for all eleven candidates, their loved ones, and the church family. God truly is so overwhelmingly good and faithful - I can scarcely fathom it. So blessed to witness, in particular, Janice, Kristine, and Melissa, embark on this new journey...CONGRATULATIONS!!! May you lovely ladies run this race with endurance towards Christ the worthy goal (Hebrews 12:1-2) and ascertain more by the day the surpassing worth and joy in knowing and loving Him. I'm all ajitter with excitement and thankfulness for you all!

Turtle-tainted shenanigans

A cacophonous Venice-derived watering hole lured our patronage the evening prioras we pursued the crimson brick road and illumined neon signs to the whispered promises of notorious turtle racingupon its burnished patio-encompassing track.Too bad 'twas a rather confoundingly tasteless creeper-plenteous affair,save for the unsuspecting reptilian creatures (that we're going to emancipate one day)and these lovely ladies, whose convivial and entertaining hijinks indubitably redeemed the night.Happy Friday, gents and gals! Don't forget in accordance with my post yesterday that Jarell Perry's mixtape "On My Own" is available for free download today. Happify your ears with me and snatch it up here!

There's always a reason

to celebrate, and yesternight was one to commemorate an amalgamation of birthdays, engagements, and friendly affinity.Tomorrow's another reason to celebrate as it's a friendly chap's mixtape release. Jarell Perry is one exceedingly talented singer-songwriter who's taken the stage by furious storm since he commenced his tenure at UCLA, wooing mobs interminable with his silky smooth snazzified voice via inspirational R&B, piano-pop, and hip-hop swing. He's gallivanting on a titillating musical journey, snagging opportunities galore granted to him in the City of Angels and the forces of social media to establish an ever-burgeoning fanbase. Now we're all on the edge of our seats for the debut of his mixtape, "On My Own." "The long-awaited release mostly serves as a testament to the last two years spent forging his path to a big break: producing and/or writing all of his own material, attracting thousands of new fans by designing his own website, Myspace, and YouTube series, and playing countless shows at L.A. clubs and his alma mater, UCLA."

Friendly folks, meet me halfway on this and treat your ears to Jarell Perry's Black Eyed Peas "Meet Me Halfway" cover, which I fancy bushels more than the original,

and one of his all-original crowd-pleasers, "Indestructible."

Make haste and give him a listen, for he shan't disappoint. And download his mixtape for free, available tomorrow, November 13, 2009, at jarellperry.com!!!What can I say? I've no shame. I'm an advocate of viral marketing.

At least once a week,

chummies’ parental units approach me with lit-up eyes and gleeful grins to proclaim that they’ve nobly come to my aid in looking for my future husband. Or that they’ve found him. Which would thence commence a rattling off a string of winsome qualities that get progressively far-fetched (“He’s a Chinese! He’s a godly man in seminary who’s going to change the world! He’s nice AND he’s not married yet!!!”). I don’t know how I feel about that.

Which is radically different from how my parents react when a prying stepbrother of a second aunt’s cousin thrice removed inquires of them at a periodic familial gala, “Oh, your daughter Helen is 22 now? She’s getting to marrying age. Is she dating anyone?” My momma’s eyes glaze over with a steeliness not to be meddled with and she nearly snaps in reply, “No, she’s not dating anyone. She’s not going to get married, ever.” And my poppa, faithfully by her side, would adopt the tried-and-true passive Asian father role and, well, not say anything. I don’t know how I feel about that, either.

My face just submits to an involuntary grimace as I subsequently chuckle politely and wish I were anywhere but there at those moments.

All I know is that I’m thankful God has bestowed upon me this season of singleness. It truly is a blessing for many a reason. For ‘tis only a transient season.

I think.

To and fro for birthday bravado

'Twas a weekend of bustling birthday bravado for the favorite gurgh, Karissa, with whom I,along with the amiable accompaniment of gallant gentlemen Jono and Jarell,caroused in urban pioneer Downtown La-La-Land's nightlively thoroughfares hereand there. 'Twas there where the denying of entry prevailed for the sneakers-clad fellow,culminating in our ephemeral meandering within the snazzified turn-of-the-century underground lounge evocative of Tinseltown's Golden Age catering to legions of the well-to-doby our lonesome.Happiest of belated birthdays to you, Karissa, and Holden, too, with whom we regaled at a bustin' joint.Dear cousin of mine, I'm so incredibly thankful for what God is doing in your life. I praise God for turning your heart towards Him, and that you've begun to ascertain the everlasting joy and hope that dwells in Christ. I pray you grow grow grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord as you seek your purpose in Him via His truth. It still boggles my mind and overwhelms my heart that I can now not only call you my cousin, but also my brother in Christ. God is so very good and faithful. May our famaree attest to the difference Christ makes in our lives so that they may come to know Him. Love for you and cheers to a new beginning!!!

