Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : Ditas- My Youngest Daughter Art Work

Friday, February 6, 2026

Ditas- My Youngest Daughter Art Work

Here's a poem honoring Ditas Katague's life and work:

A Voice for the Counted

In Kansas City’s heart she grew,
A Filipina spirit, strong and true.
From Modesto's streets to halls of power,
She rose to meet the census hour.

A childhood marked by lessons deep,
Where access gaps made loved ones weep.
She vowed to bridge the chasm wide,
Ensuring none would be denied.

Three decades on, her mission clear:
To make each hidden voice appear.
In California's vast expanse,
She led the census' advance.

With multilingual outreach plans,
She reached out with inclusive hands.
From 2000 to the present day,
She paved a fair and just pathway.

At Census Bureau's helm she stands,
Guiding with experienced hands.
Communications now her realm,
She steers the nation's data helm.

A yogi's peace within her soul,
She balances her vital role.
A mother teaching truth and pride,
In heritage she won't let slide.

Ditas, your legacy shines bright,
A beacon in the census night.
For every count, for every name,
We honor you and your acclaim.

Ditas Katague's dedication to inclusive representation has profoundly impacted how communities are recognized and served. Her leadership ensures that every individual counts and is counted.India CurrentsINQUIRER.net USA+3Asian Journal News+3U.S. Census Bureau+3

Do you know about Ditas art work- her paintings: Yes, Ditas Katague is not only a civic leader and advocate but also an accomplished visual artist whose work explores themes of grief, healing, and transformation. Her art is deeply personal, often reflecting her journey through loss and renewal.

Ditas's artistic portfolio includes a variety of paintings that blend natural imagery with emotional depth. Notable works include:

Spring Forth: A mixed media piece featuring a cherry blossom tree, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.Flickr
Summer of Hope: Depicting a jacaranda tree in bloom, this painting evokes a sense of optimism and the beauty of life's cycles. grievingthruglee.com
Tres Palomas: Featuring three doves, this piece conveys themes of peace and spiritual connection.

These works, among others, were showcased in her solo exhibition titled "Grieving Thru Glee," which was held in Sacramento. The exhibition served as a platform for Ditas to share her healing process through art, inviting viewers to engage with their own experiences of loss and hope.Pinterest+4grievingthruglee.com+4grievingthruglee.com+4

Beyond painting, Ditas is also known for creating mala jewelry and leading grief-informed yoga and sound bath sessions, integrating her artistic expression with holistic healing practices. Instagram+1

You can explore more of her artwork and upcoming events on her website: Grieving Thru Glee

.http://www.grievingthruglee.com/

Lastly, My Photo of the Day:

Great Grand Son- Beau David - Valentine Photo

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Joys of Retirement

I have been retired from USFDA since 2002. At first, I feel I have lost my identity as an individual or have lost my contribution to society. However, within a few weeks all these feelings were gone. It started when my wife and I started baby sitting one of our grandchildren. As some economics professor states: "Your children are your capital investments, but your grandchildren are your profits. That is why you love your grandchildren more than your children". I really agree with the statement. Retirement also gives you lots of time to do things you like to do, such as your hobbies and of course travel. In my case, I turned my hobby of gardening and landscaping into a small business in the Philippines. This endeavor was planned about five years before 2002. That year my wife and I started construction of our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque , Philippines. The next year we built a beach house, followed by a Conference Hall two years later. Needless to say, planning and executing the landscaping was a challenge and very enjoyable. With the help of local labor, I not only enjoy the time gardening and landscaping, but also help improved the economic situation of the province by providing work and jobs to the local residents. With plenty of time, I have engaged into two specific activities as follows: First, I created a website for my small business. By trial and error, I created and design the website, www.chateaudumer.com I have never been a computer nerd or expert. But with plenty of time and patience, the fruits of my labor could be enjoyed if you visit the website above. The second activity, I have not done before was to utilize on-line activities, such as shopping, paying bills ( save you stamps) and playing computer games in the Internet. I really enjoyed playing duplicate bridge on line. You play with players all over the world and can chat in between games. But be careful, you are not spending too much time in the computer. It is very addictive. With a lots of time, my wife and I devoted more time on our favorite humanitarian project. For the last 15 years, we have been involved with medical mission to the province of Marinduque. For details please visit the website: www.marinduqueinternational.org As a summary, the joy one gets on retirement is very specific for an individual. Some enjoy their free time by learning new activities, getting involved with humanitarian projects or spending more time with their grandchildren. Others hate it, since they missed their former jobs and co-workers. Others with no children still enjoy retirement by traveling, turning their hobbies into business or more community involvement. Of course those that retire and hate it, is believe to die earlier than those that enjoy their retirement years. So, plan your retirement as early as you can. The happier you are on retirement, the longer you will live.