Freebie: Patience & Appreciation (Printable + Phone Wallpaper)

They were gone - everything - past lettering work, future lettering and illustrations I had intended to showcase, logos and headers from upcoming collaborations, styled photographs, family vacation photographs, school assignments.

In the last couple of months of 2015, the portable hard disk containing all my design and personal files had become faulty, and the price for its repair and file recovery was far too costly - more than ten times the original price of the hard disk itself. As a college student who was still studying, I was had no means to afford the four-digit repair cost.

The loss of my diligently-organised folders in the hard disk (which I had previously committed much of my time to construct) had upset me so much then that it came to a point where I wanted to throw in the towel.

I subsequently subjected myself to the deplorable state of remorse, lamenting how I should've opted for cloud storage, or used other methods. Returning to the one therapeutic activity that could take my mind off things, however, inevitably called for the labourious task of put the remaining, salvageable files back in order.

So during the last semester break, I had undertaken the arduous challenge of rebuilding the library of all my lettering and design work. Re-organising, re-editing, re-scanning any physical copies that were left. It was time-consuming and labourious, but without any reason, the only way to circumvent the problem. 

'Two things define you: your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything.' - Imam Ali 

Version 1 // White

Printable
Simple Download
Floral Download

Phone (Andriod/iPhone)
Simple 1080 X 1920
Floral 1080 X 1920

Version 2 // Black

Printable
Simple Download
Floral Download

Phone (Andriod/iPhone)
Simple 1080 X 1920
Floral 1080 X 1920

The freebie for this post is just a little reflective reminder I'd like to share after my much-needed test. I've been practicing more each weekend, experimenting with new brushes and brush pens to create a neater lettering piece each time. I acknowledge that it is not the best, and there are improvements to make. Documenting my lettering progress has made this space such a beneficial learning journey and I am ever so grateful to have family, friends and readers to share it with.

As for losing family vacation photographs in the hard disk, it finally occurred to me that living in the moment is far more important than possessing those scenic images. Captured moments in physical form are doubtlessly beautiful, but being present and mindful as each new experience sweeps in supersedes this. The fleeting nature of each irreplaceable second makes it even more breathtaking than we can imagine.

It's difficult to imagine, but losing everything was the best thing that has ever happened in the recent months. Having some patience and a sense of appreciation will certainly shape resilience, and our seemingly innate ability to survive the worst life can hurl towards us.

Until next time ♥ 

Lettering and photo by me

Printables created by Dian from The Happy Candle. For personal use only. Not for distribution or resale. Please link back to original post if shared. Thank you.

Freebie: Love Her Tender (Mothers' Day Special)

It wasn't an extraordinary day for the family. By this, I mean it was treated as any other good day. Once in a few years, we might have had a little dinner out, but most years, Mothers' Day wasn't a big deal, yet it didn't creep over the weekend inconspicuously either. 

I didn't realise why this was until I had a relatively fruitful discussion with my sister about it. She pointed it out that we regarded Mother's Day as a reminder, not a celebration. And this was something that was more significant than having a mere celebration of the occasion itself. 

The Internet is filled with ideas and ways to celebrate Mothers' Day and things to do with our mothers but it is underlying purpose of Mothers' Day that is often overlooked. This doesn't mean we give the day depleted attention to entertainment either. Though unnecessary, a party or a day out is still acceptable because it allows us to spend time with our loved ones and eventually, it may serve as an alternative course to express our appreciation. 

Inevitably, Mothers' Day is a time of reflection. It is in human nature for people to forget. This day allows people to realise the importance of mothers and their innumerable contributions. What can we do to improve ourselves to be more understanding to them? What can we do to be better sons or daughters? 

Depending on the country we live in Mothers' Day is just a day or two away, (it falls on 10 May). Cards are great simple ways to write a short letter of gratitude and apology instead of a big day out. They are also more heartfelt and genuine. For anyone who hasn't made any preparations to give thanks, here's some printable cards I've made that you can use and print easily if you decide to give something to your mother at the last minute. :) 

There are 2 versions of the cards, one that says, "Happy Mum's Day" and another that says, "Love You Mum." The cards have a touch of watercolour with floral details, but I've also created plain cards without the floral details available for download. They also come in various sizes. If you'd like a mini card (that's half of an A4-sized paper), the links to those have been included below as well. There's lots of choices you can make to suit your individual preferences. :)

Version 1 // Happy Mums' Day Floral Download Floral (Small) Download Simple Download Simple (Small) Download

Version 2 // Love You Mum Floral Download  Floral  (Small) Download Simple Download  Simple (Small) Download

I started learning more methods to watercolour in the past week and the flowers on the card are just a little detail I added to apply what I learnt. I am fully aware that it's not the best, and there's a lot more to improve on, but I'd just like to take this as an experience and see how it goes. :)

People are often misguided that mothers only need to rest and take time to relax on this day. Yet in truth, she deserves a break whenever she wants and whenever she needs it, not just on this day itself. When the chips are down, she's been there for us and if she experiences something similar, she deserves timeouts as well.

It may also suffice to adopt an alternative perspective where if any day should ever be celebrated as and deserving enough to be a "mothers' day", it should be our birthdays - the celebration of our birth that has made the woman who took care of us mothers. These are the days that actually celebrate their new adventure into motherhood, and have made them stronger, happier and more blessed.

This Mothers' Day, let's remember to be thankful of these dedicated women. Run a detailed inventory and take stock of all the things she has sacrificed and done for us. After all, we are indeed indebted to her.

Happy Mothers' Day. ♥

+ All cards are for personal use only. Not for distribution or resale. Please give credit if reshared. Thank you.
Photo + Lettering + Illustrations by me