In honor of Babycakies #3

'Tis been a while since the last surprise of the baby shower variety, and weeks of conceptualizing and scheming manifested in a much-awaited surprise baby shower for Mama Ruby and Babycakies #3 this weekend past. Ruby is one extraordinarily special crafty mama of the utmost creative sort so Team Hong/Hwang/Wong/Kim enacted a children's book-themed baby shower riddled with handmade flair reminiscent of everythang towards which Ruby is inclined, from frenzily crafting vintage feedsack scrapsinto vibrantly chipper fabric pennant bannersto complement paper doily streamersin accordance with a festive antique atmosphere.To satiate hunger pangs was a plethora of homemade tasties that each corresponded with a Polaroid of a beloved kiddie storybook: dainty healthified turkey-swiss-spinach-hummus tea sandwiches like those the refined Eloise would have consumed amidst her mischievous antics about New York's Plaza Hotel,variegated goldfish crackers reminiscent of The Rainbow Fish,savory spaghetti and meatballs like that of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,organic veggies to munch and crunch as displayed throughout The Vegetable Alphabet Book,dino-silhouetted nuggets to edibly symbolize those in If the Dinosaurs Came Back,and, of course, a perilous brigade of homecrafted sweet treats:mini melt-in-your-mouth chocochip cookiespaired with vanilla soymilk shotglasses to exemplify If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,madeleine cookies to mimic Paris-prowling Madeline,a round of home-baked peanut butter cupcakes crowned with cream cheese frosting and Almond Roca tidbits (merely 'cause Ruby indulges an affinity for peanut buttery goodness)to supplement red velvet babycakes with ample dollops of cream cheese frosting, whose red-and-white appearance bespoke of The Cat in the Hat,chocopudding, Oreo cookie, and gummy worm fused dirt cups to enjoy in remembrance of Diary of a Worm,and a watermelon cart replete with succulent fruit cubes worthy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.All was primed for the momentous arrival of Ruby herself,who graced us all with the most epic reaction ever to be recorded in surprise shindig history. HAHAHAHA.Oh, lovely Bratcher family, how we love you guys and your forthcoming Babycakies #3!!!A smattering of shenanigans befittingly ensued, from a recently engaged chummy proposing to her sister for her hand in maid-of-honor'ness,to incessantly squealing over a just-engaged gal pal, whose fiancé carved, sanded, and painted her in loving toil a ring from a hunk of wood,to garrulously enjoying the cherished company of friendly folks.Ruby, I thank the Lord for you mucho grande nachos for you are an ever dear and wonderful friend who never ever fails to inspire and encourage me with your creativity that spawns legendary craftiness, your godly wisdom from experiences past, your daily living out your role as a wife and mama that indicates so much joy in the Lord, your heart for your chummies, and your taking every crafty/blogging opportunity God is granting you to glorify Him. I love learning from you, nerdily crafting with you, baking with you, chitter chattering lightyears a minute with you, and exchanging with you novels of email updates. I LOVE YOU SO!!!Team Hong/Hwang/Wong/Kim loves Ruby...Ellen, we missed you!

This post is also posted here on my crafty blog.

The grown-up vintage tricycle

Whilst gallivanting about one random autumn weeknight
We chanced upon a novelty glistening beneath the bright moonlight.A grown-up vintage tricycle in all of its silver and black sleekness
Towards which we felt an immediate meekness.But he was duly excited for this new acquisition
To conquer the streets is now his unbridled mission.

It isn’t an eye-opener

that I've a fondness for everything of the artsy description. All things beautiful and creative. Sewing and watching fabric scraps and notions convert into something lovely, practical, and thoroughly handmade. The delightfully rusty, faded, worn, history-ridden state of vintage knick-knacks scoured from flea markets. The harmoniously eye-catching paint palettes in interior spaces. The irresistible textures of an outfit's two-toned T-strap heels, lacy slip peeking from beneath a circle skirt, and jaunty brooch garnishing a cardigan. The amalgamation of layers on Photoshop that generate a distinctive piece of graphic design. The flawlessly swirled mound of frosting atop a freshly baked cupcake. The haughty charm of a rickety brownstone apartment. The brazen way untamed flora inch towards sun-drenched skies. The composition of photographs that immortalize each intricate and transient moment of beauty evermore. And, of course, inspiring blogs that showcase all things captivating and creative.

Sharing with the world decorating ideas, art, architecture, interior spaces, graphics, and products is Pepsi of Simply Artsy. She is “…obsessed with all beautiful senses of design and hopes to inspire readers to live a more fulfilling creative lifestyle.” Take a peek at her lovely blog, and you’ll perceive without fail that she is one tremendously talented gal! Not to mention that she featured my playground of a studio this week.What an absolute honor. Thank you so very much, Pepsi! So, friendly folks, mosey on over and treat thy eyes with all things simply artsy!

Do you ever

take a gander at the sapphire skies (okay, maybe more like the pestiferous smogginess of car-exhaust dregs in LA's case, but let's tolerate euphemism for the sake of whimsical prose) whilst obliging to an afternoon amble and just gawdily gawk at the trees embroidering the cerulean expanses? Those tendril-bounteous conifers are pish posh in a stately topiary nature-y way. They give me the cursory hankering to nimbly clamber up or dizzily swing in a tire from them, and then I remember I must skedaddle back to the cubicle to baby-sit the bossmen.

Work work workin' the networkin'.

O'er to Skid Row

Thank you Lord that though we are so undeserving, You showed us mercy and compassion through Christ on the cross, the unparalleled display of love that compels us to serve others out of gratitude to You and what You have done for us first.It truly wrenches the heart to fathom that such a concentrated pocket of decrepitude flourishes adjacent to hubs of unabashed opulence and mere footsteps from our very doorways.Lord, enable us impact this cosmopolitan municipality for Your kingdom. There is a plethora of endeavors I long to carry out. As AlexHong says, we gotta dream big dreams. Greater things are yet to come; greater things are still to be done in this city."He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” -Luke 14:12-14

All hallow His name

on All Hallow's Eve. A smidgen of impromptu crafting in the playgroundto morph into true vinesto the sly accompaniment of modern-day Delilahbefore infiltrating the goodie-teeming precinctdubbed the land of milk and honey where biblical folk dwell (I apologize for not capturing snapshots of errbody).HUZZAH to brouhaha-initiating in suburban wilderness!