My Bento Addiction

I'm a rock-a-billy at heart - born in Asia, raised in the Midwest. I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and I'm going to beat this disease so I can have many more adventures.

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TRANQUILITY - Across Gesú Nuovo is the Cloister of Santa Chiara (St. Claire) with its delightful courtyard. Must of the complex was destroyed in WWII but it has been lovingly restored. This was definitely my must-see in Naples for the majolica courtyard. (at Chiostri di Santa Chiara) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoG41ZlHs4A/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vohoo18sx6gy

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It’s going to be a hot 7 days! 🌡Remember to conserve power. 💸Turn off unnecessary lights 💡and appliances 📺 #staycool (at Irving, Texas)

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Good night, Charlene!! 104°F at 6p. (at Dallas, Texas)

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NAPA THROWBACK - circa 2008. V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena. 🍷🍷#winecountry (at V. Sattui Winery)

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“Mom, I ate too many Cheetos! Why didn’t you stop me?” 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ #GracieYballe knackered!!!

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IN THE HIGH MOUNTAINS - Dreaming of the lush meadows high above the Basque mountains. I would love to live in one of the old stone houses scattered throughout this ruggedly beautiful region, immerse myself in its food, myths, and culture, and write. The region with its industrial towns, elegant cities, and rugged mountains has captured my imagination. Dreaming of returning soon. #paisvasco #basquecountry

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TRYING TO GET BACK ON TRACK - Three-week mark. My nutritionist tells me that as much as 80% of weight loss is diet and nutrition. 👩🏻‍🌾👩🏼‍🍳So, I am back to tracking my macronutrients and focusing on reaching my daily protein goals. High protein, high fiber, low carbs, low fat 🍗🍖🧀🥩🍳🥓I’m also trying to be less sedentary, focus on strength and core exercises. 👩🏻‍💻🔜🏊🏻‍♀️⛳️🏌🏻‍♀️🧘🏻‍♀️🚶🏻‍♀️#fitnessmotivation #fitnessjourney #weightlossjourney #makeyourlifeamazing

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Two of my own going projects (top) and reference photos from #Donostia and bougainvilleas from #Bohol. I’ve been experiencing writer’s block all week and I find the painting helps me think more creatively. 🎨👩🏻‍🎨🌺🏔

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ON THE GRAND CANAL - Work in progress. Mixed media. Ink (including gel ink) and watercolor so far. #venice #lazysundayafternoon

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Working on an oil pastel this morning but having trouble getting definition and making the bottom quadrant interesting. Suggestions? (at Las Colinas)

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“Pay attention to me, Mom, please. Not the laptop. Me!” #caturday #lazytown

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“Mom, I know I’m shedding a lot this week but I promise I’ll lick the sofa clean after I nap. Promise. Pinky swear.” #GracieYballe

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Throwback to last year’s adventures in Ayutthaya 🌸 #tbt #solotravel #solowomentravel #thailand #daytripping #fitnessmotivation #fitnessjourney #makeyourlifeamazing (at Ayutthaya, Thailand)

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“Mom, this is my favorite YouTube channel. Ramen and katsu and Ramune. Yummers!” #GracieYballe (at Irving, Texas)

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INDIFFERENCE - This week I’m challenging myself to practice spiritual indifference. How do we experience God in pain, in sickness, in aging, in any situation that we recognize as human suffering. To be clear, spiritual indifference is not apathy. 💕 Rather it is this idea of surrendering oneself wholly to God’s will regardless of one’s preferences. #ignatianspirituality #reflections #ignatianway #faith (at Sanctuary of Loyola)

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Throwback to spring in #London. 💕 (at London, United Kingdom)

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ANGLES - When you’re fat and genetically predisposed to double chins, a good selfie angle is super critical. Had my hair up in a bun all day because of the Vegas heat. Turns out that’s what I needed to get volume at least on the bottom half. (at Las Vegas, Nevada)