this is a special sketchbook entry, dedicated to one of the most amazing women i've ever known in my life... my ninang (Godmother) linda. three years ago, she lost the battle against cancer - just ten days after my son was born.
although her life was cut short by this horrible disease, i'm so glad that she was able to meet dom, and i was able to spend as much time with her. she definitely was the life of the party, sassy, elegant, and caring. she would put velcro rollers in her hair every morning, she loved gardening, collected the most beautiful grosgrain ribbon, loved almond nougat, enjoyed crossword puzzles, slept half-way through movies, had a contagious laugh, played the piano beautifully, had similar mannerisms as barbara streisand - with the demeanor of shirley maclaine, loved coco chanel no. 5, loved to listen to classical music, left lavender packets in her car, pillows, cabinets, absolutely adored by so many...
my favorite memory of my ninang linda was when i was 5 years old, we went to our grandparents' farm. we trekked through muddy farm land. my brother got stuck in quicksand. one of my cousins climbed the mango tree, and picked the ripest ones, and the rest of us ate a tonne of them - lol. i also remember looking down on my feet and remember wearing her blue gelly sandals.
throughout the toughest moments of her journey, she was courageous and strong. not once did she complain about her suffering (i think we felt it more than she did). through it all, she kept smiling, forgetting she was sick at all...
she had so much beauty emanating from within, that i didn't even miss her hair...
have a great weekend, happy saturday!
xoxo, carla
