I received a lovely surprise from my Secret Santa which came just in time! A day later, and I would have been away and not have seen it for nearly a month. Good timing, Secret Santa!

My giftee obviously did their research - I truly appreciate the handmade piece and am currently searching for a frame in which to display it.

It is a lovely watercolour painting of the Philippines, my birth country. Accompanying is a mini painting of my home province, Alberta.

The Philippines has been on my mind a lot lately with their ongoing struggle with recovering from Typhoon Yolanda. This is a beautiful reminder for me and I love it. I am excited to show it to my relatives from the Philippines! Both pieces together are a (prepare for cheesiness) great symbol of who I am now and where I came from.

Thank you Secret Santa, it is perfect!