Nanang Rosa (8x10)

This is for the SHCG Weeks #32-33 WC which was to create a lo that does not use at least 2 of the elements that appear on our last 5 los. I noticed that I use Cricut for my titles, but my Teardrop font came in, and I had to use it! One thing, I know I'm not is a big picture. single photo scrapper, and I've had this photo for a few years now. My sister snapped this photo during her SoCal visit with the folks, which she presented to me when she returned. I was like, "What am I gonna do with this big ol' goofy pic with Nanang's toothless grin?" We had a good laugh over it, and I didn't think of it again until after her recent passing. Originally, I had decided to make it a somber memorial page to reflect my feelings, but when I pulled out the photo again, I laughed so hard and knew that there was no way a mournful lo could come from it. This leads me to the journaling strips, something I've always wanted to include in a lo, and I saw this as an opportunity. It's also to make up for being the only grandchild to not speak during her eulogy. I just couldn't do it, which the family noted is very uncharacteristic of me. These are the things I would have shared about her life, which most people did not know, and I regret not doing so. Finally, I didn't own any flower embellies, nor had I ever used any for a single lo. It's just not my style. However, being that Nanang's name is Rosa and she's holding roses in the photo and that she loved lavender, I thought it was appropriate. I also tried to keep myself from inking anything, but I've become an ink junkie. That's what happens when you roll with our critique gang. I knew this would result in a very feminine lo than I'm accustomed to, and I had planned on giving it away to a family member. Now that it's done, though, I'm very happy with it, and I'll be keeping it for myself after all.

Journaling reads:
-it means "mother"
-daughter to poor basket weavers, and of Spanish descent
-survivor of Japanese occupation of the Philippines
-mistress to an Italian military man
-mother of 3 girls
-lifelong love affair with tobacco and game shows and sports TV games
-modest, humble, loving, & youthful Gemini w/a sense of humor-- eternally "sickesty-pibe" (65) & an end-ish of May birthday
-hardworking, caretaker, personal chef, housekeeper, and gardener 'round the clock
-"Nanang" to all