Ar7 Studio

04/27/2026

Slow Down
4.27.26 9:37am

This Oura Ring is telling me when I'm stressed and when I'm restored. I was quite surprised by how big of a difference being outside can be. It also reminds me to focus on recovery after 2 back-to-back classes. I was gonna go to the gym at 7:30 am but after seeing my stress level for the past 2 days, I decided to slow down: steam some leftovers, make myself a big glass of honey lemon ginger drink, and just sit down to draw and journal. Watercolour is also a great medium for me coz you have to slow down for it to dry btw layers.

04/27/2026

🌸

03/31/2026

03/31/2026

My Non-Negotiables
3.31.26 12:14pm

I have not been very good at setting boundaries in my life so the idea of having my list of non-negotiables is fairly new to me. At least the vocabulary of it. But somehow, here and there, I would find or squeeze in what my body and mind need. I think I have a list of non-negotiables wannabes. I want to graduate them to the actual list. But one thing I can say that has been consistent in my life that I do for myself is my hot water bottle and kettle. Whenever I move, the last thing I pack and the first thing I unpack is always my kettle. Yes, I can always boil water in a pot or micro-wave in a mug. But it's something about drinking water from a kettle. The taste is cleaner. My little green hot water bottle was my main comfort item when I was traveling by myself during the 18 months. My journal is probably my 2nd most consistent non-negotiable. I would like to make daily "alone-time" and "working with my hands" to be my 3rd & 4th.

03/27/2026

What Brings me Joy

3.27.26 11:49 am

"Gracie napping on the hammock"

My friend Mandy shared with me yesterday that when someone asks the question "Tell me about yourself", there are many ways to answer that. One of which is to share "What brings me joy". So many things bring me joy: cooking with Jean, playing Sudoku with my sister, quality time with friends, skating, being in nature, mahjong with Mama, journaling... But one of the most zen joy I feel is simply being with our cats. They can be napping or watching the birds and we are not even touching but just being near their energies brings me joy.

03/27/2026

Gracie on the hammock

03/26/2026

Spiritual Gifts
March 26, 2026 9:46am

I was once told that gifts are things you didn't ask for, but are given nevertheless out of love. Every year for the past 10-ish years, I will be given a Spiritual gift on Ephiphany Sunday by the Madonna House in Vancouver BC in the form of a word on a small piece of paper beautifully prepared by the sisters. I think the first time I learnt about this tradition, I was able to be there physically and pick out my word for the year. But since then, the sisters at the Madonna House will always remember me and ask my sister to pick one up for me. This is the first year I actually paste the gifts (for me & Jean) on my journal. The two words are somehow connected in my head and being able to draw it out makes it even more clear.

03/26/2026

11/25/2025

"I will never claim to know you fully."

11.25.25 11:18am

Just learnt about this old Tibetan vow that they do before the wedding ceremony. It means you stop trying to control who your partner becomes - you meet them again, daily, with fresh eyes. Love is born in discovery - in watching someone unfolds.

After marriage, many stop exploring. The heart closes the moment curiosity ends. Real marriage is two transformations that agree to walk together.

Ask this question: when was the last time you were surprised by them? If you can't answer, your love is asleep.

I feel like is always surprising me with the many hobbies he picked up. And shaving his head at 11:45pm for the first time.

P.s. this is the first page of a new journal I got while in Japan!

11/25/2025

Delicious 🤤🍜🕺🏻🤭

11/12/2025

Selfie with Capybara

Nov 12, 2025

I still can't believe I got to take selfie's with my spirit animal this past weekend. I want to keep drawing capybara non stop! I also got inspired by watching a 6-yo boy making amazing art. He has so much fun and he adds his flare to whatever famous paintings he is studying. I had never had that experience growing up and I want to create that for myself now. I want to start by just drawing everyday. Whether it's journaling or just mimicing a famous painting that I love. Also.... while I'm writing this, Meeko came over and sat on this page. Maybe he is jealous that he's not on this page?!

11/12/2025

capybara capybara