#quickminipainting

[grateful-hopeful-dragonfly]

"cursed bunny 🐰" inspired by a story in Bora Chung's book of the same title

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I don't think I'll be able to look at bunnies the same way: the "Cursed Bunny" story will forever haunt me.

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~ excerpt from the "Cursed Bunny" story

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Grandfather used to say, “When we make our cursed fetishes, it’s important that they’re pretty.”

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And the lamp, shaped like a bunny rabbit sitting beneath a tree, is truly pretty. The tree part looks a bit fake, but the bunny was clearly made with love and care. The tips of the bunny's ears and tail are black, as are its eyes and the body a snowy white...

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Every object has a story. This object is no exception...

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One of the best collection of short stories I've read. First time reading a collection of scary stories (not your typical horror stories 😉) and it didn't disappoint. The stories are all very unique and haunting that it'll probably stay in my memory for a long time. They're not easily forgettable and interchangeable. So so good, I know the stories well enough yet they're still worth a reread 😌.

[grateful-hopeful-dragonfly]

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My top 22 books of 2022. Of all the books I've read last year (huhu, bye 2022), here are the books that left a lasting mark on me until the year ended; both the good and the bad mixed in 😉.

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Days late but still Happy New Year! 🤗

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P.S. A late post but still really wanted to have something here to wrap-up last year's reads ☺️. First time I set a goal for my reading (52 books) and glad to have surpassed it by a little bit. Anticipating a busier year ahead but hoping I'll get to read even just the same amount of quality ✨ books as I read last year 🤞.

[grateful-hopeful-dragonfly]

portrait 👨

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"Everybody has something they speculate and wonder about, no matter how blessed their circumstances. I raised my wineglass a couple of inches, a secret gesture of solidarity to this person across the valley." - Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami (translated by Philip Gabriel and Ted Goossen)

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encountered the word "portrait" a lot in Sir Haruki Murakami's book, so naturally 😅, tried to make a portrait of his based on his picture we all know too well as the author's picture appearing at the back cover of his books (original picture shot by Elena Seibert ☺️)

[grateful-hopeful-dragonfly]

Suga 🌑

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"I always want to be the best, So I was impatient and always restless. Comparing myself with others became my daily life. My greed that was my weapon suffocated me and also became a leash. But looking back on it now, truthfully; I feel like it’s not true that I wanted to be the best. I wanted to become your comfort and move your heart." -Suga's line in Magic Shop by BTS

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I know it might be a bit cheesy if read plainly but I do think there's a lot of truth in these lines. Nowadays, we can easily see the good in others' lives since we usually post about our happiest moments so it's hard not to compare ourselves with one another and it's especially hard if you're the one who's currently struggling. Yet, I think looking at the bigger picture, I think all we really want or all we aspire to be is to be an inspiration to others, share parts of ourselves through our passions and hopefully those at the receiving end would benefit from it in any way or form.

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So, this post just turned into a short essay. Sorry about that 😅. Just really love the lyrics of BTS songs especially Suga's lines. The lyrics he raps is mostly an arrow straight to the heart. Not really a fan of rap since I was prejudiced against the genre thinking it's "Jeje" (usually I just hear rap songs, with superficial lyrics, played in jeepneys) except Gloc-9 ☺️. But more and more I'm starting to appreciate the genre; it's all about good lyrics 👌.

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2 down, 5 more to go 😅

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[grateful-hopeful-dragonfly]

paths ↔️

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"People are drawn deeper into tragedy not by their defects but by their virtues.” - Oshima, Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami 😺📚

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Just another quick mini painting; didn't turn out the way I planned it but 🤷‍♀️, still posting anyway. Might do little retouches or recreate using acrylic when I'm motivated.

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P.S. Did a little editing after taking a pic to make the colors pop. The painting actually looks duller in person.

[grateful-hopeful-dragonfly]

Young Forever ♾️

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"The thundering applause, I can't own it forever. I tell myself, so shameless. Raise your voice higher!

Even if the attention isn't forever,

I'll keep on singing."

- Epilogue: Young Forever by BTS

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The passion in this song, plus the glimpse of the roller coaster ride of emotions they go through; from the screaming and thundering applause to the deafening silence when all that's left are empty seats, just makes you aware of how emotionally uplifting then draining live performances can be for them. Makes this song so personal and emotional. Hayy. This song just hits differently. I think the same is true for most performers as well. "Young Forever" will forever be one of my favorite songs of BTS ♾️💜.

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P.S. I know it's just a hiatus of them as a group but can't help myself from paying just a small tribute to their past performances and their 9 years of sharing their talents and candidness to us. A well-deserved break for each one of the members.

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Just took a short break from the portraits. Will still post one for each of the remaining members ☺️.

[grateful-hopeful-dragonfly]

chasing dreams and relationships built along the way ✨

"Those losses were blocks to build yourself stairs leading up. Think about it. Now you've got the highest staircase." - Baek Yi Jin, Twenty Five, Twenty One

Not too comforting if read plainly but the way Baek Yi Jin's character delivered it and the circumstances Na Hee Do was in made these words comforting and motivating. Loving the chemistry between the two characters, they're the best kind of friends for each other; each their own strongest support system. Especially love Na Hee Do's line, "I am always on your side." 💚

Have yet to finish the series, so no spoilers please haha But hoping (🤞) that it ends well ☺️.

P.S. Sorry, proportions are a bit off, can't seem to get her eyes and lips right/aligned 😅.

[grateful-hopeful-dragonfly]

temporary home 🏘️

another quick mini house painting based on the house in "My Neighbor Totoro" ☺️