My Dear Miranda Iris

It was over a year ago when I first found out about you. Back then, I wasn't sure how I felt about you. More than anything, I was scared. Afraid that things would never be the same once you came into our lives.

But I knew that those changes would somehow be for the better. I didn't know you yet, but I already knew I loved you.

When I first met you I was scared. Afraid that you were still too fragile to handle. You cried and cried until you felt comfortable, until you could feel the warmth of your mommy's skin, until you could hear her heart beat. I knew from then on that you would be my favorite person.

Everyone looks at you with so much love, and I can't blame them. You have brought so much joy into our lives that I cannot even remember why I was so terrified about having to welcome you into our family.

You've shown us how one person can change another completely. Your dad, the one who has been taking care of us all this time, is now responsible for you. And I know in my heart that he is his best version of himself because of you.

I wish for the same things for you, Mira. The same ones I wrote down on that card when you were still in your mommy's tummy.

I pray that the world you grow up in is kind to you. I pray that nothing in this world will ever hurt you.

I hope that you will always be curious. Always look at the things around you with bright eyes and wonder.

I hope you always remember to laugh and be silly.

I hope you always find a reason to smile.

I hope you're never afraid, and that you'll always have the courage to take risks.

I hope you always remember that you are loved.

I can't believe you turn one in a few days. Please don't grow up too fast. Ninang loves you very, very much.

Hello, I'm still here.

I can't believe my last post was four months ago. And this after a promise to take my camera out more so I could actually post more. Ah well, life happens.

I'm back because it's a holiday and I'm on what they call a staycation. Aside from the unbearable heat, I really don't mind staying home. Been able to catch up some shows, which is always a great way to spend a free day!

So what have I been busy with lately? Well, apart from the regular work I do, I've also been working on a couple of books since late last year. And this is how incredibly long ago my last post was: both books are done and out in bookstores!

I actually worked on this early this year with Alessa, Mansy, and Mikko. We shot all the projects in two days with Pat and Stephie, ever the speedy Gonzales, finished the layout so fast that we were done in a little over a month! It was a super fun project to do because the people I worked with were friends.

At first, it felt like a daunting task to come up with so many projects and shoot them all individually. But it can be done!

The second book, which was actually the first project I worked on, took a little longer to produce. It's Mikko's second bracelet book, but our first time working with our AD Tracy. I'm not sure if it was the logistics or if the steps for this project were a little more complicated than The Friendship Bracelet Book, but I'll admit I had a bit of difficulty working on this. It was always a wrong photo or a typo I missed. We couldn't get the packaging right. I could go on and on. But I guess good things come to those who wait (and well, edit to death. Haha!), because I still felt super excited when they finally handed me the final product.

I'm so happy that I get to work on books like these. I get even more excited when I see people actually buy them on try the projects. Here's hoping we never run out of ideas and that people will continue to appreciate what we make. (:

The Candy DIY Book (P175) and Knot About Cords (P250) are available at bookstores and magazine stands nationwide! Hope you can grab a copy when you can. (: