Pencils and Brushes- "This is Me"

My pencils and brushes give me the strength to express my feelings and emotions when words are difficult to utter and actions are hard to do.

          My name is Ritchelle, 37 years old a domestic helper for 7 years in Singapore. Life being a maid is a constant struggle of homesickness and hardship for the sake of our family back home. Being a single mother, living your kids behind to find means to raise them and give them a better future is not easy. But over the years of battling life's journey, I slowly realized that my dreams for my children are coming true. I am not a brave fighter. Most of the times, I broke down and cried desperately for some problems in the family. I have several weaknesses. One day, I tried to find means to overcome that weakness, and started to do an experiment. I was in Engineering and Designs school in the Philippines before, and for so many years, I have forgotten how to draw and paint. Four years ago, I have an operation on my wrist. My pulse was affected due to a big cut that I got from an accident at work. I thought I couldn't paint anymore. I was so frustrated. Until one day, I said," the only solution to a problem is to face the problem itself.

I started buying colored pencils, paints, brushes and other drawing and painting materials out of the money I save from selling newspaper and other recycled materials at home. My first try after so long, wasn't that bad. I was amazed to see my artwork again. My heart suddenly leaped for joy whenever I grab my brushes and paints. There I realized that it was not too late to start anew. I learned a lesson of perseverance and determination. My dormant skills was once again finds its channel to flow and soon after, my world is as colorful as what I want it to be. Here is one of my favorite piece.

"This Is Me"- at the Spiral near Khatib Hospital Singapore. Aside from pencils and brushes, books are also my best friends. From young, I love to read. I remember that day when Dad scolded me and asked me to eat finished all the burnt part of the rice that I cooked because I was hooked in to my books and had forgotten the rice I am cooking. That was a lesson for me on that day, I hit two birds with one stone. I learnt to be aware of the things I am doing and developed a hobby that brings me to the love of blogging and writing.

My own interpretation of an Abstract Floral Mass Arrangement

This is me and this is how I appreciate the beauty of life beyond all the sufferings I have. Being optimistic to what life can offer us. I never limit myself in doing what is good for my self and overcoming the negativities in a positive and calm way.  For my boys, this is how I fight boredom, for my peers, this is how I express myself and for my God, this is the beauty of His creations; for this is ME.....

Gabriel - the 6 year old boy I am looking after. Because of my enthusiasm in drawings and paintings, this boy had developed a strong interest in arts. We love to draw and tell stories, we have so much fun everyday. I am glad that one day, my passion and hobby have been a legacy to Gabriel. He is truly amazing.

The Hidden Starboard - at first glance, who can tell that these are Canoes piled upside down? Yes they are. This photo was taken at United World College Campus during a workshop in Lensational Photography. This is me, a woman with piles and tons of something in mind that considered dormant. That dormancy is now slowly unleash and waiting to be seen.